Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

The Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Icelandic Sheepdog is known for being cheerful, hardy, and agile. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Icelandic Sheepdog History

The Icelandic Sheep Dog (Icie and Icelandic Spitz are common nicknames) is an interesting breed. First, it has two dewclaws on its back legs. Second, it is a herding breed but was also bred to protect flocks of sheep from birds of prey! Apparently the modern dog still likes to monitor the sky for aerial predators. They are a very ancient breed of dog that were companions to the vikings and are thought to be nearly 8,000 years old. They obviously thrive in colder climates and do well with experienced owners. They are a herding breed but are also an all around good watch and working dog. They enjoy being around family.

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.

Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Size and Weight

Icelandic Sheepdog
Height: 17 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 30 lb.
Lifespan: 12 years

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

Icelandic Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Personality

The Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog mixed with the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be prone to joint dysplasia, patellar luxation, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Icelandic Sheepdog 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."

Icelandic Sheepdog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in