Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Labrador Retriever. It is also known as a Rhodesian Labrador. This is the combination of the more loyal and aggressive minded Ridgeback and the even-keeled Labrador. This makes a great family pet. All dogs need proper socialization and training to help equip them for life. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the black lab, yellow lab, or chocolate lab.
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 Lab Mix puppy, if they have any Rhodesian Labrador puppies for sale.
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Here are some pictures of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador 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.
Labrador Retriever History:
The Labrador Retriever has consistently ranked as the most popular purebred dog in the United States and the United Kingdom for more than 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club. They make great family pets as well as a companion, show dog, hunting dog, canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog, and therapy dog. They are very active dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation. When they start to become bored and destructive is when they miss their exercise.
People who research this stuff have a couple of different theories about how the breed came to be called the Labrador. The first is that it was borrowed from the Spanish word for laborer — labrador — which is certainly a fitting description. The second is that it is related to the dogs that accompanied Portuguese fishermen who trawled the Grand Banks off the coast of Labrador and its neighbor Newfoundland. The British who visited Newfoundland appreciated the dogs’ abilities - swimmer, easygoing, hard worker, and brought them back to England. They then made their way back to North America in the early 1900’s. American sportsmen who admired their positive traits brought them back over.
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 Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador puppies
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador Size and Weight
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 90 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
LAB
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 79 lb.
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador Personality
Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador Temperament
Rhodesian Labradors are known for being very loyal and close to their families. Both parent breeds have these characteristics and the hybrid is no different. Anyone who has ever even been around a Lab knows that they are extremely affectionate and kind natured. Their hybrid offspring should behave no differently.This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. 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 Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador 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 Chocolate lab mixed with the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive skin allergies and other common ailments.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador Care
What are the grooming requirements?
The combination of these different types of breeds should really make a moderate shedder. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has very short hair and really doesn’t shed all that much. The Lab is a heavy shedder that sheds like crazy. 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?
This is a moderate energy dog that will need that from an owner. Both parent breeds are hunting dogs that are bred to run and retrieve all day. The Rhodesian Ridgeback will probably offset some of the Lab’s higher energy level, but exercise is good for all dogs and this won’t be good for a couch potato. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. 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 extremely intelligent dog that will be easy to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. 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 Lab Mix - Rhodesian Labrador 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.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.