Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Comparison - Dog breed selector: African Lion Hound or South African Mastiff or Bantu Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis" Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boerboel. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Rhodesian Ridgeback	Boerboel	Africanis
Origins	Zimbabwe	South Africa	South Africa
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Working Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	41	124	511
Reviews	7	1	5
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis breeds.	African Lion Hound African Lion Dog	South African Mastiff South African Boerboel	Bantu Dog Hottentot Hunting Dog Khoikhoi Dog Tswana breed dog Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi Zulu Dog African Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large Giant	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg)	154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)	55-100 inches (25-45 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg)	177 pounds (80 kg)	55-100 inches (35 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis height comparison:	Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)	20-24 inches (50-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)	22 inches (55 cm)

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Find price differences between these breeds.	$900-$1200	$1500-$2000	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?	Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Africanis dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is easiest to train?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Africanis dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most alert?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Africanis dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most protective?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Africanis dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis? Compare temperaments.	Dignified Sensitive Intelligent Loyal Strong Willed Mischievous	Intelligent Confident Obedient Dominant Territorial	Independent Protective Friendly Affectionate Obedient Territorial Trainable Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Africanis dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis?	High: Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	Average to High: Africanis dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis social needs comparison:	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed. See more.	Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Africanis dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Africanis dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Africanis dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks. See more.	Average: The Africanis barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most playful?	The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed. See more.	Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Africanis is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Rhodesian Ridgeback indoors.	It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.	It is not recommended to keep the Africanis breed in the home.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most flexible?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Average: Africanis dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Africanis dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Africanis has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which uses mouth most during play?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Africanis dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Africanis bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Africanis: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has fewer health issues?	The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Africaniss tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Frequent The Africanis should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Dermoid Sinus Elbow Dysplasia	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Epilepsy Joint Dysplasia Vaginal Hyperplasia	Cancer Dermoid Sinus Parvovirus Rabies

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which breed is most active?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Boerboel dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Africanis dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Africanis dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Africanis dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Africanis has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals.	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. What colors are available?	Gray Red White Golden Wheaten Copper	Red Cream Brown Tawny Brindle Reddish	Black Tan White Brown
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming. See more.	Easy to groom: The Africanis doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which drools least?	The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The Africanis is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Africanis has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Dense Shiny Smooth	Wiry Thick
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis? Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or {name3 shedding:	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Boerboel dogs shed moderately. See more.	Africanis dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best with kids?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Africanis dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Africanis dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis? Which dog is more friendly?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Africanis dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Africanis dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel or Africanis?	Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Africanis dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis?	Yes Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Africanis dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Africanis is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.	Africaniss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Rhodesian Ridgeback breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Africanis breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has most puppies?	6-8 puppies	7-10 puppies	2-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel vs Africanis Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boerboel, and Africanis. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The US	American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc.	No data available

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