Rhodesian Ridgeback GSD Hybrid Mix Dog Breed Guide
The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a muscular dog breed that is not too common to find around. They are a hyperactive and purposeful product resulting from the crossing of the German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback breeds. These two parents are huge dog parents with peculiar characteristics inherited by this offspring, and we will discuss some of them shortly.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed
This dog breed originates from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), a country located in the southern part of Africa. This name (Rhodesian Ridgeback) was officially given to it in 1922. According to online sources, this dog was notable as a hunting dog used by the Khoikhoi people. It is a bold, intelligent, teachable, and very active dog species. Its life expectancy can be up to 10years
German Shepherd Breed
This dog species comes from Germany. It is known for its activeness and hard-working nature. The German originally utilized it for herding, and today, it is common as a common military and police dog. They are very intelligent, fearless, and obedient. Thus, they can serve as guide dogs. The life expectancy of this dog breed is 12 years.
German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
This mix breed looks like one that is always ready for some action. It stands tall and walks like a warrior. Its facial appearance looks like a German Shepherd, but its ridgeback hair is its distinguishing feature. This dog can grow up to weigh as much as 95lb and reach a height of 27 inches. Its expectancy stands at around 14years.
The Personality of a German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
Experts have described this dog breed as friendly, lively, brave, intelligent, and nosey. Both parents are very active dog breeds, and this contributes to their hyperactive lifestyle. Although they look like GSD, they have a leaner muscle and a taller physique. They have a very playful nature and can’t be relied upon as a police dog like the GSD. Therefore, it is most suitable as a house dog and enjoys running around the house with other dogs. Keeping it chained to a spot or caged can get it bored and agitated. Allowing it the freedom to play and move will help it dissipate its excess energy and aggressive nature.
The Health Concerns of German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
The most common health challenge that this dog breed is prone to be dysplasia, and the hips and elbow are the most likely places to be affected. Therefore, make adequate inquiry about the parents of this dog to be sure that they do not have a genetic history of having this condition. Also, they are prone to dermoid sinus, which can be corrected early while it is still in the puppy stage. A regular check-up with your vet while the dog is still a puppy, will help detect and fix it on time.
Both parents are prone to having an ear, eye, and skin infections. Check out for any of the symptoms, such as itching, and report to your vet ASAP.
Recommended Diet for German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
The most suitable meal for this dog breed is raw food. There are tons of videos online that teach how you can prepare raw meals for your canine. If you don’t find it convenient to prepare the meals yourself, you can contact your local vet for recommendations on commercial dog food that you can give in place of it.
Your vet will make suggestions based on the current state of health of your dog. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix breed can quickly become obese, so you have to monitor food they eat, especially treats during training. High sugary food will jeopardize their state of health. Lastly, make use of fish oil in their meals to help militate against elbow and hip dysplasia.
Who is the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed is Right for?
This dog breed is very active and therefore suitable for someone looking for a dog he can be running around with. You can go long distances with this dog and feel confident that no intruder will harass you due to the protective nature of this dog breed. They are calm with their owners but aggressive against strange faces. They will lie gently by your side when you are busy but are happier when they are jumping from one corner of your compound to the other. Therefore, if you have a large compound that can accommodate them and the time to spare to play around with them, then they are right for you.
Who is the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed is not for
In continuation of our last subtopic, there are a few checklists that may indicate that this dog breed isn’t suitable for you, and it is noted below:
- If you are an introverted person who hates being outdoors for a long time, you would have a problem keeping this dog.
- If you hate an aggressive and overly active dog, this breed is not for you.
- If you do not have enough time to dedicate to this dog, don’t bother keeping it.
- If you live in an apartment building where your neighbors live close to you, this dog may be a nuisance to them.
- Lastly, if you have other pets around, they will have difficulty coping with this dog due to its territorial nature.
Caring for a German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed
This dog species requires adequate attention from its owner due to its energetic nature. Allowing it to roam freely around the house on its own, without a human supervision can lead to some massive destruction of properties.
A minimum of one bath per month is required for this dog as too much bathing can cause dryness of its skin.
Their fur is usually thin, so they do not need too much grooming. Once a week will be just fine.
Since they have genes from notable hunting parents, it is advisable to take them for a walk daily, for at least 15 minutes. Running with them occasionally will also help release energy.
Signs That Your German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Is Sick or Stressed
Below are the common signs that your dog is sick or probably stressed.
Whining
When they are bored and need to go outside the house to play, this dog will whine continuously till it gets the required attention or a distraction comes along.
Pacing
If you observe that it keeps walking to and fro, it is an unmistakable expression of anxiety or stress. This will happen more frequently if the enclosure is too small and feels suffocated.
Lip-licking
Lip flicking or licking is another sure sign of stress in your dog. It will also do this when it is hungry or uncomfortable. You can also check their skin to see if there is anything that could be responsible for the discomfort.
Lowered-Ears
If you observe that your dog’s ears are hanging down, it is also another sign that something is wrong. It is anxious about something, and you can carefully find out what that is.
Barking
Like most dogs, the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed will bark at unfamiliar faces and when something strange is happening around. If yours is barking and none of these factors are responsible, then there is something bothering it that you need to find out.
Drooling
Drooling in dogs is most often a sign of anxiety or sickness. You should pay attention to know if it is drooling from anxiety. If your dog continues to droll for no obvious reason, it is time to take it to a vet.
Scratching
Scratching is usually a sign of infection; check the spot where the dog keeps scratching to determine if there is an injury or infection.
Tail-catching
This trait was inherited from their German Shepherd parents. They do this when they are bored or just anxious.
Excessive Activity
This is a powerful and active dog species, as we discussed earlier. If you notice excessive movement, drooling, and barking, you need to take the dog to a vet.
Final Thought about the German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed
This is a tall and hefty dog breed, but they are also very loyal and affectionate to their owners, so do not let their size intimidate you. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a reliable hunting dog used for hunting in Africa for many generations. If you are a lover of hunting, then you have found the right companion for your gaming adventures.
The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Breed won’t only help you chase after a game. It will also help you track their path. All you need to do is subject it to some training and you can be sure of a hunting buddy for up to 14 years. However, they are prone to some health conditions, so a regular visit at the vet, proper feeding, and giving appropriate vaccine will go a long way in ensuring that your dog leads a healthy life.
