How long can I leave my Rhodesian Ridgeback alone?

Your dog will consider you its “pack”, and intensely dislikes being separated from you. Ideally (for them), they will be with you 24/7.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks can adjust to their owners’ schedule of being away 6-7 hours a day, but will tend to get bored and that may manifest in destroying bedding, digging up plants in the garden, or other mischief. Additional exercise before humans depart will reduce this. A large, raw meaty (not cooked) bone offered before departing helps keep the dog occupied (and is good for it’s diet). But, as soon as you are home, you must have your dog with you to avoid great stress for the dog.

If your family’s lifestyle will mean your dog would regularly be alone for long periods of time (for example, 9 hours a day, five days a week), a Rhodesian Ridgeback (or indeed, any dog) is probably not right for your family.