16 Different Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes (With Pictures)

Rhodesian Ridgebacks: The Versatile Breed Behind Some Amazing Mixes

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a striking and unique purebred dog originally developed in southern Africa to hunt large game like lions. They are known for the characteristic ridge of hair running in the opposite direction along their spine. Though no longer used much for hunting, Ridgebacks have gained popularity worldwide as intelligent, loyal, and protective family companions.

Weighing 70-85 pounds and standing 24-27 inches tall, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is an impressive athlete with a sleek, muscular body built for speed and endurance. They have a short, dense coat that is typically wheaten to red in color and very low maintenance in terms of grooming needs. Their calm, confident demeanor, trainability, and even temperament have made them an appealing choice for crossbreeding in recent years.

By mixing Rhodesian Ridgebacks with other purebreds, breeders aim to create dogs that combine some of the best qualities of both parent breeds in terms of looks, personality, and abilities. Of course, the traits of mixed breed dogs can be somewhat less predictable compared to purebreds. But for owners who do their research and choose their breeder carefully, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix can be a wonderful canine companion. Let‘s meet some of the most interesting and popular Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes out there today.

1. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Boxer = Boxback or Ridgeboxer

The Ridgeback/Boxer mix is athletic, energetic, and intelligent with a sleek, muscular body and short, low-shedding coat. Boxbacks tend to be somewhat smaller and more solidly built than purebred Rhodesian Ridgebacks, usually weighing 50-80 pounds. Their coats may be fawn, brindle, or brown in color.

As a mix of two courageous and protective breeds, Boxbacks need plenty of early socialization and consistent training to channel their guarding instincts appropriately. Boxers tend to be a bit goofier and more excitable than the usually calm Ridgeback, so this mix may not have quite the dignified reserve of a purebred Rhodesian.

Boxbacks need plenty of daily exercise and can excel in activities like obedience, agility, search and rescue, and detection work. They are people-oriented and make loyal, fun-loving family dogs for active households. Their short coats are very easy to maintain with just occasional brushing.

2. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Labrador Retriever = Rhodesian Labrador or Ridgador

Labs and Ridgebacks are both athletic, trainable dogs with even temperaments, so it‘s no surprise that this pairing can produce some wonderful mixed breed companions. Ridgadors usually weigh 55-90 pounds with a strong, substantial build. Their coats are short and dense, and may be yellow, chocolate, black, or red in color.

The Lab influence tends to make this mix a bit friendlier and more eager to please than the somewhat aloof Rhodesian Ridgeback. Most Ridgadors enjoy the company of people and other dogs, and are patient, gentle companions for respectful children. Firm, positive training is still important to bring out the best in these intelligent dogs.

This energetic mix needs ample daily exercise through walks, jogs, hikes, swimming, fetching, and/or dog sports. They can adapt to various living situations but are usually too large and active for small spaces. Ridgadors have moderate grooming requirements and tend to shed quite a bit.

3. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Weimaraner = Rhodesian Weimaraner or Ridgemaraner

The Rhodesian Weimaraner combines two elegant, athletic hunting breeds known for their striking good looks. This mix typically stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs 65-90 pounds, with a sleek, muscular body and noble bearing. The coat is short and smooth in shades of silver-gray, sometimes with the signature Ridgeback stripe.

Both parent breeds have strong prey drive and can be somewhat independent, so the Ridgemaraner is not a good choice for novice owners. Diligent training and socialization from an early age are crucial, as is providing a outlet for this mix‘s high intelligence and considerable exercise needs. Ridgemaraners can adapt well to performance events, field work, search and rescue, and more.

At home, Ridgemaraners are typically gentle, affectionate companions who bond closely with their people. They may have a stubborn streak and are not a good fit for homes with small pets due to their hunting heritage. The sleek coat is low maintenance, needing just occasional brushing.

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Bloodhound = Rhodesian Bloodhound

For a mix with unparalleled scenting abilities, look no further than the Rhodesian Bloodhound. This powerful cross combines the muscular, athletic build of the Ridgeback with some of the wrinkled, loose skin of the Bloodhound, particularly around the head and neck. A Bloodhound‘s long ears and mournful expression may also make an appearance. Rhodesian Bloodhounds usually weigh 80-115 pounds and have a short to medium-length coat in tan, red, or black and tan.

The Bloodhound‘s extraordinary sense of smell is dominant, so this mix will have a very strong desire to follow interesting scents. Recall training is a must to keep these dogs from taking off after a trail. Rhodesian Bloodhounds also need a good deal of exercise and can excel in tracking, detection, and search and rescue work.

At home, this mix is typically gentle, patient, and tolerant, bonding closely with family. They tend to be quite social dogs but their size and strength may be overwhelming for small children. The Bloodhound influence means more grooming requirements than a purebred Ridgeback, and drool is to be expected.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback x German Shepherd = Rhodesian Shepherd or RidgeGSD

German Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are both working breeds known for their courage, trainability, and protective instincts. The Rhodesian Shepherd is usually a large, muscular dog weighing 65-95 pounds with a short to medium-length coat, often in shades of tan, red, or black and tan. Ridgeback mixes may have the characteristic ridge of backwards-growing hair along the spine.

This mix tends to be reserved with strangers and has strong territorial and guarding instincts. Extensive socialization and firm, consistent training from puppyhood are essential to create a stable, reliable companion. Ridgebacks tend to be less eager to please and more independent than people-oriented German Shepherds, so this mix may have a stubborn streak.

Rhodesian Shepherds need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through long walks, vigorous play, puzzle toys, learning tricks, and/or training for dog sports. They can excel in a variety of roles with the right handler. This mix has moderate to high shedding and grooming requirements.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Doberman Pinscher = Rhodesian Pinscher

The Rhodesian Pinscher combines two sleek, powerful, courageous working breeds known for their loyalty and protective nature. This mix typically stands 24-28 inches tall and weighs 65-90 pounds, with a muscular, athletic build. The coat is short and smooth, usually in shades of red, fawn, or black and rust.

As a cross of two guarding breeds, Rhodesian Pinschers need extensive socialization and firm, consistent training from an early age. They tend to be aloof with strangers and highly protective of family, so it‘s critical to provide guidance and structure to channel these instincts properly. Rhodesian Pinschers bond very deeply with their people and need plenty of companionship.

A securely fenced yard is a must for this active mix, as are long daily walks and mentally stimulating play sessions or training. Rhodesian Pinschers may be too large and rambunctious for very young children, and they have a strong prey drive so they are not a good fit for homes with small pets. Grooming requirements are minimal.

With structure, guidance and proper outlets for their energy and intelligence, Rhodesian Pinschers are loyal, courageous companions and protectors. This is not a good choice for novice owners, but they can be wonderful partners for experienced, active dog handlers.

7. Rhodesian Ridgeback x Bullmastiff = Ridgemastiff

The imposing Ridgemastiff combines the power and size of a Bullmastiff with the athleticism and courage of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. These muscular, substantial dogs usually weigh 100-140 pounds and have a large, blocky head, pendant ears, and a short, dense coat in shades of fawn, red, or brindle. Some may inherit the Ridgeback‘s distinctive spine ridge.

Both parent breeds have a history as fearless guardians, so Ridgemastiffs need a confident, consistent owner who will put in the time and effort to socialize and train them properly. This mix tends to be suspicious of strangers and highly devoted to family, with strong protective instincts. They need firm boundaries and guidance from an early age.

Though they are not extremely high energy, Ridgemastiffs still need moderate daily exercise and opportunities to use their considerable strength. A large, securely fenced yard is ideal. This giant mix is not suited to small spaces or first-time owners. Grooming requirements are relatively low, but they do tend to drool.

With responsible training and care, Ridgemastiffs are calm, confident protectors with an imposing presence. They are best suited to homes with plenty of space and experienced owners committed to providing the structure and socialization they need.

In conclusion, Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes can be wonderful companions for the right homes. These dogs tend to be intelligent, loyal, athletic, and protective, with moderate to high exercise requirements. Due to their size and guarding heritage, most need diligent socialization and training from an experienced owner. Grooming requirements vary depending on the mix but are typically lower than many other large breeds.

If a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix sounds like a good fit for your lifestyle, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable breeder who performs health testing on the parent dogs. Meet the parents if possible to get a sense of temperament, and ask about health certifications. Avoid high-volume breeders and pet stores, as these sources are less likely to prioritize health and temperament.

With some of the wonderful Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes available today, you are likely to find a unique, loyal, loving canine companion to share your life with. Just be sure that you can provide the training, socialization, exercise and care that these special dogs require to thrive.