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Do you love the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed but don’t want the rambunctiousness that comes with a purebred dog? Or maybe you’re looking for a specific mix with some of the best qualities of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed?
Whatever your reason, you’ll want to read this post!
Here we will discuss 15 of the most popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes with pictures and information on their size, temperament, and trainability.
By the end of this post, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of the most popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Brief Rhodesian Ridgeback History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a versatile hunting dog that originated in Africa. They are a large and powerful breed known for their ability to track and take down large game.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in the late 1800s by British settlers in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The settlers wanted a dog that could tolerate the harsh conditions of the African bush, and that would be an effective hunting companion.
It’s believed that they crossbred several native dogs to create the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was introduced to the United States in the 1950s and has since become a popular family pet.
While the Rhodesian Ridgeback is typically good-natured and even-tempered, they can be very protective of their family and territory.
They need plenty of exercise and should be properly socialized from an early age.
Quick Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Breakdown
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular dog breed with a distinctively proud demeanor. They are characterized by their loyalty, courage, and protective nature, making them excellent family dogs.
However, they can also be somewhat aloof with strangers and require early socialization to prevent aggression. In addition, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are notoriously independent-minded, and training can be challenging for inexperienced owners.
But for those willing to put in the time and effort, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be a loving and devoted companion.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 85-95 pounds, Female 75-85 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-12 years
Color: Light to dark brownish-red
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Good-natured, loyal, and protective
Exercise Needs: High
Trainability: Medium to high
Breed History: Developed in Africa in the late 1800s
Recognized By: American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club
Now that we’ve given you a brief history and overview of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed let’s take a look at some of the most popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes.
15 Most Popular Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes
1) Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix (Rhodesian Labrador)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Labrador Retriever. This mix is fairly big and muscular, with a short, dense coat that is typically light to dark brown in color.
The Rhodesian Labrador is an intelligent and trainable dog that makes a great family pet. Both parent breeds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, so this mix is likely to inherit those traits.
The Rhodesian Labrador will need plenty of exercise and may be better suited for a home with a backyard.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Males 65-80 pounds, females 55-70 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Color: Brown, various shades of red, sable, Isabella, fawn
Coat: Short
Temperament: Full of personality, loyal, and playful
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
2) Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix (Ridgeback Pitbull)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the American Pitbull Terrier. This mix is a large and powerful dog that is typically very friendly and good-natured.
They are a smart mixed breed that’s eager to please their owner. However, they can also be stubborn and headstrong, so training may be a challenge.
The Rhodesian Pitbull will need plenty of exercise and may be better suited for an active family.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Male 55-85 pounds, Female 45-75 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Color: Light to dark brown, fawn, black
Coat: Short
Temperament: Protective, eager to please, affectionate
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
3) Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix (Rhodesian Boxer)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boxer. This mix is a medium to large muscular dog that is very friendly and good-natured.
When it comes to training, they are pretty good at learning and following commands. Like many breeds, they greatly benefit from positive reinforcement training methods.
The Rhodesian Boxer will need moderate exercise and would make a great family pet. They are loyal and protective of their family but need plenty of exercise.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Male 65-75 pounds, Female 55-65 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Color: Brown, fawn, brindle
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Good-natured, loyal, protective, headstrong
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
4) Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix (Shepherd Ridgeback)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the German Shepherd. This mix is a large, energetic, intelligent, and trainable dog.
Both parent breeds have a long history of working with people and being very valuable to them. The Shepherd Ridgeback is no different. They are loyal and protective of their family but also need plenty of exercise.
They need plenty of mental & physical stimulation, or they may become bored and destructive.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 85-95 pounds, Female 75-85 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, tan, fawn
Coat: Short or medium length and dense
Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal, protective
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
5) Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix (Ridgeback Mastiff)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Mastiff. This mix is a considerably big and powerfully built dog that is very loyal and protective of its family.
The Ridgeback Mastiff is an intelligent breed that can be easy to train with the correct training methods. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can quickly learn new commands.
This mix needs moderate to high amounts of exercise. They are no couch potatoes and need to exercise often to ensure they don’t get excess weight or become stiff from being idle.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 100-150 pounds, Female 85-135 pounds
Average Lifespan: 9-11 years
Color: Brown, fawn, black
Coat: Short
Temperament: Loyal, protective, independent
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
6) Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix (Ridgeback Dane)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Great Dane. This mix is quite a big dog, but don’t let their size fool you. Thanks to their Great Dane parent, they are more like giant teddy bears.
They can learn new tricks and behaviors rather quickly and are often very food motivated. Therefore, using high-value treats while training these dogs will be very helpful.
They need a good amount of daily exercise. A couple of good walks per day with a play session or two in the yard will suffice.
Size: Large to giant
Weight: Male 120-170 pounds, Female 100-150 pounds
Average Lifespan: 9-11 years
Color: Brown, fawn, brindle, black
Coat: Short
Temperament: Loyal, fun-loving, playful, gentle
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Trainability: Medium to high
7) Rhodesian Ridgeback Husky Mix (Ridgeback Husky)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Husky mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Siberian Husky. This mix is a medium to large dog that is very energetic and playful.
They are also very intelligent and can be easy to train with the right training methods. This mixed breed also tends to be quite food motivated. Which can be used to your advantage when training.
This mix needs a lot of exercise. They are not a couch potato breed and need to be active often. They need physical activities that will get their heart rate pumping.
Quick walks around the block are simply not enough for the majority of these dogs.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Male 50-85 pounds, Female 40-75 pounds
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Color: Black and white, brown, cream, tan, white
Coat: Short and dense or long and dense
Temperament: Good-natured, friendly, loyal, protective, headstrong
Exercise Needs: High
Trainability: Medium to high
8) Rhodesian Ridgeback Beagle Mix (Rhodesian Beagle)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Beagle mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Beagle. This mix is a medium-sized dog that is very friendly and loyal.
They are intelligent and curious dogs that require plenty of training and opportunities to challenge their mind. This mix will often take it upon themselves to create a job for them if they aren’t given one by their owner.
Which means they can become mischievous if left physically & mentally unstimulated for too long.
With consistent training, they can be very well-behaved family pets.
Size: Medium
Weight: Male 30-45 pounds, Female 25-40 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Color: Black, brown, tan, white, fawn
Coat: Short
Temperament: Good-natured, friendly, loyal, vocal
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
9) Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix (Ridgeback Doberman)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Doberman Pinscher. This mix is a large dog that is very athletic and muscular.
They are also very intelligent, which means they can be easy to train if you use the right methods.
This breed needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A couple of walks per day simply isn’t enough as they need more of an outlet for all their energy.
The best way to exercise this mix is with an activity they can do with you, such as running, hiking, or swimming.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 75-95 pounds, Female 60-80 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, tan
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Loyal, protective, intelligent, eager to please
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
10) Rhodesian Ridgeback Border Collie Mix (Rhodesian Collie)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Border Collie mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Border Collie. This mix is a medium to large dog that is very energetic and playful.
They are also intelligent dogs that require plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
This mix needs a lot of exercise to stay in shape. They are not a couch potato breed and need to be active often.
Size: Medium
Weight: Male 30-65 pounds, Female 25-55 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-14 years
Color: Black, brown, white, fawn
Coat: Medium to long and dense
Temperament: Intelligent, active, energetic, playful
Exercise Needs: High
Trainability: High
11) Rhodesian Ridgeback Cane Corso Mix (Cane Corso Ridgeback)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Cane Corso mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Cane Corso. This mix is a large dog that is very athletic and muscular.
They are smart but will take a few more repetitions on average to learn a new trick or behavior.
They need plenty of socialization opportunities when young as they can be protective over loved ones.
This mix needs a good amount of exercise to stay in shape. They enjoy running, hiking, swimming, and any other activity that gets their heart pumping.
Size: Large to giant
Weight: Male 100-120 pounds, Female 90-110 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, fawn, brindle
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Loyal, protective, affectionate, job-oriented
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
12) Rhodesian Ridgeback Coonhound Mix (Rhodesian Hound)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Coonhound mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the American English Coonhound. This mix is a medium to large-sized dog that has an athletic build.
They are relatively smart dogs that love to be given a task or assignment. Therefore, they need plenty of opportunities to be challenged which can be done through training.
This mix needs moderate to high levels of exercise. They love to run and play fetch but will also be content with a couple of walks per day.
Size: Medium to large
Weight: Male 55-75 pounds, Female 50-70 pounds
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Color: Black, brown, tan, white
Coat: Short and dense or long and dense
Temperament: Loyal, protective, good-natured, curious, fun-loving
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
13) Rhodesian Ridgeback Boerboel Mix (Ridgeback Boel)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boerboel mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boerboel. This mix is a considerably large dog that is very athletic and muscular.
They are not the easiest of dogs to train. Their big size and high energy can make training difficult for a first-time dog owner.
This mix needs a lot of exercise to stay in shape. They need an outlet for all their energy and love to run, hike, and play fetch.
Also, they need lots of socialization when young. Again, because of their size, it’s important they learn how to behave around unfamiliar dogs and people.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 110-160 pounds, Female 90-145 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, fawn
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Loyal, protective, good-natured, headstrong
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
14) Rhodesian Ridgeback Saint Bernard Mix (Rhodesian Bernard)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Saint Bernard mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Saint Bernard. This mix is a large to giant-sized dog that has a kind and gentle personality.
They are relatively smart dogs but can be stubborn at times. They need an owner that is patient and consistent with training.
This mix needs between 30-45 minutes of daily exercise. They’re not the most energetic dogs but need to exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Size: Large to giant
Weight: Male 150-180 pounds, Female 130-160 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, tan
Coat: Short-medium, moderately dense, straight
Temperament: Loyal, protective, friendly, gentle
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
15) Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Mix (Ridgeback Rottie)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler mix is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Rottweiler. They are a powerful and protective dog breed that is perfect for families who are looking for a loyal companion.
This mix is an intelligent dog that loves to please their owner. They are relatively easy to train but need a firm and consistent owner.
This mix needs moderate to high levels of exercise. They love to run and play fetch but will also be content with a couple of 15-20 minute walks per day.
Size: Large
Weight: Male 110-135 pounds, Female 90-115 pounds
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Color: Black, brown, tan
Coat: Short and dense
Temperament: Loyal, protective, playful, lots of personality
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
Trainability: Medium to high
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The 15 most popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. I hope this post helped you learn a little more about each mix and decide which one is the best fit for your family.
Each mixed breed is a little bit different. So it really depends on you and your family’s lifestyle when it comes to finding the right dog to invite into your home.
We hope you were able to find a favorite Rhodesian Ridgeback mix!