i have a three year old male ridgeless ridgeback. keep in mind that ridgeless pups are available, and are usually significantly reduced in price because they have a dq. males are 'a little bigger, a little dumber, and a little sweeter' than females. females tend to be more manipulative, altho logan has plenty of that. logan is 29'' at the shoulder at 100 lbs, he is bigger than the standard recommends. the difference between males and females in height and weight is significant... males in the 80's and 90's, females in the 70's and 80's.
ridgebacks are large dogs, naturally protective, and love being with their people 24/7. he is extremely food-driven... most hounds are. they are independent thinkers, *can be* difficult to train, and dont have a lot of desire to please their owner. logan would walk all over this joint if he didnt have a firm, consistent momma running the show. they do countersurf, and steal food, but as with anything, *can be taught not to.* they have ridiculously high prey drive, anything that moves away from them, they chase.
however, socialization is key. if you dont socialize LOTS, you could have a serious problem on your hands. ridgebacks get along with most dogs and other animals if raised and socialized with them. you must be prepared with 'aloofness' both toward strange people and strange dogs. as in, the dog acts as though he doesnt want much to do with this person and walks away from them.
they dont bark much, but are very vocal in the whining, grumbly noises department. also remember that there is a continuum.... there are friendly outgoing and very aloof ridgebacks, ridgebacks with obedience titles and ridgebacks that hate OB, ridgebacks that are confident and ridgebacks that are insecure. each individual dog is different.
overall, they are nice, laid-back, sleepy dogs in-house, and athletic, rough-n-tumble, amazing powerhouse runners outdoors. their blood is mostly hottentot, mastiff, pointer, greyhound, stagghound, and possibly dane and bloodhound.
things i have struggled with and had to work through with logan: being a little unsure in new situations even with proper socialization, being not quite confident when meeting new people and dogs, having very bad separation anxiety (i work full-time), hating obedience, ibs.
logan is very protective. you must also be prepared for a breed that is very discriminating as to who he likes, who he will listen to, and who he will not tolerate.
i say look at rrcus, talk to breeders, and meet dogs. i would expect to pay to pay at least 800-1k for a pet quality pup... and 1-2k for show quality.