Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Belgian Malinois. This could make for a very powerful dog that might be best for an experienced dog owner. Is it more like the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Belgian Malinois? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois 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.
Here are some pictures of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois 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. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Belgian Malinois History:
The Laekenois, the Groenendael, the Malinois and the TervurenIn Belgium are all four types of belgium herding dogs. The breeding of the actual Malinois can be traced back to a Shepherd called Janssens. It originated in the area around the city of Malines, Belgium, which is where it got its name. As well as being used as sheep dogs, and in sheep dog trials, they were also used as draught dogs, guard dogs and police dogs. In the early 20th century he was exported to other countries including America. After World War I many were brought back by servicemen. Recently there has been an increase again in importation because of their success in the military, search and rescue, police and drug detection.
They are often times mistaken or confused with the German Shepherd. They are an outstanding working dog, highly clever, protective, focused on their “pack,” sensitive and intense. They are extremely high energy with a very strong prey drive.
Rhodesian Ridgeback History:
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. This is a very noticeable distinguishing feature that makes it immediately obvious what type of dog it is. 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. They needed a tough, hardy dog that could go a long time without water and 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.
Awesome videos of Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix puppies
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix Size and Weight
Belgian Malinois
Height: 22-26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55-75 lb.
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 90 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix Personality
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that will have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. Both of these parent breeds have higher energy and a very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois 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. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with the Belgian Malinois might be prone to Cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
Both of these dogs have rather shorter hair and should be pretty easy to groom. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. 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. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. 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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Belgian Malinois 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.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.