How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Cost? (2024 Updated)

Understanding the financial commitment is essential before bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your home. The initial cost of acquiring a puppy is just the beginning, as there are first-year and ongoing annual expenses to consider.

This article aims to provide a clear insight into the costs associated with owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It will cover the price range for purchasing or adopting one and discuss the factors that could influence these prices.

Additionally, we’ll explore reliable sources to find a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy and offer some tips to manage your spending effectively. Let’s dive in!

How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Cost? 

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,800 to $2,500 for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a trusted breeder. However, if your Rhodesian Ridgeback of choice comes from a champion bloodline or has show dog qualities, its price may go upwards of $3,500.

The actual cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can fluctuate based on several factors, including the breeder’s reputation, supply and demand, geographical location, and the puppy’s age, gender, and coat color.

Investing in a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a responsible breeder can be pricey. But this additional cost comes with the assurance that your new furry friend is healthy and has been raised in a compassionate, nurturing kennel.

Lower-priced Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies may appear appealing, but be aware that these puppies typically come from backyard breeders and puppy mills. 

Selecting one of these cheaper pups might save you some money initially. However, this may also set you up for substantial vet bills in the future due to complications caused by poor breeding practices.

Check out this video to get more insights about the cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback:

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rhodesian Ridgeback From a Shelter? 

Usually, the average cost of adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback ranges between $100 and $500. This adoption fee is a contribution that aids in the operations of the shelter. Additionally, adoption costs often reflect the age of the dog. 

In most cases, the services covered in the adoption fee include vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, heartworm treatments, and neutering or spaying procedures, along with regular vet check-ups.

Having adopted a few dogs in my many years in the pet industry, I can attest to the priceless rewards of this experience. More often than not, adopting is accompanied by a more fulfilling kind of joy.

First-Time Expenses of Rhodesian Ridgeback Ownership

Once you’ve decided to welcome a Rhodesian Ridgeback into your life, it’s time to think about all the other costs that come on top of the puppy’s price. Being prepared for these will help make the transition smoother for your new pet. 

Remember, it’ll take your Rhodesian Ridgeback some time to get used to its new home. So, it’s crucial to have everything you need ready.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical first-year costs of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback:

• Food and Treats: Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a nutrition-packed diet formulated for large dog breeds. Along with regular meals, healthy and high-quality dog treats will aid in your dog’s health as well as in making training a bit easier. Budget around $70 to $150 for this category.
• Bowls: Your Rhodesian Ridgeback will need size-appropriate bowls for its food and water. Choose stainless steel or ceramic ones for easier maintenance. These are readily available in local pet stores for around $10 to $40.
• Toys: Toys are important to keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback mentally engaged. They help keep boredom at bay and prevent the development of anxiety or destructive behaviors. When selecting a toy, ensure it’s appropriate for a large dog breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This might cost about $30 to $100.
• Beds: Since Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a larger breed, they need a spacious, high-quality dog bed. This is where they’ll rest and recharge, whether it’s nighttime or just a quick nap during the day. Look for a bed that offers comfort, can be cleaned easily, and has ample durability. Depending on your choice, a dog bed can cost you between $40 and $300.
• Collars and Leashes: Essential accessories for training or walking your Rhodesian Ridgeback are collars and leashes. Ensure that the collar fits your Rhodesian Ridgeback properly and that the leash you choose is robust. Expect to pay around $15 and $50 for these items.
• Crates and Carriers: A crate that can comfortably fit your Rhodesian Ridgeback is another item to add to your list. A carrier is also important for the occasional vet visits. These can cost around $50 to $500.
• Grooming Essentials: Despite their short, dense coat, Rhodesian Ridgebacks require weekly grooming to stay looking sharp. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. A comprehensive grooming kit usually ranges between $50 and $250.
• Initial Vet Visits: Keeping a close eye on your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s health with the help of a veterinarian is essential. They can offer advice or perform health tests to spot early signs of illnesses. Vet charges can vary depending on your location, but you should budget around $100 to $500 for initial check-ups.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: To safeguard your Rhodesian Ridgeback from common infections like rabies and distemper, keeping vaccinations up-to-date is key. The initial vaccine shots might cost you around $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies usually come dewormed and treated for ticks and fleas from breeders. If these treatments haven’t been done, you will have to shoulder a cost of $40 to $300 for these medications.
• Neutering or Spaying: If your puppy comes with a spay or neuter contract, you’ll need to sterilize it once it’s old enough, typically at six months. The cost for these procedures usually falls between $50 and $500.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is a process where a tiny device containing details about the dog and its owner is placed under the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s skin. It’s a helpful tool if your pup ever goes missing, as it allows for quick identification. Microchipping costs often range between $40 and $60.
• Dog License: Licensing your dog has many benefits, including establishing proof of ownership. It’s mandatory in some states and needs to be renewed every few years. Licensing fees typically run from $10 to $20.
• Other Essentials: Other miscellaneous expenses like potty training pads, poop bags, and vitamins and supplements could cost you around $20 to $80.

Here’s a quick rundown of the first-time expenses of getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback:

This list shows that you should be prepared to spend $505 to $3,150 on your new Rhodesian Ridgeback’s basic needs. This estimate is mainly based on the fact that a Rhodesian Ridgeback is a medium- to large-sized breed.

Keep in mind, however, that these numbers are just rough estimates and could vary based on your location and the specific needs of your dog.

Remember, you might be able to save some money if your breeder offers freebies. Plus, those who’ve previously owned a dog might already have some items like bowls, collars, and crates.

Annual Cost of Owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback

Raising a dog, especially a purebred like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, involves regular expenses. That said, it’s crucial to understand their unique needs and create a budget plan to fulfill those needs effectively.

Here’s a table illustrating the average price of maintaining a Rhodesian Ridgeback annually:

Prepare to spend between $1,875 and $6,250 per year for the care of your Rhodesian Ridgeback. A good chunk of this budget is directed toward dog food, treats, and vet fees — all of which are critical for your dog’s well-being. 

One considerable expense you might be tempted to cut corners on is pet insurance. However, securing insurance for your dog is a wise decision.

As a pet owner for most of my life, I’ve understood the importance of pet insurance many times firsthand. I have had a few dogs who underwent hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia surgery in the past. 

Thankfully, the pet insurance coverage alleviated the financial burden of these medical treatments, saving me thousands of dollars in the process.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider 

In addition to the initial and annual costs involved in owning a Ridgeback, there are some other potential costs that you, as a pet parent, may stumble upon at any stage of your pet ownership journey.

Establishing a plan for these extra costs can help you prepare for them should the need arise.

Here’s a summary of some potential expenses you might face when owning a Ridgeback:

• Pet Sitting: Ridgebacks are naturally sociable and thrive on companionship. This means they’re not big fans of solitude and could develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. If you’re going to be away for a long while, hiring a reliable pet sitter can be a smart move. Pet sitters typically charge around $20 to $30 a day.
• Pet Daycare: If your daily routine keeps you out of the house with no one left to look after your dog, bringing your Rhodesian Ridgeback to a pet daycare might be a good decision. This is also a perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize with other pets. Expect to pay between $35 and $50 for short-term pet daycare services.
• Grooming Services: If your busy routine makes it hard to cater to your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s grooming needs, bringing your pup to professional dog groomers is your next best bet. Professional groomers take care of essential grooming tasks, like baths, brushing, and nail clipping, which might cost anywhere from $30 to $90.
• Dog Classes and Training: Enlisting your Ridgeback in dog classes can promote positive behavior. If you’ve set your sights on your new puppy participating in AKC events, such as agility or obedience tests, working with a professional dog trainer can be advantageous. Generally, each session can cost from $40 to $250.
• Emergency Medical Costs: Despite Rhodesian Ridgebacks being generally healthy dogs, they are still susceptible to specific health issues. If your pet suffers from a medical condition requiring surgery, having an emergency fund of about $1,000 to $5,000 for treatment can come in handy.

Remember, all the expenses mentioned above are optional, with the exception of medical costs. It’s vital that you prepare for these possible costs by maintaining a dedicated fund for your Rhodesian Ridgeback.

In doing so, you’ll ensure that when the need arises, your finances will be ready to handle it.

Best Places to Find Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies for Sale and Adoption

The growing love for the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed has led to an increase in demand over the years. If you’re considering getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s important that your new pet comes from a responsible source.

Here are some trustworthy options where you can find Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – This is a well-known website where reputable breeders list their Rhodesian Ridgebacks for sale. Each pup comes with a comprehensive profile that details the breeder’s location, the price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and the health tests carried out on the dog. This site makes it easy to find puppies from champion bloodlines.
• Adili Ridgebacks – Adili Ridgebacks is a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder with over 50 years of breeding experience. They are the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) first and only Gold Level Breeder of Merit, meeting all requirements and standards. They prioritize matching their dogs with the best family, ensuring each dog is rehomed with the perfect fit.
• Koda Rhodesian Ridgebacks –Koda Rhodesian Ridgebacks, an AKC-recognized Breeder of Merit, has been involved with the breed since 1999. They carefully select their clients, preferring to place puppies with families they have met in person. 

The breeders listed above offer planned litters, meaning they occasionally have puppies for sale. If you miss the chance to get one of their Rhodesian Ridgebacks, consider taking a look at our breeder recommendations.

On the other hand, you can also choose to adopt a canine instead. Doing so means giving a dog a second shot at a happy life and also creating room for another rescue.

The following are some of the animal rescue organizations and websites where you can find a Rhodesian Ridgeback for adoption:

• Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Inc. (RRRInc) – Established in 1970, this rescue is committed to the rehabilitation, care, and adoption of Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs in need. Operating across the United States and Canada, their mission is to find loving homes for rescued Ridgebacks, educate the public about rescue and adoption, and disseminate information about the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed.
• The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of United States (RRCUS) – Founded in 1957 and consolidated with the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of America in 1959, the RRCUS is a trusted source for promoting the breed and facilitating Rhodesian Ridgeback adoptions. Reach out to their officials to find Ridgebacks for adoption in your area.
• Petfinder – Petfinder is a comprehensive online database that connects potential pet owners with adoptable animals across the country. It’s a reliable platform for finding adoptable Rhodesian Ridgebacks, allowing users to filter searches by breed, location, age, and more to ensure the perfect match.

Don’t lose hope if the sources listed above currently don’t have Rhodesian Ridgebacks for adoption. Remember, you have other options at your disposal. 

You can reach out to nearby dog owners who may be acquainted with Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders. Likewise, you can also ask local vets for breeder or rescue referrals.

Money-Saving Tips for Rhodesian Ridgeback Owners

Maintaining a large breed dog such as a Rhodesian Ridgeback comes with its fair share of ongoing costs that can sometimes get expensive. Though having a dog is indeed an investment, it doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Here’s a compilation of effective cost-saving tips when caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback:

• Make homemade treats. Purchasing pre-made treats for your Rhodesian Ridgeback can get pricey, especially if you lean towards premium brands. Making your own dog treats at home not only trims down the cost but also ensures your furry friend is munching on healthy goodies.
• Opt for DIY grooming. Professional grooming services can pile up your dog-related expenses. Buying a complete grooming kit and performing your pet’s upkeep at home can help you save money. Of course, a bit of practice is needed at first.
• Invest in high-quality dog items. A smart strategy to eliminate additional costs is investing in sturdy toys, leashes, collars, dog beds, and crates. Opt for brands that are vouched for by fellow dog owners to prevent frequent replacements.
• Consider pet insurance. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, like any other dog breed, may encounter health issues or require surgery at some point. Pet insurance plans can shoulder a substantial chunk of the veterinarian bill if your dog needs medical attention, saving you more money in the long run. 

Use the tips mentioned above to make your pet ownership journey more bearable for your wallet. The money you save up by employing these tactics might seem small at first, but it will stack up over time.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback involves not just a lot of love but also some financial planning. If you are looking to get your finances in check before adding this breed to your family, going over this guide is already a good first step.

Before you bring home a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, make sure it’s from a reputable source. Doing so will ensure that you are getting a healthy pup, lessening the chances of expensive vet bills down the road.

Once your new pet is home, ensure a healthy, active lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular training. These are vital in keeping your dog in tip-top shape and keeping health problems at bay.

Hopefully, this price guide provides a clear picture of the average price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. If you have any more thoughts about the Rhodesian Ridgeback cost or other expenses, leave a comment below!