Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a Lion? Lion vs Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large and powerful dogs who are very energetic and athletic. Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a lion?

No, a single Rhodesian Ridgeback is no match to the strength and speed of a Lion and cannot kill one.

Let us look at the details of both of them so you can have an idea of how small Rhodesian Ridgeback is compared to a lion.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Lion – Facts

Rhodesian RidgebackLion
Average Height24 to 27 inches40 inches
Average Weight85 pounds400 to 420 pounds (male)
280 to 300 pounds (female)
Bite force224 psi650 psi
Speed20 mph50 mph
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Lion – Yourdogsworld.com

Why Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known as Lion killers?

While I researched this, it confused me as well as why the Internet is buzzed with the stories of Rhodesian Ridgebacks known as lion hunting dogs. Here is what I found out that will help you understand the reasons.

They are large, powerful, agile, athletic, and courageous dogs that were used in Africa in Lion hunting expeditions. Always, a pack of Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs was used to corner the Lion, and then a hunter would shoot him down.

With their courage, intelligence, strength, and agility, they became quite useful with South African Boer farmers in hunting large animals like Lions and hence started to be known as African Lion hounds.

Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a Lion

Can Rhodesian Ridgeback hunt?

Ohh yes, they are large dogs with a strong muscular body having a high prey drive.

This means that on the farm they may chase and hunt small animals like squirrels and rabbits. Whereas at the home in the yard, they may chase small pets like cats if they are not bred along with them.

They have got the strength and speed to be used in hunting expeditions. In fact, they come on our list of the Fastest dogs in the world. So these African lion dogs can chase their prey with their speed.

They have another ace in their sleeve, their excellent scent tracking ability, which aids them while hunting. They don’t leave the prey and track it for long distances.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Are they good as guard dogs?

These dogs are highly loyal and protective. They make excellent guard dogs. They are not aggressive and most often would scare the intruder with a large dominating presence.

It is important that they are trained and socialized well for their safety and to avoid any risks to neighbors.

They should not be given any guard training as they are naturally protective of the family and territory. Guard training may make them aggressive. Instead, they should be trained to obey your commands.

A pro tip – Rhodesian Ridgeback doesn’t bark much but if they bark, they might be alerting you of a danger that they have perceived.

Is Rhodesian Ridgeback good as a family dog?

Rhodesian Ridgeback came to Britain in the 1920s and to the USA in the 1950s. They were bred here as family dogs for their elegant and noble looks.

They are loving, affectionate, and do well as companion dogs.

They are quite tolerant of children as well. Though as they are large dogs we would suggest children be with them under adult supervision only. And it is best if children are told how to respect them.

These dogs are good with other pets if they have been bred together. They may not show the same affection to other small animals. They do need early socialization with both humans and animals to make them well-rounded dogs.

These energetic dogs require a couple of 20 minutes walk daily and a yard where they can play.

Being large and athletic, they are not recommended for apartment living.

Here is an ebook that has detailed and practical information on Rhodesian Ridgeback that you can possibly look for.

Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a Lion

About Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed in the 16th century by crossing a local hunting dog of the Khoikhoi tribe with European dogs like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds.

You can easily identify a Rhodesian Ridgeback with a characteristic ridge that covers his spine. This is a line of hair on the spine that goes in the opposite direction to the coat.

These African dogs come in wheaten color. Their short and shiny coat is fairly easy to groom and they have low maintenance requirements.

If you are planning to own one of these marvelous dogs, do check out the rescue center first. As often people don’t know what is needed from them when they make him their pet.

We hope now you know the answer to our original query on “Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a lion?” and you are also aware of his strengths that made him useful in Lion hunting expeditions.

4 thoughts on “Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback kill a Lion? Lion vs Ridgeback”

  1. Maxamilian, called;’Max’ was a Rhodesian Ridgeback, pitbbull mix.. when he was a puppy my son took him away from the owners who were abusive to him… I told him he needed to sleep with the dog for 30 days and Bond… They did. Max felt the love and support of the family, and became “The Gaurdian” He would Keep anything at Bay, until everyone was Ok… Then they were accepted into the family ‘pack’ My son reached a time in his life, he could not provide for Max anymore and asked me if I would like to take care of him,. I said, “I will love to”… Max and I spent many wonderful memories together! We walked everyday when I got home from work and went to the stream in North Carolina.. He walked to the stream but He wouldn’t go in! He didn’t know how to swim!! Lol So I walked across the stream to the other side… And said, “it’s ok buddy! Let’s go exploring!” He wagged his tail, His Ridgeback stood up!;and he crossed the stream! On the other side of the stream was a 500 acre cornfield! A maze of scents! He disappeared for hours!! I found a place down the stream with a cave.. I just waited for hours and then called ‘Max’… He came to me in a couple of minutes, so excited for his adventure! We stayed in the cave and then walked home. Every day after that we walked to the stream and I would say, “Release Max’ unhook his leash and He took off!;lol running around in the corn field and come back to me at the cave when he was done. Hehe He was an amazing ? animal ? and best friend! I miss him so much…

    • Thanks, Lt for sharing your story. Within our society there are so many more examples where they truly bond with us. Indeed they are true and best friends and Sorry for your loss!

  2. My ridgeback Apollo has very little prey drive. Never seen him chase a single animal but has also been exposed to a ton of animals. Cows, horses, pigs, bison, other dogs and cats. He was also an escape artist when I first moved but would only go to the front porch. Learned how to open every door in the house and open the garage door to break out. Also didn’t help he could get over my 6 foot tall fence. He does not like water at all. Will touch his front paws in the lake but that is it and despises rain.

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