Group 6 · Scent hounds
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, athletic dog from southern Africa, recognisable by the ridge of hair growing the wrong way along its back. It is dignified, loyal and independent, and needs a calm but firm owner.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Rhodesian Ridgeback by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 7 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DIRAS1 c.564_567del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (7)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- COL7A1: c.5716G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PNPLA1: c.1445_1447delins TACTACTA
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ARSG: c.296G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Shoulder dysplasia (SD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), Hip dysplasia (HD), Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL), Shoulder dysplasia (SD) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Rhodesian Ridgeback needs plenty of daily exercise, such as long walks, running or canicross. Its short coat is easy to look after.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Ridgeback is dignified, independent and strong, and has a hunting instinct. It matures late and needs calm, consistent training without a heavy hand, and plenty of socialisation as a puppy.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
