If you ever wanted a motivated watchdog with a keen sense of family relations and robust athleticism, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix is that breed.
The dog is a unique breed crossed from the South African hound dog and the Golden Retriever, hailing from Scotland. Borrowing from the two parents, this dog enjoys improved traits such as a sturdy build, excellent swimming abilities, and long-standing endurance.
This article discusses the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix in great detail. You’ll learn about the prime qualities of the breed and how to care for it for the best outcomes.
What Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever Mix?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever Mix is a crossbreed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Golden Retriever. Both parents provide a rich line of traits.
Generally, this is a hybrid that can survive in different environments. It’s a lovable dog with lots of affection towards family and children. Hence, it’s an excellent companion at home.
If you want to know how to care for your dog, check out this ultimate guide to keeping your first dog.
The table below shows the characteristics of a Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix dog:
| Characteristic | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Golden Retriever |
| Origin | South Africa | Scotland |
| Breed group | Hunting | Sporting |
| Height at withers | 24-27 inches | 21.5-24 inches |
| Weight | 70-85 pounds | 55-75 pounds |
| Coat type | Short haired coat | Double medium coat |
| Life expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Family life | -It’s affectionate and loving to children -It shows good interaction with other dogs | -This is a lovey-dovey dog excellent with young children -It’s very good with other dogs |
| Physical | -Moderate shedding -Less drooling -Grooming frequency once or twice a month | -A lot of shedding -Coat maintenance comes twice a month |
| Social | -Friendly -Playful -High protective nature -Highly adaptable | -Friendly to strangers -Very playful -Moderately protective -Excellent adaptability |
| Personality | -Eager to please -High energy -Doesn’t love barking -Very active | -Eager to please -High energy -Highly active |
Characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever Mix
It’s easy for pet lovers to decide whether to buy a Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever puppy when they have the correct information. In this section, you’ll learn the characteristics of this hybrid.
Size
With a height range of 21.5-27 inches (54.61-68.58 cm) and a weight of 55-85 pounds (24.95-38.56kg), the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix is a medium to large breed.
Generally, the dog is hardy, thanks to the inherent quality of the parents. It can swim in waters just like its parent, the Golden Retriever dog. Golden Retriever is, without a doubt, one of the best swimming dogs.
Its alert personality makes it an excellent choice for a watchdog. Watchdogs can enhance your home’s security since they are very protective.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know about the Beagle Coonhound Mix
Coat Type
As far as coat type is concerned, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever depicts a moderately thicker coat that is primarily short. Shedding might be pretty high sometimes, especially if the dog inherited the trait from its Golden Retriever parent. That being the case, vacuuming will definitely be your top priority.
You want to ensure high standards of cleanliness. This means you should groom the dog’s coat in time to help with loose hair and keep him clean.
Usually, the coat takes a variety of color schemes. The colors range from a mix of light wheaten, red wheaten, or wheaten, or their variations with golden variations. Some puppies will have a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever, while others look more like their Rhodesian Ridgeback parent.
Personality and Temperament
This dog breed is one of the most gentle and friendliest pets. It loves being in the company of a family and is very playful with young children.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever keeps well alongside other dogs and pets such as cats and birds. It’s not the type that chases after them intending to dominate the space alone.
Mixing the hardiness and energy of its parents, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever does not disappoint as a working dog. It enjoys swimming and can, therefore, still work as a waterfowl retriever, just like its parent.
The dog is intelligent and loyal but not self-willed. This would mean it responds pretty positively to instructions without much resistance. It just wants to please you as the owner.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever displays high energy and is very active. If you are a docile person, you may not keep up with its activity level. Plenty of activities for this dog will add value to its health, make it busy and improve its mental capacity.
It doesn’t bark much; it only does when necessary and mostly to alert you. So, it’s your perfect dog if you value a quiet canine companion.
Find Out: What Is a Tri-Colored American Bully?
Social Characteristics
The best side of this dog is that it’s easygoing. While it doesn’t befriend everyone coming to it, it’s neither shy to hang around strangers welcome by the family.
Blessed with a caring spirit and high intelligence, it forms an excellent watchdog. It’s a go-for choice for a dog you want to have as the protector. Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever senses and alerts you whenever there’s a threat in the environment.
Moreover, it’s incredibly playful. You must exercise with the dog to meet its daily playing needs. Regular exercise helps out with its high energy levels.
Adapting to new environments and people is a strength for this dog. It can easily convert from being the working dog outdoors to a funny, playful mate in the house.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan for a Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever is 10-12 years. However, you must provide high-quality care to the dog to achieve this age.
Some dogs can even live beyond this age under exceptional circumstances. Your dog will live many years if you provide:
- Regular exercise
- Balanced nutrition
- High-quality health care
A sick dog is likely to have a shorter lifespan. Health conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis can affect your dog and even result in death.
Living long may also not be possible if the Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix has some underlying genetic health problems. That’s why before you buy your hybrid puppy, ensure its genetic makeup is superior and without breeding issues like inbred lines.
It’s vital to have your pooch checked regularly at the veterinary hospital. Be up to date with your dog’s health and stay ahead of any emerging health issues.
Caring for a Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever Dog
For the best outcomes, caring for your dog is paramount. Be sure to undertake the following practices for a happy, healthy dog.
1. Provide Proper Feeding With a Balanced Diet
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever dog should eat high-quality food with all the essential nutrients. The typical diet of a dog should include high-protein foods, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Provide water in plenty. Know that your dog doesn’t need commercial dog food daily. Usually, commercial food comes with its fair share of risks.
2. Ensure Your Dog Is Healthy
Proper feeding is crucial to a dog’s health because it prevents diseases. However, when your dog is sick, take him to the vet for diagnosis and treatment early enough.
Regular health checkups are vital too. The vet will update you about the pet’s overall performance regarding its health.
3. Grooming the Dog
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix has fewer maintenance needs. You may only need to bathe him once or twice a month.
In addition, ensure you trim his nails, clean behind the ears, and brush the coat and teeth for general hygiene.
4. Train and Exercise the Dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever is intelligent and quick to learn when given instructions. You want to maintain a consistent training schedule to stimulate and improve his cognitive abilities.
Regular exercise helps keep up his dynamic, highly energized nature. Make sure you give an hour or two daily for exercise as it helps avert bad behavior.
Final Thoughts
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever mix is an excellent designer breed. He combines his parents’ best traits to become an all-around friendly pet for the home.
This dog can live for over 12 years with proper care. Better yet, he’s a devoted loyalist and a hard worker – making him the perfect watchdog.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever is a wonderful choice if you want an active dog that loves working.
