Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

The Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Bulldog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Bulldog is known for being docile, willful, and friendly. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Bulldog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppies for sale.

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Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Bulldog History

There are actually a number of breeds that go by the name Bulldog, and all of them are sturdily built, wrinkly-faced canines, mostly living out their lives as family pets. This blog concerns itself with the English and American bulldogs, but there are also the Leavitt Bulldog, Old English Bulldogge, and French Bulldog. The English breed’s nose has a more noticeably “pushed-in” appearance than that of his American cousin. The English Bulldog remains the better known of the two. The AKC has yet to formally recognize the American Bulldog. Both breeds are described as affable, hardworking dogs that can do almost anything, from hunting large and small game to guarding and enjoying time with their families.
Literature of old describes the appearance of the first Bulldog around 1500. The first occurrence with the present spelling was seen in 1631 or 1632.

Sadly, these early Bulldogs have “bull” in their names because some of them were used for dogfighting. The name of the sport as it applied to Bulldogs was “bull-baiting.” In a match, crowds would pick a dog on which to wager. Then, one by one, dogs would be set atop a tethered bull. By throwing, goring or trampling the helpless dog, bulls killed many a Bulldog for human entertainment. Fortunately, the sport’s popularity peaked around 1800, and by 1835 it had been banned outright under Britain’s Cruelty to Animals Act.

The American Bulldog’s history has a different trajectory. He generally joined his immigrant owners in coming to the U.S. in the 1800s. He was a working dog and became highly prized in the southern states for his ability to track and hold feral hogs.

As happened to too many dogs, the American breed neared extinction after World War II, with most live specimens dwelling in the southeastern U.S. John D. Johnson, of Summerville, GA, made it his mission to restore the breed and did so by rounding up and breeding the best specimens he could find.

The AKC rated the Bulldog as the fourth most popular dog in the U.S. in 2015.

Rhodesian Ridgeback History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very noticeable and distinguishable ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. This ridge of hair makes it very obvious what breed you are looking at. This ridge of hair is usually about 2 inches in width at its widest point and runs right along the spine, you can’t miss it. It is believed to originate from the dog used by the original African dog population which had a similar ridge. It is sometimes referred to as the African Lion Hound, is a native of South Africa bred by the Boer farmers to fill their specific need for a serviceable hunting dog in the wilds. These Boer farmers Tey needed a tough, hardy dog that could go a long time without water. They also needed it to have a coat that could withstand the tough terrain. Immigrants to South Africa in the 16th and 17th centuries brought with them Danes, Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, Terriers and other breeds that they interbred with the local dog to make the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Size and Weight

Bulldog
Height: 12 - 16 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 10 years

Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 90 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Personality

The Bulldog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Bulldog mixed with the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be prone to joint dysplasia, overheating, respiratory problems, skin allergies, cherry eye, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Bulldog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in