Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed ComparisonRhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Greyhound is originated from United Kingdom. Rhodesian Ridgeback may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Greyhound. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Greyhound are having almost same weight. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Greyhound has same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Greyhound has almost same litter size. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Greyhound requires Low maintenance.

History

rhodesian ridgeback - historyKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

greyhound - historyThe Greyhound belongs to a group of dogs known as sighthounds. This is an ancient sighthound breed dating back a few thousands years.

The dog has been bred for racing but today is also a popular pet. They’ve also been used for hunting too because of their keen eyesight and sense of smell.

In the United States there are Greyhounds registered with the American Kennel Club as well as those registered with the National Greyhound Association.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Zimbabwe
United Kingdom
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
68 - 71 cm
26 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
27 - 40 kg
59 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
2 - 12
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
English Greyhound
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
Fawn to white, brindle and bi-colored, black, tan
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

greyhound puppy - descriptionThe Greyhound is a tall, muscled, long-legged, slender dog with a flexible spine, a deep chest and exceptional eye sight.

The Males are usually about 71 to 76 cm in height with the females being slightly smaller. The dogs weigh in the region of 27 to 40 kg. The coat of the dog is short and smooth and is found in an assortment of colors, from fawn to white, tan, black and brindle.As far as grooming goes, he is looked upon as a low maintenance breed.

He has a long narrow muzzle, semi-erect/semi-floppy short ears and a long slender tail.

Sometimes referred to as being hypoallergenic, you need to allow your Greyhound indoors as the dog doesn't have an undercoat. He is therefore more susceptible to extreme temperatures. The face is long, narrow and pointed, the ears short and half-erect-half-floppy with a long, thin, whip-like tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent and gentle, the Greyhound is described by those who have owned them as wonderful pet. They are somewhat aloof around strangers but love their own human family. This is a non-aggressive, gentle, docile, calm dog. They are loving and get on well with their entire family, whether human beings or pets.

They’re sensitive dogs who appreciate quiet, calm environments. They may be quiet, but they are still social, loving the company of their family. They’re not great barkers and because they are non-aggressive, they don’t make wonderful guard dogs.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

greyhound dog - characteristicsThe Greyhound, forgetting about the racing part, makes a superb pet too. He won't do well in a household where there are screaming, noisy children and adults as he wants a quiet home to live in.

He can get on well with kind, gentle, respectful children as well as with pets in the home. Just like any dog, he will also need training and socialization as this can build up his confidence and then he knows how to please his owners and what they expect.

The Greyhound will require a gentle, fair, kind owner who understands his need for peace and quiet, and then he becomes a most wonderful devoted, loyal and loving pet.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

greyhound puppies - health problemsGreyhounds are a wonderfully healthy dog breed and with good care can reach 14 years of age. They aren't prone to many genetic illnesses and unlike so many other dog breeds, this is one dog that doesn't battle with hip dysplasia – in fact it is almost unknown among this tall, slim dog breed.

The Greyhound does however, have a deep chest and this is what makes him vulnerable to bloat or gastric torsion. You have to take action quickly if you detect bloat – the stomach swells up – as this is a life-threatening condition that can occur quickly when air is trapped in the stomach. The stomach can become twisted.

Make sure your Greyhound doesn't gobble his food too quickly and preferably give him smaller meals as opposed to one or two large bowls of food.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Diet:

greyhound dogs - caringYour Greyhound’s breeder will be the best guide for the type of- and the amount of dog food your hound will need. Of course, a growing puppy has different nutritional needs from a mature or senior Greyhound.

Growing puppies and young dogs use a lot of energy so they will require a diet rich in protein. According to Greyhound experts, an adult Greyhound dog will need an average daily caloric intake of 1740 calories.

Older dogs and those that have been spayed or neutered will need less. Apart from the very best quality kibble, your Greyhound will most certainly require raw meat from time to time. You can also give him some cooked chicken, vegetables and brown rice. He should have access to a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

The Greyhound's coat is smooth and short and he sheds very little so he will only need a gentle brush-down once or twice a week.

Exercise:

Having a relaxed lifestyle is what your Greyhound will love. He is a dog that needs to spend time indoors. When outdoors, whether you live in the city or the country, he will need daily walks and a run in the park regularly.

Just because he is a sprinter, it isn't wise to take him with you with cycling or jogging as he is geared for a short burst of speed as opposed to a long run.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  4. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  6. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
  8. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  9. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rajapalayam - Breed Comparison
  10. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Plott Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Petit Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  13. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mudhol Hound - Breed Comparison
  15. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  16. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rampur Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  19. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  20. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  22. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  23. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Polish Hunting Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  25. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  26. Greyhound vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Greyhound vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  28. Greyhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Greyhound vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  30. Greyhound vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Greyhound vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  32. Greyhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Greyhound vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Greyhound vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  35. Greyhound vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  36. Greyhound vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  37. Greyhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Saluki vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Mountain Cur vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Rajapalayam vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Plott Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  43. Otterhound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mudhol Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Ibizan Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Rampur Greyhound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Galgo Espanol vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Hanover Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Majestic Tree Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds