Often referred to as the African Lion Hound, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are excellent hunters originally bred by the Boer farmers to hunt lions.
They are intelligent and loyal breeds but aloof to strangers.
Therefore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes are designer breeds that possess most of these qualities.
Dogs have proven to be one of human’s best companions in recent years, supporting various areas like hunting, guarding, police force, etc.
The quest for canines that possess better qualities has made mixed breed dogs very prominent.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the most popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes out there, right after a brief overview of the parent breed.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dog Breed Information
| Height | 24 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 36 to 88 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
| Coat | Short and thick, smooth and shiny |
| Colors | White, red, or pure yellowish-brown |
| Temperament | Sensitive, Dignified, Mischievous, Intelligent, Loyal, Strong-Willed |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Southern Africa region |
| Ideal For | Family, Big Game Hunting, Guarding |
| Puppy Price | $1,700 – $2,500 |
| Recognized by | American Kennel Club (Hound); UKC (Sighthounds and Pariahs) |
Characteristics
| Health | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism |
| Grooming Need | Pretty low grooming requirement |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
The Most Popular Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes
1. Rhodesian Labrador = Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix
The Rhodesian Labrador is the resultant breed between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Labrador Retriever.
They are medium to large-sized dogs weighing up to 80 pounds. Their coat colors can be black, yellow, or red.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab mix is gentle and intelligent just like its Ridgeback precursor. Although not very friendly, they bond well with family and may require a tough hand for training.
In general, mixed breed dogs are less prone to diseases compared to pure breeds, but this Ridgeback Lab mix is liable to common health disorders like hip dysplasia.
While the mix has low grooming requirements, it does not imply that they are “no maintenance.“
Regular teeth brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning are necessary, backed up with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
2. Ridgeback Pitbull = Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix
As the name implies, the Ridgeback Pitbull is the result of crossbreeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This cross turns out to be full of energy making it require lots of exercise to keep its energy level in check.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mixes can be aggressive, but with proper training from an experienced owner, they can be obedient and calm.
They can grow as big as 27 inches and weigh up to 90 pounds.
The Ridgeback Pitbull is an intelligent breed just like its purebred parents but possesses a very high prey drive. Hence, they need to be in a properly fenced area where they can not stray off.
Like its parent breeds, the Rhodesian Pit is prone to health issues peculiar to most dog breeds like hip dysplasia, thyroid issue, and a couple of minor conditions.
3. Rhodesian Shepherd = Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix
The Rhodesian Shepherd is gotten from crossbreeding the well-known German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The male Rhodesian Shepherd grows as tall as 25 inches and weighs up to 78 pounds while the female can grow up to 24 inches and weigh about 60 pounds.
If the mix takes after the Ridgeback’s coat, expect grooming to be easy. However, If they take after their German shepherd parent, then frequent brushing of their coat will be required. Either way, it is necessary to keep their teeth, nails, and ears clean.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is very strong and active with incredible stamina. They will require lots of workout sessions to keep their active and intelligent self in check.
Proper training and socialization can make this mix very good companions.
Like most mixes on this list, they are prone to certain health issues like hip/elbow dysplasia, and joint problems.
4. Rhodesian Boxer = Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix
The Rhodesian Boxer is a super energetic mix that makes good companion dogs.
They are large-sized dogs that weigh up to 80 pounds when fully grown, reaching a height of up to 27 inches. They come in different coat colors, with their short coat making grooming an easy task.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix is easy to train and requires early training and socialization to curb aggressive behaviors.
Rhodesian Boxers are healthy mixes with more than an average life span. Regular checkups are needed, although, unlike their purebred parents, they are less likely to develop health issues.
5. Golden Ridgeback = Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Ridgeback is a resultant Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix. They are loving companions and make good watchdogs as they are aloof to strangers.
The Golden Ridgeback is a very active mix that requires regular exercise to help maintain its high energy level.
Some members of this mix tend to be high shedders just like the Golden Retriever. However, they can turn out to shed moderately if they take after the Ridgeback’s coat. Be ready to groom accordingly and bathe them when needed.
Golden Ridgebacks need high-quality dog food in the appropriate amount to keep them healthy.
Free-feeding this mix is highly discouraged as they can easily be obsessed, which can lead to health issues like hip dysplasia.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is expected to be a large-sized dog.
Its ability to be aggressive or friendly is dependent on which parent gene dominates. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known to be aggressive while the Great Dane is friendly.
Great Danes can weigh as much as 200 pounds and grow up to 34 inches, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs up to 88 pounds and attains 27 inches in height.
This implies that the resultant mix can have a massive weight and height also.
The mix has few details recorded. However, it is expected that you care for your mixed breed as much as any other dog—from feeding and grooming to training, and socialization.
7. Ridgebacksky = Rhodesian Ridgeback Husky Mix
This mixed breed is expected to have a life span of about 12 to 15 years.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Husky mix parents are intelligent, sensitive, and devoted; hence, they are expected to possess such characteristics.
The Ridgebacksky requires early training and socialization to make them good citizen dogs. Their curiosity and stubborn nature may require extra attention but this doesn’t make them any less lovable.
While the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Siberian Husky mix is susceptible to similar ailments as the parent breeds, the interference of an experienced breeder during the breeding process may help reduce the chances of such health issues.
This mix just like most other breeds requires proper grooming and feeding to help them live a long and healthy life.
Related: Dogs That Look Like Huskies
8. Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback = Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix
This variety is the result of crossbreeding the Ridgeback with the Mastiff. The latter is known to be friendly, calm, spirited, and protective. It is one of the heaviest dog breeds on earth.
Certainly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix will turn out as a large-sized dog. Notwithstanding, it’ll be as aggressive as the Rhodesian Ridgeback or as calm as the Mastiff.
With little available details about this crossbreed, it is recommended to take your breed in for checkups regularly as they may be prone to inherited diseases from their parents.
Grooming is necessary for all dogs and diet should be administered suitably.
9. Ridgeback Rottie = Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiller Mix
The narrative attached to the existence of this mix dates back to the United States in the 1900s. An attempt to create a Rottweiler with a better speed gave rise to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiller mix.
The combination of these two active breeds may result in a super aggressive dog towards strangers with stamina, intelligence, and dedication.
This large-sized dog can be trained to make a good family dog for owners that are active with grown kids. Large-sized dogs are not usually fit to be around little children.
The Ridgeback Rottie is expected to weigh up to 100 pounds and have a height of about 23 to 28 inches.
Their coat is short and would likely portray colors from beige to red or tan mixed with black.
The parent breeds have good guarding skills, hence, their resultant mixed breed is likely to be good guard dogs as well.
As with other dogs, maintenance is paramount. Training and early socialization are vital to helping lower the risk of aggressive behaviors.
10. Rhodesian Beagle = Rhodesian Ridgeback Beagle Mix
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Beagle mix is recognized by the Dog Registry of America.
The Rhodesian Beagle hybrid is even-tempered and can make a good family companion since the Beagle is known to have a sweet personality.
Beagles love attention from their human family, which will likely reduce the independent nature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Beagle mix.
They are medium-sized dogs and are expected to exceed an average life span of 10 years, based on their parent breeds.
Just like the parent breeds, this mix is likely to suffer similar health conditions.
What are Rhodesian Ridgebacks mixed with?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique South African dog, gotten from the crossbreeding of the native ridged Khoi Khoi dog with European dogs brought to Africa.
Some of these breeds include Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, and Great Danes.
How big does a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix get?
It is expected that a Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with the Great Dane would yield one of the biggest crossbreed dogs due to the Great Dane’s size.
An adult Great Dane has a weight of about 200 pounds and reaches 34 inches in height.
How long do Rhodesian Ridgeback mix dogs live?
The lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix can vary according to the breed it is being crossed with. On average, the longest lifespan for this mix has been recorded to be 15 years.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodesian Ridgeback possesses an incredible personality and its mixes with other dog breeds promise a major balance in characteristics and temperaments.
However, with how unpopular most of these mixed breeds are, it is difficult to ascertain the specific qualities they may possess.
With that said, it is important to treat your pup according to its needs and qualities.
Pooches, in general, should be paid attention to and catered for so they can live out their lifespan in good health.
