The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large ancient dog from Southern Africa and is the only indigenous breed registered in the country. They are quite popular due to their personality and the unique strip of reverse hair on their spine, and recently, many breeders have taken to mixing them with other dogs. Keep reading for a list of several of the most successful mixes.
The 16 Different Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes
1. Rhodesian Bernard
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Saint Bernard
The Rhodesian Bernard is a large mix that often weighs more than 180 pounds. Their appearance will depend on which parent they take after more, but in either case, you can expect to put a great deal of time into brushing and maintaining their thick coat of fur. This mix is a good choice for farmers and other people with a large amount of land that the dog can run on. Their huge size also makes them ideal as a guard dog, and their friendly nature means they’re popular with children.
2. Rhodesian Boerboel
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Boerboel
The Rhodesian Boerboel is a mixed breed that can vary significantly in size and shape depending on which parent they take after more. They can weigh as little as 70 pounds and have a slender body, or they can be muscular and bulky, weighing up to 200 pounds. They are confident and intelligent dogs that are good for first-time pet owners.
3. Rhodesian Boxer
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Boxer
The Rhodesian Boxer is muscular and lean, with a short coat that ranges from brown to tan. These mellow dogs like to kick back and watch the traffic and birds. They are a good choice for families looking for a pet that will watch a movie with them, and they are also quite independent, so you can leave them alone longer than many other mixes if you work away from home. Another benefit to this mix is their short coat, which is low shedding and easy to maintain.
4. Rhodesian Collie
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Border Collie
The Rhodesian Collie is a highly intelligent mix that is easy to train. They can learn a wide variety of tricks and can complete complex tasks, making them great all-around pets. They are moderate shedders with medium-length coats that often have shades of black, brown, and white. These active dogs are ideal for large families.
5. Rhodesian Dane
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Great Dane
The Rhodesian Dane is a mix that often weighs more than 100 pounds. They have tall, erect ears and a short coat that is easy to maintain. Their intimidating appearance makes them ideal guard dogs, but owners will tell you that they are friendly and intelligent and make great family pets.
6. Rhodesian Doberman
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Doberman Pinscher
The Rhodesian Doberman is a slim dog with amazing strength, often weighing 100 pounds or more, and they are quite tall, with floppy ears and a long snout. Owners choose this breed because they are fiercely loyal and excellent guard dogs.
7. Rhodesian German
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + German Shepherd
The Rhodesian German mix is a bulky dog that usually weighs 70–135 pounds. Like many of the other mixes on this list, the Rhodesian German is loyal and protective, so they’re ideal as a guard dog. They also have plenty of energy and love to play, so they are great for large families with plenty of people who can help the dog burn off excess energy to stay happy and healthy.
8. Rhodesian Golden
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Golden Retriever
The Rhodesian Golden is an attractive dog with a medium-length coat that’s slightly shorter than that of a purebred Golden Retriever. This active breed enjoys running and playing games, making them a good choice for large families.
9. Rhodesian Greyhound
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Greyhound
The Rhodesian Greyhound is a fast dog that excels at running and is ideal for large families and people who like to spend time outdoors. Their short coat is easy to maintain and is available in brown, black, and gray. These dogs are intelligent and can complete complex tasks, but they can also be stubborn and hard to train for beginners.
10. Rhodesian Husky
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Siberian Husky
The Rhodesian Husky is a great choice for someone who lives in a cold climate or is looking for a dog with a long coat. The Siberian Husky parent provides thick, soft fur that’s great for snuggling but does require extra maintenance. Both parents are working dogs, so this mix will require plenty of exercise!
11. Rhodesian Mastiff
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Mastiff
The Rhodesian Mastiff is a heavy and muscular dog that can weigh more than 200 pounds. They’re extremely protective and can even be aggressive, making them a good choice when you need a watchdog or guard dog. However, despite their massive size, they can make a great family pet with plenty of socialization and training as a puppy.
12. Rhodesian Pit Bull
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Pit Bull
The Rhodesian Pit Bull is leaner than a standard Pit Bull but is slightly taller. They often weigh more than 85 pounds, and they have the attractive red coat of the Rhodesian parent. They are extremely protective of their owners and are wary of strangers, so they make a great guard dog, and with socialization as a puppy, they can make a great family pet.
13. Rhodesian Pharaoh Hound
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Pharaoh Hound
The Rhodesian Pharaoh Hound is an intelligent dog that can quickly learn new tricks. They have a strong prey drive, so they are a great choice for farmers and hunters, but they can be problematic for families with cats unless they get plenty of socialization with them as a puppy.
14. Rhodesian Poodle
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Poodle
The Rhodesian Poodle is an intelligent mix that is ideal for people who spend a great deal of time at home and want a dog that they can train. This breed is also good for allergy sufferers because they don’t shed. This mix breed’s coat isn’t curly like a Poodle’s, and it’s easy to maintain. These dogs have a more relaxed temperament than some of the other mixes on this list, and they enjoy playing, especially in water.
15. Rhodesian Redbone
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + Redbone Coonhound
The Rhodesian Redbone is a muscular mix with long legs, often weighing about 85 pounds. They are fairly healthy, often living beyond 15 years, and are friendly and playful. They like to run and explore woods and fields, and they have a strong prey drive that will have them forever chasing squirrels, rabbits, and, unfortunately, cats, unless they have plenty of socialization with them early on.
16. Rhodesian Staffordshire
- Parent Breeds: Rhodesian Ridgeback + American Staffordshire Terrier
The Rhodesian Staffordshire is a great choice for people who like to spend time outdoors. This athletic mix enjoys running, swimming, hunting, and walking. The short coat is also easy to groom, and they don’t shed too heavily. These dogs like to be part of a family and are great with kids, who can help them burn off their excess energy.
Summary
Quite a few mixed breeds have the Rhodesian Ridgeback as one of their parents, and new ones are still being developed. This breed is a good choice for mixed breeding due to its large size, muscular body, and friendly personality. For example, the Rhodesian Collie is a great choice for any pet owner because they are intelligent and easy to train, making them suitable for nearly any task. They are patient with children and will even get along with other pets if you socialize with them as a puppy. Another great mixed choice is the Rhodesian Poodle, which doesn’t shed, so they are ideal for people who suffer from allergies, and they are also quite intelligent and easy to train.
See Also:
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Weimaraner Mix: Breed Guide, Pictures, Info, & Care
- Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Guide, Pictures, Care & More
Featured Image Credit: nik174, Shutterstock
The 16 Different Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes
4 Responses
im looking for something unique for alabama mountains. i need a fila x tosa to breed to a rhodesian ridge back. this will help with no fear intelligence and stamina yet family protection
Hello Reginald,
thank you for your message. We are sure there are plenty of dogs that would do just great in Alabama mountains. Finding a Fila or Tosa might be difficult and we would also like to mention that breeds shouldn't be mixed without a proper guidance from a professional. There is always a risk of health issues, when breeding is inappropriate.
Best of luck.
Rhodesian Ridge Back and Black Mouth Cur….. the best dog I have ever had …. Rescued him at 7 weeks and we haven't been apart … he's 9 now… He was trained on vocal tones…all I needed to do … No and look disappointed…. devastates him and corrects his behavior. We go everywhere together and I'd swear he knows English and reads your thoughts…. we talk … I don't talk with commands… but complete sentences. I can't say enough… they love to run … just let the leash off when safe to do so…let him go … he's always looking behind to see if you are still following. They feel degraded on a leash, but it's a necessity around traffic and other dogs, animals etc… he will make sure they know who is protecting you. Doesn't bite…just loud about it. He never potty trained… he just knew what to do ….never had paper down… he goes to the door…never destroyed anything. My experience and relationship has been one of pure loyalty and love.
I have an Australian Kelpie, labrador, ridgeback cross, rwscue he is very strong, cuddly and very loyal. I dont know much about Ridgebacks, however he has the appetite of a lab, alertness of a kelpie. He was not treated well as a puppy so can be protective of me and sometimes aggressive to others. He does not tolerate the vets.