Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better African Lion Hound or Alsatian wolf dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd"
Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd?
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| Name | Rhodesian Ridgeback | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Zimbabwe |  Germany |
| Group | Hunting Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 41 | 2 |
| Reviews | 7 | 21 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
African Lion Hound African Lion Dog |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback taller than a German Shepherd? | Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $900-$1200 | $800-$2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Dignified Sensitive Intelligent Loyal Strong Willed Mischievous |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? | High: Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | 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 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 German Shepherd indoors. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
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| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? | 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. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier? | The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? |
Average The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Dermoid Sinus Elbow Dysplasia |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
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| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Gray Red White Golden Wheaten Copper |
Black Tan Red Silver |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types. | Dense | Fuzzy |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
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| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or German Shepherd? Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs? | Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
| Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Rhodesian Ridgeback breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background? | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 6-8 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized? |
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 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 United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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