Just think about how great it would be to have a loyal, protective dog that is fun and willing to go on all sorts of adventures with you.
Well, here is some good news: we just described the world of Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes.
These incredible crossbreeds take everything great about the fearless spirit of the Ridgeback and combine it with unique traits from other breeds to create a lot of personality and charisma.
Whether you are an outdoorsy person in need of a never-tired hiking buddy or a family looking for a gentle giant with a heart of gold, there is bound to be some mixed breed here that will steal your heart and check your boxes.
So, let’s get into what makes Rhodesian Ridgebacks so interesting when they’re bred with other dogs because these hybrid hounds have been taking over doggie circles everywhere lately!
1. The Rhodesian Bernard
Meet this lovable big guy: The Rhodesian Bernard! A mix of two very different breeds – Saint Bernards and Rhodesian Ridgebacks!
This gentle giant has inherited the calmness typical of its Saint Bernard parent and its adventurous spirit from being part Ridgeback.
They make excellent pets because they are good-natured and get along well with children thanks to the patience and protectiveness instilled by their Ridgeback part!
Can you imagine anything better than having such an affectionate pal who likes snuggling up next to you when it gets cold outside just as much as climbing mountains together?
2. The Rhodesian Boxer
The energetic Boxer meets his match with a brave Rhodesian Ridgeback, creating an intelligent, lively blend known simply as The Rhodesian Boxer.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Boxer mix is full of intelligence and mischief waiting within every corner while still maintaining loyalty, which can always be expected from them without fail.
They’re great for active families that like to go outside and play a lot because they will keep up with you and keep you entertained!
Whether playing fetch in your backyard or going on long walks around town, these dogs are ready for action and never tire out.
3. The Rhodesian Boerboel
Rhodesian Boerboels are the perfect mix of protection and loyalty, where robustness meets watchfulness.
In this case, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred together with Boerboels, resulting in what can be best described as a powerhouse dog that is extremely caring towards its human family members while at the same time having some serious guarding instincts.
However, this dog still loves children dearly, especially when they are playful.
Imagine having a pet who would gladly sit guard over your property during the day but become cuddly at night due to fatigue caused by all those hours spent patrolling around perimeter fences.
4. The Rhodesian Collie
The Rhodesian Collie is a mix between two breeds that couldn’t be more different – the intelligent, graceful Border Collie and the tough Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Not only are these dogs beautiful to look at, but they’re also highly trainable and eager to please.
With their herding instincts from the Collie side and protectiveness coming courtesy of the Ridgeback genes, Rhodesian Collies excel in sports like agility courses or frisbee games.
This mix requires a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise, so active families would find them great companions for outdoor activities such as hiking trips where there’s a need for lots of running around.
5. The Rhodesian Dane
Rhodesian Dane is a crossbreed between the Great Dane and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
They combine the massive size and gentle nature of Great Danes and the athleticism and bravery of Ridgebacks.
These gentle giants are known for being affectionate and loyal. They do not harm children despite their enormous bodies; hence, they can be good family pets.
Apart from that, they enjoy lazing around the house and possess enough energy for long walks or outdoor activities due to their strong appearance and loving attitude, making them perfect for anyone looking for a protective, big-hearted friend who gives endless love.
6. The Rhodesian Beagle
Rhodesian Ridgeback x Beagle puppies are a fun, interesting mix. They are full of energy and have high intelligence.
They are friendly animals with an excellent sense of smell, which they inherit from Beagles. These dogs also possess protective instincts like Ridgebacks.
This breed can be great for your family if you love outdoor activities. They are playful and loving and do well with kids.
They make excellent adventure buddies because of their curious nature; you can take them for hikes in the woods or have an active day out at the park.
With a loving disposition and lively spirit, these hybrids will surely bring joy to your life! And to prove what a loving disposition Beagles have, you can read this heartwarming article.
7. The Rhodesian Doberman
The Rhodesian Doberman is an elegant and powerful crossbreed between the sleek Doberman Pinscher and the robust Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This breed is smart, active, and protective. Combining the intelligence of a Dobie with the fearlessness of a Ridgeback, these dogs excel in obedience training and agility competitions.
They are loyal to their large families and provide great companionship, but they can be guard dogs if necessary.
With their striking looks and cheerful personalities, they are best suited for energetic owners who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.
The Rhodesian Doberman offers brains and brawn; whether it’s keeping them as pets or using them in work such as police or military service – they will not disappoint!
8. The Rhodesian Cane Corso
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Cane Corso mix combines two strong breeds known for their loyalty and protectiveness.
These powerful yet affectionate dogs make them great family pets or guardians.
They have a fearless nature inherited from their parent breeds that enables this crossbreed to perform tasks requiring physical strength combined with gentlenesses, such as therapy work or search & rescue missions.
The adventurous spirit from the Rhodesian side will make it good with kids and other animals.
At the same time, Cane Corso’s instinct to protect would ensure the home’s safety against intruders or any other danger seen fit by the dog, even if not trained specifically for that purpose alone.
If you want a brave cuddle buddy who will never let anything happen close by the side at night, look no further than the cane corso rhodesian ridgeback mix!
9. The Rhodesian Labrador Retriever
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Labrador Retriever is a perfect blend between the friendly Lab and fearless Ridgie, making it an ideal choice for those looking for an all-around family dog that loves kids.
These dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playfulness; this makes them great around children and other pets.
They combine the friendly nature inherited from Lab with the protective instincts of Ridgeback, thus becoming loving friends one minute and then fierce protectors the next moment when the need arises.
For all you Lab lovers (I know there are quite a few of you here), check out the male Lab vs female Lab debate.
Rhodesian Labs are perfect companions if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or playing fetch since they have high energy levels plus affectionate personalities.
10. The Rhodesian Chihuahua
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Chihuahua mix is a unique combination of the bold Chihuahua and the brave Ridgeback. This designer breed is mostly small in size but has a big personality!
The doggies are loyal and protective, making them good companions for those who love having smaller furry friends with strong attachments towards the owner.
They love living life to the fullest every day, always active and ready to go on an adventure anytime, anywhere. These dogs are lively, affectionate, and intelligent, traits inherited from both parent breeds.
Like courage coming from Ridgeback and at the same time, spunkiness originates from the Chihuahua side – making it one interesting pet that will never bore you out, no matter what.
11. The Rhodesian Pit Bull
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Pit Bull mix brings together two powerful breeds known for their loyalty, courage, and loving nature – no surprise, these dogs make excellent pets!
This crossbreed combines strength with protective instincts, thus becoming a good guard dog and great family companion, which is why people often refer to them as “nanny” or “babysitter” dogs because they love children so much!
They are energetic and playful and would thrive well in active homes with always something going on.
If you decide to bring this mix home, you can read how to bathe your half bully puppy for some useful tips!
Their vibrant look will capture your attention whenever you see them walking down the street; owning one of these mixed breeds gives you the best world – tough love!
12. The Rhodesian Australian Shepherd
The Rhodesian Australian Shepherd is a delightful combination of the energetic Australian Shepherd and the fearless Rhodesian Ridgeback.
These dogs are smart and full of energy, making them a perfect match for an active family or someone involved in canine sports.
With its parents being bred for herding and protection, it’s no surprise that this hybrid excels at such activities when they are given the chance.
They need to be trained from an early age with lots of socialization around other animals to learn how to behave adequately in different situations.
Furthermore, these pups thrive on mental stimulation and physical exercise like agility training or playing fetch with their owner!
They also love kids, but it is always important to supervise their interaction because even though these dogs are very gentle by nature, sometimes they might accidentally hurt a child while playing rough due to their strength.
13. The Rhodesian German Shepherd
Let me introduce you to the German Shepherd x Rhodesian Ridgeback; when these two breeds are combined, they produce a powerful, intelligent, and always on-the-go large mix dog.
Can you imagine mixing the loyalty and intelligence of a German Shepherd with the courage and endurance of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
They will bring your slippers and chase away imaginary intruders who look noble and huge.
Most tend to have lean, muscled bodies like an athlete and a sense of adventure. These dogs are best suited for people who love outdoor activities such as hiking or even running, as they make good companions in such events.
They also have an eye-catching appearance and friendly yet protective behavior, sure to attract attention wherever they are taken.
Did you know that German Shepherd dogs come in 15 colors?
However, be prepared for some exercise because these fellows are active and always ready for action!
14. The Rhodesian Mastiff
The Rhodesian Ridgeback x Mastiff mix is incredible; it’s calm by nature but can become a defensive giant whenever needed.
This breed comes from crossing fearless hunting abilities found in Rhodesian Ridgebacks alongside large size plus protective temperament shown by Mastiffs.
You should picture huge dogs with muscles all over their bodies who can lie on your couch or stand guard outside your house at night.
These animals are known for being very loyal to humans and having quite stable characters, making them a good choice for family pets.
They might look scary due to their enormous sizes, but deep inside, most, if not all, are softhearted big babies who would rather cuddle up close next to their favorite person than anything else.
Moreover, when it comes down to bravery levels, these guys aren’t short of it either – nothing will pass through them without getting hurt, if necessary, to protect members within its pack.
15. The Rhodesian Husky
Just imagine a dog that could run nonstop for miles and look similar to a wolf – that’s exactly what the Rhodesian Ridgeback x Husky mix is all about.
So when you bring together the spirited nature plus eye-catching features possessed by Siberian Huskies, then combine them with stamina as well as hunting skills shown by Rhodesian Ridgebacks, what comes out is these adventure-seeking canines who never get tired of running around, hiking, or even playing fetch for long periods.
These dogs are not a good fit for a newbie owner, as they have such thick fur and boundless energy levels. They would do better in colder regions where people have active lifestyles, too.
Besides this, they also tend to be quite vocal thanks to their Husky genes; thus, don’t be shocked if one day the dog starts “talking” about how the day went before you know it.
If you are a Husky fan, we have something for you! Check out all the Husky colors.
This mixture suits anyone who desires a bit of wildness and plenty of energy from his/her furry friend.
16. The Rhodesian Afghan Hound
If there was ever a supermodel breed among dogs, it must be the Rhodesian Ridgeback x Afghan hound mix!
Just think of combining elegance and grace found in Afghans alongside the strength plus agility exhibited by Rhodesians; no wonder these animals can sprint like cheetahs while appearing as if they have just walked off some fashion show ramp.
When you see them standing still, their silky, flowing coats and proud bearing will make any other dog pale insignificantly next to them.
But don’t let their glamorous looks fool you – they’ve got the heart of a lion and the endurance to match.
Anyone who appreciates beauty and athleticism should consider getting one such pet; however, keeping one will require plenty of exercise and special care during grooming.
Ultimately, what you get back in terms of companionship is worth every effort spent on their care.
17. The Rhodesian Golden Retriever
Last but most important is a Rhodesian Ridgeback x Golden Retriever mix, which is as loving as it’s loyal.
This combination brings together the friendly and affectionate nature of Golden Retrievers with the courage and athleticism of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, resulting in dogs that are always ready for cuddles or games of fetch while looking incredibly cute doing so.
They get along well with other pets and children because they have inherited those genes from Golden Retrievers; moreover, these animals are intelligent and willing, which makes training them fun for everyone involved.
This crossbreed covers everything if you need someone to run with, play around with your kids all day, or keep warm during winter nights.
They are active dogs who are moderate shedders with a strong prey drive
Health Concerns For Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes
The bigger-than-life personalities of Rhodesian Ridgeback mix breeds are only matched by their need for proper health care.
These grand mutts often have robust health that comes from the Ridgeback side, but there are some health issues we need to keep an eye on if we want them to live their best lives.
Let us talk about hips first – like many large breeds, Rhodesians can be prone to hip dysplasia, where joints do not fit together perfectly because they’re such strong animals.
Maintaining an appropriate weight range will help ensure this does not become a problem, and providing joint supplements would keep those hips mobile.
Secondly, although these short-coat beauties may seem easily manageable due to their coat type (which should be brushed regularly), it is worth noting that some may have sensitive skin, hence requiring more frequent checks should any significant issues arise, such as hot spots or allergies.
Also, remember, sunscreen isn’t just for people – dogs with shorter coats can still get sunburnt!
Bloat! Gastric torsion or bloat is another thing one needs to watch out for, especially when dealing with deep-chested breeds like Ridgebacks; therefore, smaller meals frequently given together with refraining from intense activities immediately post-feeding will go a long way in preventing this serious condition.
Lastly, ears – since some hybrids may inherit droopy cute ear sets, they are likely to get infections; therefore, ensure regular cleaning and veterinary checkups so that those lovely floppy things remain healthy throughout their lives.
To Sum It All Up
As we wind down this fast-paced tour around various kinds of Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes, one fact becomes clear: these animals are superheroes among canines.
Whether you’re dealing with a Rhodesian Mastiff who thinks he’s a lapdog or a Rhodesian Husky who insists on having the last word in every “conversation,” life with these majestic mutts is never dull.
Imagine coming home to your Ridgeback-Golden Retriever, who greets you with the enthusiasm of a thousand suns, only to be outdone by the Ridgeback-Afghan Hound prancing around like the runway model they believe they are.
It’s a circus of love, loyalty, and laughter.
Suppose you are prepared for whirlwind energy and an extremely high activity level.
In that case, the Rhodesian Ridgeback mix might fit your bill perfectly because it will keep you laughing until your sides hurt and make sure your heart bursts forth with happiness beyond expectation.
Remember that these dogs are not simply pets; they’re fuzzy loved ones with personalities as large as their paws.
Therefore, buckle up, grab the lead, and prepare for the adventure of your life.
Because with a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, each day is a new installment in your legendary tail-wagging story.
Nandina has been a lifelong dog owner and enthusiast. She shared her home with multiple breeds, including Giant Schnauzers, Cane Corsos, and Huskies. Currently, she is raising a three-year-old rescue and a working-line German Shepherd puppy.
Actively engaged in IGP dog sports for two years, Nandina is a certified instructor for basic obedience and socialization. She works as a trainer in her local dog sports club, and in her spare time, she handicrafts biothane gear for dogs.