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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Comparison - Dog breed selector: African Lion Hound or King Shepherd Dog or Gentle Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger" Compare Rhodesian Ridgeback and King Shepherd. Which is better: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
 
 
 
Name Rhodesian Ridgeback King Shepherd Leonberger
OriginsZimbabwe flagZimbabwe United States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank41193100
Reviews613
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
African Lion Hound
African Lion Dog
King Shepherd Dog Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger breed type comparison:
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which is the smallest dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Large Giant Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or King Shepherd? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger weight comparison:
Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) 90-150 pounds (41-69 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 120 pounds (55 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger height comparison:
Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 25-29 inches (64-74 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 27 inches (69 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which is more expensive?
$900-$1200 $1500-$2500 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The King Shepherd is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger trainability comparison.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train.
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King Shepherd dogs are hard to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs.
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King Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory.
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King Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger behavior/temperament comparison:
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Loving
Protective
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?
High: Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: King Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger social needs comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed.
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King Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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.
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King Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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.
King Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger playfulness comparison:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed.
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Average: King Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Leonberger is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The King Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
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.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the King Shepherd breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: King Shepherd dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
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.
King Shepherd 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.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

King Shepherd bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The King Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger mouthiness comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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King Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
King Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis
Veterinarian Visits
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 King Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger lifespan comparison. How long do Rhodesian Ridgeback, King Shepherd and Leonberger breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of King Shepherd: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?
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 cold weather conditions
The King Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger energy level comparison:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
King Shepherd dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
King Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
King Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
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 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the King Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger coat comparison:
Dense Fluffy
Thick
Weather-resistant
Waterproof
Colors
What are the original Rhodesian Ridgeback, King Shepherd and Leonberger color?
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Wheaten
Copper
Black
Tan
Cream
White
Sable
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The King Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal.
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King Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Hypoallergenic
Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?

Medium

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The King Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The King Shepherd is an average drooler.
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The Leonberger is an average drooler.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
King Shepherd dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which dog is more friendly?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
King Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
King Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
King Shepherd dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger?
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
King Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?
Yes
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
King Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Leonberger 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
King Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Leonberger 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.
King Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Rhodesian Ridgeback or King Shepherd or Leonberger? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger?

Not really

Rhodesian Ridgeback breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

King Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

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.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Rhodesian Ridgeback and King Shepherd and Leonberger have?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs King Shepherd vs Leonberger Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Rare Breed Association
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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

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