Facts & Origin
The Rhodesian Shepherd - Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd Mix
The Rhodesian She pherd is a fascinating mix of the courageous and energetic Rhodesian Ridgeback and the intelligent and reliable German Shepherd. This impressive combination creates a strong, loyal, yet loving companion.
The Rhodesian Shepherd is an excellent choice for active families looking for a loyal and protective, yet loving and intelligent dog . With proper care, training and love, the Rhodesian Shepherd can become a wonderful and loyal family member, providing both joy and security.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Germany - South Africa |
| Life expectancy | 9 - 13 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | high - average to high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character and Temperament of the Rhodesian Shepherd
The Rhodesian Shepherd is known for his intelligence, loyalty and energy. He often inherits the strong protective instinct of the German Shepherd and the independence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which makes him an excellent watchdog. At the same time, however, he is also very affectionate and people-oriented, which makes him a loving companion.
This breed is very active and needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. He is also very intelligent and benefits from mental stimulation as provided by training and games.
Character
Health and breeding information
Care and Health of the Rhodesian Shepherd
Grooming the Rhodesian Shepherd is manageable, but requires regular brushing to keep his coat clean and healthy. He can shed a moderate amount of hair, especially during shedding seasons, so good grooming is important.
Health-wise, the Rhodesian Shepherd can be prone to certain conditions that are common in parent breeds, including hip dysplasia, skin problems, and certain genetic conditions. Regular vet visits and good nutrition are important to ensure the health of the Rhodesian Shepherd.
What does this mixed breed look like?
Since both parent breeds have a considerable size, the Rhodesian Shepherd also tends to be a large dog. He can reach a shoulder height of 60-70 cm and have a weight between 30-45 kg. His coat is usually short to medium length, with colors that can vary but often come in shades of red, brown and black. He may inherit the Ridgeback's distinctive "ridge" feature - a line of hair along the back that grows against the direction of the coat.
| Fur length | long - short |
| Fur | flat coated - |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears - Triangle |
| Tail | fanned out - lang |
| Anatomy | massive, strong, muscular, strong |
| Size ♀ | 55 - 66 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 22 - 34 kg |
| Size ♂ | 60 - 69 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 30 - 41 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds.
Ataxia
Ataxia (from Greek ἀταξία ataxia 'disorder' 'irregularity') is a generic term in medicine for various disorders of movement coordination. Ataxia can occur even when there is no paralysis (paresis), that is, when there is normal muscle strength.
FAQ
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This mix has a strong tendency to intelligence, endurance and bravery, as well as an incomparable protective instinct. They are very active and energetic, which is why they need a lot of training and exercise. They are loyal, faithful and playful and can also be considered very good family dogs.
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To take care of your dog's paws, we recommend that you regularly use the combs or children's brushes to remove dirt and grass. Also, make sure that the paws are thoroughly wiped and trimmed after each walk, so that the claws do not become too long.
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Although this hybrid breed has a high level of patience, there are certain signs that indicate that it becomes impatient. For example, barking, yelping, pawing, constant circling, sharp bites, attacking sounds, weak voice, etc.
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It is important that the dog is trained early in life.
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This mix has a higher risk of degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important that regular veterinary examinations are performed to detect potential health problems early.
