Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 5, 2024

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Great Dane
Credit: wikimedia.org, Great Dane

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is a unique and intriguing breed. This cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Great Dane can make for a loyal and loving companion.

They typically weigh between 80-120 pounds and stand between 24-30 inches tall. Their short coats are often a mix of the Ridgeback's distinctive ridge and the Great Dane's short, smooth coat.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a great addition to active families. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix will be a very large dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback can weigh up to 88 pounds and reaches up to 27 inches tall.

Your mix will weigh anywhere between 70 to 100 pounds.

They will stand between 26 and 30 inches tall.

This impressive dog will be quite a sight to behold.

Dog Size

Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix will be a very large dog, weighing anywhere between 70 to 100 pounds.

The height of this impressive dog will be between 26 and 30 inches tall.

The Great Dane, one of the parent breeds, can weigh up to 200 pounds.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, the other parent breed, can weigh up to 88 pounds.

Coat Colors

Great Dane
Credit: wikimedia.org, Great Dane

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix comes in a variety of coat colors.

Most Great Ridgebacks have a wheaten or yellow-brown coat color, reminiscent of the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent.

Fawn is another common color, inherited from the Great Dane parent.

Black, white, and black and white coats are also seen in this mix.

Merle is another color variation that some Great Ridgebacks display.

Temperament & Traits

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is a loyal and loving companion that's perfect for families. They inherit the gentle, affectionate, and dignified temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, making them a great fit for families with older children.

These dogs are intelligent and intuitive, assimilating information easily with a strong leader. They're also highly perceptive and sensitive to people's energies, which can make them great with kids, but requires early interactions from puppyhood.

Their friendly nature, inherited from the Great Dane parent, combines easily with the even temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This hybrid dog is a great family companion that's loyal, loving, and protective of their owners and family.

Credit: youtube.com, Griggs- Rhodesian Ridgeback/Dane Mix- GDRST

However, their prey drive is high, which may not make them the most suitable companion for small dogs or cats. They may chase them down, so it's essential to socialize them early and consistently train them to behave around other pets.

Their size can be a concern, especially around small children, as they can unintentionally knock them over. But with proper training and socialization, they can be a fierce protector for their family, especially older children.

Overall, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is a wonderful fit for most families, but requires early socialization, consistent training, and a strong leader to thrive.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix looking and feeling its best, regular grooming is a must. A weekly brushing will get rid of loose hair and maintain your dog's skin and coat.

You should also brush your dog's teeth at least once a week to prevent plaque buildup.

Using pet-safe shampoo and wet wipes can keep their fur looking and smelling fresh, and it's best to start a grooming routine as early as possible to get your dog comfortable with being handled.

Grooming

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Grooming is a crucial part of caring for your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix. The good news is that their short coat requires minimal maintenance.

A weekly brushing will get rid of loose hair and maintain your dog's skin and coat. This simple habit will also give you quality time with your pet, strengthening your bond.

You should brush your dog's teeth at least once a week to prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental care is essential for your dog's overall health.

In between baths, use pet wet wipes to keep your dog's fur looking and smelling fresh. This will also make bath time less stressful for both you and your pet.

It's essential to check your pup's ears regularly for cleaning and ensure their nails don't get too long, as they can cause discomfort and pain if they are too long.

Feeding and Diet

Your Rhodesian Great Dane Mix needs high-quality dog food to stay happy and healthy, so ask your vet for a recommendation on the best dog food for your puppy or adult dog.

For your interest: Mix Dog Food Brands

Credit: youtube.com, Is it Safe to Feed Your Dog Human Food? 10 Cheap Ways To Improve Their Kibble Diet

A balanced diet is crucial for your dog's overall well-being, and your vet can help determine the best daily caloric requirements and portion sizes for your dog based on their age, health, metabolism, and activity levels.

Providing regular access to clean, fresh water is just as important as feeding your dog a nutritious diet, especially when they consume dry dog food and can get dehydrated without it.

Supplementing your dog's diet with probiotics and wild Alaskan salmon oil can promote coat and skin health, but consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet.

Generally, Rhodesian Great Danes require around 3 to 4½ cups of dry food daily, split into two meals, but this can vary depending on your dog's age, breed, and activity levels.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial for your Rhodesian Great Dane's physical and mental well-being. They need at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily, which can be a long walk, running, a game of fetch, or training.

Rhodesian Great Danes make excellent companions for running and hiking, but it's essential to avoid strenuous and high-impact exercise until they're two years old to prevent joint damage.

Their high energy levels mean they'll appreciate daily activities that challenge them physically and mentally.

Suitable Products

Fawnequin
Credit: wikimedia.org, Fawnequin

A Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a high-energy dog that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Interactive dog toys are a great way to keep them engaged and active.

These dogs love to chew, so durable chew toys are a must-have. The MidWest Folding Crate for large dogs is a great option for providing a safe space for them to relax.

A comfortable place to sleep is also essential for a happy and healthy dog. The Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed is a great choice for providing support and comfort.

A well-fitting collar and harness are also necessary for a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix, especially for those that are prone to pulling on the leash.

You might like: Maltese Mix Dogs

Health and Wellbeing

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is a unique and loving companion, but like all breeds, they're not immune to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is about 9 to 12 years.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common problems in large dog breeds, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix is no exception. These conditions can cause arthritis, pain, and mobility issues as the dog ages.

If this caught your attention, see: Irish Wolfhound Mix Breeds

Credit: youtube.com, 5yo Great Dane/Lab/Ridgeback Mix with Severe Anxiety (Nico) | Best Dog Trainers in Delaware

Regular vet checkups and vaccinations are crucial to detect any potential health issues early on. This will help ensure your dog lives a longer and happier life with love, care, and attention.

Some potential health issues to watch out for include bloat or GDV, epilepsy, and dilatative cardiomyopathy. These conditions can be serious, so it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Here are some common health issues affecting the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Bloat or GDV
  • Epilepsy
  • Dilatative cardiomyopathy

As with all large dog breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mix has a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds. However, with proper care and attention, they can still live a happy and fulfilling life.

Ownership and Costs

If you're considering getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix, be prepared for a significant upfront cost. The price of one of these puppies can vary from around $700 to $2000, depending on factors like the breeder, location, and quality of the puppy.

Be ready to pay a reasonable amount for a healthy puppy, as this is essential for a happy and healthy life with your new companion.

What Is Called?

Dog niemiecki profil
Credit: wikimedia.org, Dog niemiecki profil

If you're considering bringing home a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix, you'll want to know what to call this unique breed. A Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix is also known as a Great Ridgeback, Rhodesian Dane or Rhodesian Great Dane.

These names reflect the mix of breeds, with "Great Ridgeback" emphasizing the Ridgeback heritage and "Rhodesian Dane" highlighting the Dane influence.

Puppies for Sale

Visiting a litter of puppies for sale before making a decision will increase your chances of bringing home a quality puppy.

It's strongly recommended to do your homework before taking the plunge. You should go through reputable breeders first to ensure you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for puppy.

You'll be able to see the level of attention and care the pups receive, which is crucial for their health and development.

Your breeder may recommend a given puppy depending on your lifestyle and the puppy's disposition, giving you a good idea of how the puppy's personality will turn out.

Dog Ownership Costs

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Dog ownership costs can add up quickly, and it's essential to consider these expenses before bringing a new furry friend home.

The cost of a puppy can vary significantly, with a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix costing anywhere from $700 to $2000.

You'll also need to factor in ongoing expenses like food, which can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on the size and breed of your dog.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your dog's health, and these can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per visit.

Spaying or neutering your dog can also add to the initial cost, but it's a worthwhile investment in their health and behavior.

Overall, dog ownership costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on your dog's breed, size, and individual needs.

For First Time Owners?

As a first-time owner, you'll want to start with a puppy that's easy to train. Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mixes are known to be relatively easy to train, but consistency and patience are key.

Credit: youtube.com, A Guide to Owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog! | The AFRICAN LION Hunters!

They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still necessary. Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mixes are generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

With proper care, they can live up to 10-12 years. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet will help them reach their full potential.

Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around. A spacious living area or yard is a must for these gentle giants.

First-time owners should be prepared for the costs associated with owning a large breed dog. Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane mixes require more food and may need more frequent veterinary visits, which can add up quickly.

Heather Murphy

Writer

Heather Murphy is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in the world of pets. With a background in animal care, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making her articles informative and engaging. Heather's articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as pet treats and other related subjects.