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Rhodesian Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Rhodesian Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Zimbabwe flagZimbabwe
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Rhodesian Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd mix

Rhodesian Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Rhodesian Shepherd? Learn how big the Rhodesian Shepherd breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Rhodesian Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Rhodesian Shepherd breed.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rhodesian Shepherd?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rhodesian Shepherd? Rhodesian Shepherd height:
Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rhodesian Shepherd?
Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Rhodesian Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Rhodesian Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Rhodesian Shepherd costs.
$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Rhodesian Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Rhodesian Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Rhodesian Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Rhodesian Shepherd? How many Rhodesian Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Rhodesian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Rhodesian Shepherd? Discover the Rhodesian Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Rhodesian Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Rhodesian Shepherd? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Rhodesian Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Rhodesian Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Rhodesian Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Rhodesian Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Rhodesian Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Rhodesian Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Rhodesian Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousDignifiedAlertSensitiveCourageousIntelligentConfidentObedientLoyalStrongWilledWatchfulMischievous
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rhodesian Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Rhodesian Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Rhodesian Shepherd need? Rhodesian Shepherd social needs:
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Rhodesian Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rhodesian Shepherd roam?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rhodesian Shepherd have high prey drive?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rhodesian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Rhodesian Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Rhodesian Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Rhodesian Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Rhodesian Shepherd breed.
The Rhodesian Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Rhodesian Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
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 Shepherd indoors.

Rhodesian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Rhodesian Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Rhodesian Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Rhodesian 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.

Rhodesian Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Rhodesian Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Rhodesian Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Rhodesian Shepherd bite? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Rhodesian Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Rhodesian Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Rhodesian Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Rhodesian Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Rhodesian Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Rhodesian Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Rhodesian Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Rhodesian Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Rhodesian Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Rhodesian Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Rhodesian Shepherd breed.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Rhodesian Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Rhodesian Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Rhodesian Shepherd breed.
Rhodesian Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Rhodesian Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Rhodesian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Rhodesian Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Rhodesian Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Rhodesian Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerDermoid SinusProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Rhodesian Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Rhodesian Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Rhodesian Shepherd breed.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Rhodesian Shepherd need? How much exercise do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rhodesian Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Rhodesian Shepherd breed need?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Rhodesian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average: The Rhodesian Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Rhodesian Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Rhodesian Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rhodesian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Rhodesian Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Rhodesian Shepherd color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red White Silver Golden Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Rhodesian Shepherd need? Learn about Rhodesian Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Rhodesian Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Rhodesian Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Rhodesian Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Rhodesian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Rhodesian Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Rhodesian Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Rhodesian Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Rhodesian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Rhodesian Shepherd have? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's fur characteristics.
DenseFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Rhodesian Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Rhodesian Shepherd? Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Rhodesian Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Rhodesian Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Rhodesian Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Rhodesian Shepherd temperament with other people:
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Rhodesian Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Rhodesian Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Rhodesian Shepherd is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Rhodesian Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Rhodesian Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Rhodesian Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Rhodesian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Rhodesian Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Rhodesian Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Rhodesian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rhodesian Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Rhodesian Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Rhodesian Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Rhodesian Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Rhodesian Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Rhodesian Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Rhodesian Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Rhodesian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Rhodesian Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Rhodesian Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Rhodesian Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's military history.

Not really

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

Rhodesian Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Rhodesian Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Rhodesian Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rhodesian Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Rhodesian Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Rhodesian Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Rhodesian Shepherd in? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Rhodesian Shepherd in? Learn about the Rhodesian Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Rhodesian Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Rhodesian Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Rhodesian Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Rhodesian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rhodesian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Rhodesian 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.
  • Dog Friendly: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Rhodesian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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