Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix
The Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Great Dane and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This is very obviously going to make for a very large dog. The Great Dane is a very large, but is also a very friendly dog. The Ridgeback is more of an aggressive breed. Check out the videos on the site to see this dog in action. Depending on its temperament, this might be better for an experienced dog owner. This will probably make a good watchdog simply due to its size. Is it more like the Great Dane 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 Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.
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 Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane 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.
Great Dane History:
As early as the 14th–13th centuries BC, large boarhounds resembling the Rhodesian Ridgeback appear in ancient Greece in frescoes from Tiryns. For many subsequent centuries these large boarhounds continue to appear throughout ancient Greece. The Molossian hound, Suliot dog, and specific imports from Greece were used in the 18th century to increase the stature of the boarhounds in Austria and Germany and the wolfhounds in Ireland. Bigger dogs are depicted on numerous runestones in Scandinavia, on coinage in Denmark from the fifth century AD, and in the collection of Old Norse poems. The University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum holds at least seven skeletons of very large hunting dogs, dating from the fifth century BC to 1000 AD. Obviously very large dogs were a part of our history even thousands of years ago. In the mid of the 1500’s, central European nobility imported strong, long-legged dogs from England. These English dogs had descended from crossbreeds between English Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Since the beginning of the 1600’s, these dogs were bred in the courts of German nobility, completely outside of England.
The purpose of these extremely large dogs were to hunt bear, boar, and deer. The favorite dogs got to stay the night at the bedchambers of their lords. These so called chamber dogs were there to protect the princes while they slept from assassins.
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 Ridgeback.
Awesome videos of Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix puppies
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Size and Weight
Great Dane
Height: 28 - 34 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 100 - 200 lb.
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 90 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane 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 large mix. 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 Great Dane 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 Dalmatian mixed with the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be prone to: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Arthritis, Wobbler syndrome, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Hypothyroidism, Bloat.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Care
What are the grooming requirements?
This will probably be a more moderate shedder. 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?
This is a more moderate energy dog that will need that from an owner. Plan on exercising them daily to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. 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 Great Dane 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.