Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Shed? Explained with Details

If you're a dog lover, you'll know that there's something special about Rhodesian Ridgebacks. These dogs are known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty. They make great pets for active families who love spending time outdoors. 

It might come as a surprise that Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in Africa to hunt lions. They're an incredibly versatile breed that can adapt to any climate or terrain. And people, especially dog lovers, love Rhodesian Ridgebacks so much. 

The reason dog enthusiasts love Rhodesian Ridgebacks so much is probably that these dogs have so many great qualities: they're loyal and protective of their family members, they're intelligent and easy to train, and they have a lot of energy so they can keep up with an active lifestyle. 

So, it’s not surprising people wish to learn more about these Rhodesian Ridgebacks and one of the most frequent questions about them is ‘Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed?’ If you plan to have a Rhodesian Ridgeback or already have one, you might want to learn about its shedding. To learn about the Rhodesian Ridgebacks shedding, keep reading on.  

What Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Coats Like? 

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their unique coats. They have a ridge of fur that runs down their back, from their neck to the base of their tail. This fur is much denser than the rest of their coat and helps protect them from the elements. Ridgebacks also have short, smooth fur on their heads, legs, and chest. This fur is very dense and helps keep them warm in chilly weather. Rhodesian Ridgebacks come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, tan, red-fawn (a mix of light brown and red), brindle (a mix of black and brown), white (with or without spots), cream (a pale yellowish color), and blue roan (a mix of light gray and blue). 

Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Shed? How Much Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shed? 

These are questions that dog lovers may ask themselves before they decide to add a Rhodesian Ridgeback to their family. One of them is - how much do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed? 

Rhodesian ridgebacks do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs. In fact, they only shed a minimal amount - about the same as a human sheds hair. This means that they do not require constant brushing as some other breeds do to keep their coats looking neat. 

Another remarkable thing about Rhodesian ridgebacks is that they hardly ever drool or slobber- another trait that sets them apart from many other breeds of dogs. So, if you are looking for a dog who does not require excessive grooming and who does not make a mess all over the house, then the Rhodesian ridgeback may be the perfect breed for you! 

Why Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shed Less? 

There are many reasons why Rhodesian Ridgeback shed less.  

One reason is that they have a double coat of fur. Their topcoat is short and coarse, while their undercoat is long and fine. This helps to keep the dog's body heat regulated, which in turn reduces the amount of hair that they lose.  

Additionally, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are bred for hunting and working purposes, so they have a high level of activity which also helps to keep them healthy and reduce shedding.  

Lastly, these dogs are known to be clean animals who groom themselves frequently - this also helps to minimize shedding. 

When Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shed? 

Rhodesian ridgebacks are considered a low-shedding breed of dog. This means that they typically shed less fur than other breeds. However, all dogs will shed some fur, regardless of their breed. Ridgebacks will usually shed in spring when the weather starts to warm up. They will continue to lose hair until the fall when the weather begins to cool down again. During this time, it is important to brush your dog regularly and keep their living area clean so that they do not get covered in excess hair. 

Many people believe that Rhodesian ridgebacks do not shed at all, but this is not true. While they may shed less than other breeds, all dogs will lose some hair over time. If you are considering getting a Rhodesian ridgeback as a pet, it is important to be aware of how much they may shed so you can be prepared for it. 

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Hypoallergenic? 

There is no breed of dog that is universally hypoallergenic, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is no exception. However, some people who are allergic to dogs may find that they can tolerate Ridgebacks better than other breeds. This is because Ridgebacks have a coat of hair rather than fur, and their skin doesn't produce as much dander as other breeds.  

Ridgebacks also tend to be relatively clean dogs, and they don't shed as much as other breeds. This means that their hair doesn't end up all over the house as fur does. While there is no guarantee that a person will not have an allergic reaction to a Rhodesian Ridgeback, these factors may make them more tolerable for those with allergies. 

Factors That Trigger Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog that has a natural shedding process. Many factors can trigger this shedding, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and season.  

Changes in Temperature, Humidity, and Season: In the springtime, for example, the Rhodesian Ridgeback will shed its winter coat in preparation for warmer weather. This process usually starts with the dog losing its undercoat first. The outer coat will then start to come out in clumps until the entire coat has been replaced.  

Stress: There are also other things that can trigger shedding in a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Stress is one of them; whether it's from moving to a new home or being around other dogs who are barking and playing aggressively.  

Changes in Diet: Changes in diet can also cause shedding; if your dog is eating something different than he's used to or if he's not getting enough protein his fur may start coming out by the handfuls. 

How To Deal With Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding 

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are beautiful dogs with unique fur patterns that unfortunately come at a cost: they shed! But which dog doesn’t shed? Dog lovers might find the shedding issue a trivial matter. So, don't worry - there are ways to deal with this pesky problem!  

• By brushing your dog regularly (especially before he or she starts shedding), you can remove much of the loose fur before it has time to spread throughout your house.  
• You should also invest in some good-quality pet hair removal tools like sticky rollers, rubber gloves, and a powerful vacuum cleaner with an attachment specifically designed for removing pet hair from furniture and floors.  
• Be prepared to do some extra cleaning on days when your Rhodesian Ridgeback seems to be shedding more than usual.  
• Wipe down furniture and floors immediately after playing or grooming them in order not to give the hairs any opportunity to stick around long enough to become permanent fixtures in your home. 

What If Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Is Shedding Way More Than Usual? What to do? 

If your Rhodesian Ridgeback is shedding way more than usual, the first thing you should do is take it to the veterinarian. Excessive shedding can be a sign of many different health problems, from allergies to parasites. Once your dog's health has been checked out and ruled out as a potential cause of excessive shedding, there are still some things you can do to help minimize it:  

• Groom your dog regularly with a good-quality brush or comb; this will help remove any excess hair and keep it from ending up all over your house 
• Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is proper for its age and breed; this will help ensure that its coat stays healthy and looks its best 
• Make sure your Rhodesian Ridgeback gets plenty of exercise. Regular exercise helps keep dogs healthy both physically and mentally, which in turn helps keep their coats looking good 

Final Thoughts 

For dog lovers who are enthusiastic about the Rhodesian Ridgebacks, these dogs are one of the best dog breeds for being a pet. They are considered low shedders, which means they don't shed as much hair as other dog breeds. This is beneficial for people who have allergies because it decreases the amount of dander and hair in the air. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also known for being loyal and protective companions. So, if you plan to have a pet dog that is a low shedder, loyal and amazing for being in a family, consider having a Rhodesian Ridgeback.