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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 Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd mix

Rhodesian Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Rhodesian Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Rhodesian Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Rhodesian Shepherd?

Large
Weight
How much does the Rhodesian Shepherd weigh? How much should a Rhodesian Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Rhodesian Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Rhodesian Shepherd weight?
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
How much does the Rhodesian Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Rhodesian Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Rhodesian Shepherd?

Where to buy a Rhodesian Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Rhodesian Shepherd? Is the Rhodesian Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Rhodesian Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Rhodesian Shepherd?
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Rhodesian Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Rhodesian Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Rhodesian Shepherd is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Rhodesian Shepherd bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Rhodesian Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Rhodesian Shepherd in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Rhodesian Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Rhodesian Shepherd alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Rhodesian Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Rhodesian Shepherd? How much bite force does a Rhodesian Shepherd have? How strong is a Rhodesian Shepherd bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Rhodesian Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Rhodesian Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Rhodesian Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Rhodesian Shepherd do?
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.

Rhodesian Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Rhodesian Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Rhodesian Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Rhodesian Shepherd see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Rhodesian Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Rhodesian Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Rhodesian Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Rhodesian Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Rhodesian Shepherd?

9-13 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Rhodesian Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Rhodesian Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Rhodesian Shepherd?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Rhodesian Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Rhodesian Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Rhodesian Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Rhodesian Shepherd?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Rhodesian Shepherd risk for obesity:
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.

Rhodesian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Rhodesian Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseFuzzy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Rhodesian Shepherd coats?
BlackGrayTan Red White Silver Golden Wheaten
Grooming
How to groom the Rhodesian Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Rhodesian Shepherd to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Rhodesian Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Rhodesian Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Rhodesian Shepherd every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Rhodesian Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Rhodesian Shepherd drool?
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.

Rhodesian Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Rhodesian Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Rhodesian Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Rhodesian Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Rhodesian Shepherd temperament with children:
Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Rhodesian Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Rhodesian Shepherd be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Rhodesian Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Rhodesian Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Rhodesian Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Rhodesian Shepherd breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Rhodesian Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Rhodesian Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Rhodesian Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Rhodesian Shepherd give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Rhodesian Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Rhodesian Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Rhodesian Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Rhodesian Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Rhodesian Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: 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 Ability: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: 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: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthiness: Rhodesian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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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