Has anyone here had a Rhodesian ridge-back? (Updated w/ Pic)

I know a guy who had one that would track deer. It was supposedly pretty good, I never went with him. It was definitely a very big bad arse dog.

Eta: the guy had the dog lined out but it was obviously a hard headed dog. It had to have a very stern owner, which it did.

I don't have one, but I've spent a lot of time around one. It could definitely be used for blood trailing, but they are high maintenance dogs. They're hardheaded and require a very stern hand. He's a very intelligent, independent dog and I've seen it act aggressively towards both humans and other dogs. My experience with that particular dog is that they are very much "one-person" dogs and are intensely loyal to that person.

If you want a really chill dog that also blood trails, I'd look elsewhere. If you don't mind the job that is training and handling a dog like a ridgeback, it's a cool breed. Highly athletic and really strong.

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Is that one of the dragons from Harry Potter

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that's exactly what I thought of

apparently HP's is a norwegian ridgeback

I feel confident i could handle it. however my wife and son may have problems. My plan is to bring it to work everyday while in the puppy stage of life (i work construction) and be able to handle him throughout the day and socialize him to different people. That will be for basic training and if he handles that well move on to blood trails

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If so could it be used for blood tracking?

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Maybe. I have a friend that grew up in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe now). He and his brother had ridgebacks that walked to school with them as protection from lions and monkeys and stuff. Evidently they are bad arse dogs. Not sure they could fend off a lion, or if they ever had to, but cool story nonetheless.

They are badass but what impressed me so much is how loving they are. the breeder im buying from has a male that is 130 pounds and is so gentle and kind

That's what i was hoping to hear! I mostly bow hunt so i'm use to tracking would be great to have a big powerful dog like a ridgeback helping out

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Not sure they could fend off a lion, or if they ever had to, but cool story nonetheless.

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I don't think a single dog could defend against an attack, but they were bred for big game hunting to include lion hunting. I think they were even originally called the African Lion Hound. They would take a few out and follow on horseback. The dogs would then corner a lion until the hunters could come and finish them off.

They are really awesome dogs, but as already said, require a lot of attention and a watchful eye around other dogs and strangers.

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"Did they really hunt lions?"

The answer is yes, the Ridgeback was developed in Africa to corner and hold big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar. Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is still used for hunting, and some members of the breed have even adapted to pointing and retrieving. 

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Thank! those are the reason i want this breed. i dont need a dog to be everyones best friend just mine and to protect our family. if it can track even better

How experienced are you with hard headed working dogs? If this would be your first one, be ready for a rough time training it. Not trying to talk you out of it or anything, just don't expect a male Ridgeback to train like a lab gyp.