• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Comparison - Dog breed selector: Grey Ghost or African Lion Hound or Hovie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart" Compare Weimaraner and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which is better: Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart?
 
 
 
Name Weimaraner Rhodesian Ridgeback Hovawart
OriginsGermany flagGermany Zimbabwe flagZimbabwe Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Hunting Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank3441375
Reviews572
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart breeds.
Grey Ghost
Weim
Weimaraner Vorstehhund
African Lion Hound
African Lion Dog
Hovie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 50-65 pounds (23-29 kg) Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart? Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart height comparison:
Male: 24-24 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 24 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$2000 $900-$1200 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart?
Very frequent: The Weimaraner is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Weimaraner is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is easiest to train?
Weimaraner dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is most alert?
Weimaraner dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is most protective?
Weimaraner dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart? Compare temperaments.
Stubborn
Aloof
Energetic
Alert
Powerful
Intelligent
Social
Steady
Fast
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Weimaraner dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart?
High: Weimaraner dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart social needs comparison:
Weimaraner dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Weimaraner dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Weimaraner dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Hovawart 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.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Weimaraner is a vocal breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is most playful?
The Weimaraner is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Weimaraner breed.
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 Hovawart breed.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed is most flexible?
Weimaraner dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart?
Weimaraner dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.
Hovawart 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.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Weimaraner has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which uses mouth most during play?
Weimaraner dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Weimaraner bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Weimaraner: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has fewer health issues?
Weimaraners tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Weimaraner should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Entropion
Drug Sensitivity
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Weimaraner has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which needs most food?
2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. What colors are available?
Gray
Blue
Silver
Copper
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Wheaten
Copper
Black
Blonde
Golden
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Weimaraner requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which drools least?
The Weimaraner 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Weimaraner has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart? Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or {name3 shedding:
Weimaraner dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is best with kids?
Weimaraner dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Weimaraner dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart? Which dog is more friendly?
Weimaraner dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart?
Weimaraner dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Weimaraner or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Hovawart?
Weimaraner dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart?
Yes
Weimaraner dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Weimaraner is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Weimaraners are not the best breed for elderly people.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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 Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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.

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 6-8 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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.

Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Hovawart. 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
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
America's Pet Registry
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
Foundation Stock Service

Rate This Comparsion - Weimaraner vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart

Reviews