Rhodesian Ridgeback grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Rhodesian Ridgeback: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Grooming barely takes any time. A weekly rub with a rubber curry mitt or hound glove lifts loose hair and keeps the coat shining. Shedding is light to moderate, with a little more in spring, and baths are only needed a few times a year, usually after a roll in something unpleasant.
Nails are the main job. Many Ridgebacks dislike having their feet handled, so start with puppies and trim a little every 1 to 2 weeks with plenty of treats. Check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week. The short coat gives little protection in cold rain, so many owners in northern Europe use a dog coat through winter.
Rhodesian Ridgeback grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Every week or two |
| Bathing | Every 2 to 3 months, or when dirty |
| Shedding | Light |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Short, dense and sleek with a glossy finish, plus a strip of hair along the spine that grows in the opposite direction.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling