The Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix is a medium to large-sized dog that is produced when a Rhodesian Ridgeback is mixed with a Doberman Pinscher.
The resultant mix is a sturdy and sleek dog that takes after the bravery and protective instincts of both parent breeds, making for an excellent watchdog and guard dog.
In this in-depth guide to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix, we’ll explore this designer dog breed’s characteristics, temperament, exercise needs, health issues, lifespan, and whether he makes a good family pet.
Let’s get started with a brief breed overview of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix A.K.A the Rhodesian Doberman.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About The Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Doberman and Rhodesian Ridgeback) |
| Size: | Medium to Large-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Rhodesian Doberman, Doberman Rodgeback, Doberidgeback |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 60 to 85 pounds |
| Average Height: | 24 to 28 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 13 years |
| Apartment Living: | No, this medium to large-sized dog requires a spacious backyard and plenty of exercises to thrive |
| Ideal for: | Active families with older children, Individuals without small pets, Anyone with the time to give them enough exercises daily, Homeowners with a large, fenced-in yard, People in need of a watchdog/ guard dog, Experienced dog owners |
| Coat: | Short, Dense, Sleek and Glossy in appearance with Low to Moderate Shedding |
| Coat colors: | Black, Tan, Dark Brown, Wheaten |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Training: | Quite easy, but be sure to start early to prevent stubbornness |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not suitable for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Weekly Brushing (brush them more often during the shedding season) |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | Two or more hours of exercise every day is ideal for them to prevent antisocial and destructive behaviors |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, when properly exercised, they can be fine staying alone for 5 to 6 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 or 3 meals. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level |
| Maintenance: | Low-maintenance in terms of grooming. However, they are energetic and require a lot of exercise |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Problems, Von Willebrand’s Disease (a clotting disorder), Heart Problems, Deafness |
| Temperament: | Energetic, Loyal, Affectionate, Protective, Smart, Alert, and Strong-willed |
| Cat Friendly: | Only if the two pets were raised together and socialized early enough (Both parent breeds have high prey drive) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, With Proper Socialization and training Only (The Ridgeback parent sometimes exhibit same-sex agression toward other dogs) |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, (Early Socialization Is Required) (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Barking Tendencies: | Low to Moderate (they bark out of protective instinct, boredom, or insufficient training) |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Price: | Average $1000 – $2000 USD |
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Now let’s take a closer look at the Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix for everything you need to know about this Rhodesian Doberman cross.
What Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix?
The Rhodesian Doberman is a cross between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Doberman Pinscher. Also known as the Doberidgeback, this designer dog was first created in the United States in the 1970s.
The Doberidgeback is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any other major kennel club. However, there are certain breed-specific organizations that have already recognized this hybrid dog, including the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Before we discuss the physical characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix, let’s first take a brief look at the history and traits of both parent breeds.
The History of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred in Southern Africa where it was commonly used as a guard dog, hunting dog, and herding dog.
The very first Ridgies were bred by combining the domestic Khoikhoi dog with big dogs brought from around Europe. These included Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, Dobermans, and Greyhounds.
Today, these African Hound dogs make great family companions and are not commonly used to hunting lions as was the case before.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active and energetic dogs that enjoy playtime with their owners. They are not couch potatoes, so if you cannot give them enough exercises, you should consider choosing a different breed.
The History of the Doberman
The Doberman was originally bred in Germany in the 1880’s by a man named Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. The aim was to develop a dog with great strength, endurance, and intelligence.
Another man named Otto Goeller is credited with creating the National Doberman Pinscher Club, which perfected the breed.
Several breeds contributed to the development of the Doberman, including the German Shepherd, Weimaraner, German Pinscher, Rottweiler, and the Beauceron.
What Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Look Like?
The general appearance of a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix will vary depending on which parent’s genes are dominant.
Most Doberman Rhodesian Ridgebacks resemble Dobermans more than Ridgebacks. Others look like the Rhodesian Ridgeback more than the Doberman.
Depending on the dominant gene, the hybrid pup may have short ears that are folded or set at an angle like the Rhodesian Ridgeback or folded ears like the Doberman. Either way, he will be very cute.
Your Doberman Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix may also inherit the unique ridge of the Ridgie parent.
Some will have a broad head and a broad muzzle like the Ridgeback while others will resemble the Doberman parent more.
How Big Does A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Get?
The Rhodesian Doberman weighs anywhere between 60 and 85 pounds and stands between 24 and 28 inches tall at maturity. This makes this hybrid a medium to large-sized dog when fully grown.
Coat and Coat Colors
Firstly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix has two hair types: a soft undercoat, and a thick, outer layer of rough hair.
While both Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Dobermans have a short coat, their coat colors are different.
For example, the Rhodesian Ridgeback comes in colors ranging from light wheaten to red wheaten. On the other hand, Dobermans come in black, blue, red or fawn, with rust-colored markings all over the body. Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix may inherit any of these traits.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
The Rhodesian Doberman is a mix between two popular pure breeds: the Doberman Pinscher and the Rhodesain Ridgeback. Each parent has its own unique traits, and when the two breeds mix, the outcome is a pooch with an even more unique personality.
Dobermans are known for being intelligent, loyal, and protective, while Ridgies tend to be independent and strong-willed.
This means that you can expect your Rhodesian Doberman Mix to be both loyal and protective. You can also expect this dog to be quite independent just like the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent.
However, the personality traits of the Rhodesian Doberman can vary based on which parent breed is more dominant.
That said, you can expect all puppies of this mixed breed dog to be alert, intelligent, and keen to please.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Protective?
The Rhodesian Doberman makes a loyal guard dog and watchdog, especially with proper training and socialization.
Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Child-Friendly?
The Rhodesian Doberman is very popular among families with older children. This mix is known to be loving, loyal, and protective.
However, this breed may not be a good choice for everyone. Some of the factors families with children need to consider before getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix include the dog’s size, energy, and training requirements.
The most important thing to do is to supervise small kids around your Rhodesian Doberman to ensure they interact well without hurting each other.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Good For First-Time Owners?
No. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need an experienced owner. This dog is not the best choice for first time owners because of their massive size, high energy, and training requirements.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Good with Other Dogs?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is very intelligent and makes a great guard dog. However, he can be aggressive toward other pets and animals if not well socialized.
So, whether your Rhodesian Doberman will get along with other dogs will depend on the particular dog and his living conditions.
Generally speaking, these dogs get along well with other dogs if they have been raised together from puppyhood.
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Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
The predatory instincts of the Ridgie parent can occur in the Rhodesian Doberman, so supervise your mixed breed dog when around small animals like cats and other household pets.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
Rhodesian Dobermans are not the best dogs for apartment living, These hybrid dogs need a large, fenced-in yard where they can explore, run, and play around.
Exercise Needs
With this dog’s massive size, you can expect them to be highly energetic. Therefore, your Rhodesian Doberman will require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation each day to stay happy and healthy.
This hybrid dog is not for inactive or lazy owners because they require at least 120 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. Without enough exercise, these dogs can become bored and destructive.
The Rhodesian Doberman is best suited to active owners who enjoy spending their time outdoors. They do best in homes where they can be involved in a variety of activities, including:
- Walking
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Agility
Due to this hybrid dog’s intelligence, fun and interactive dog toys like kongs and food puzzles are a great way to keep your dog’s mind occupied and engaged.
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Training
Although the Rhodesian Doberman is intelligent and quite easy to train, he can also be stubborn. Therefore, potential owners should know the training requirements of their new dogs to ensure they end up with a well-mannered family pet.
Potential owners should be firm and consistent during training. These dogs respond well to verbal praise, treats, and other positive reinforcement techniques.
Housetraining your Rhodesian Doberman may be tricky, but starting early will help make the process easier.
Obedience training is also important for this large-sized dog. You should also start this process early because puppies are much easier to handle than full grown dogs.
Also, make sure to introduce your Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix to other pets and dogs as early as possible. Early socialization will help make your dog less aggressive and more friendly toward people and other animals.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Shed a Lot?
The Doberman Ridgeback has a short coat and sheds moderately all year round. So if you want an active dog that’s easy to maintain, the Doberman Ridgeback is a good choice.
Grooming
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix is a relatively low-maintenance dog and doesn’t require a lot of grooming. However, be wary of their shedding tendency and brush them regularly as recommended.
Since the Doberman Ridgeback sheds year-round, you should brush their coat more regularly during the heavy shedding seasons.
You should not bathe your Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix too frequently. It’s recommended to bathe them just once per month and use these vet-approved deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep up with their overall hygiene.
Although the Rhodesian Doberman has a low-maintenance coat, you should clean their ears regularly. It’s important to remove dirt and debris from their ears to prevent wax buildup and ear infections.
You also want to trim their nails from time to time to prevent discomfort during walks.
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Feeding and Diet
Doberman Ridgebacks are great hunters while their Doberman parentage makes them muscular and athletic. Therefore, they require a high-protein diet to help maintain muscle mass. You can help them achieve this by feeding them high-quality dog food that’s formulated for large dog breeds.
Rhodesian Dobermans require a minimum of 2½ cups of dog food every day. For highly active pups, you can increase this amount to three cups.
It’s also recommended to choose dog food containing glucosamine since these dogs are prone to joint and hip problems.
It’s also a good idea to supplement your pup’s diet with quality supplements like Wild Alaskan salmon oil and probiotics, which are known to boost skin and coat health.
Last but not least, be sure to provide your Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix with fresh water. If you’re feeding them dry dog food, they can easily become dehydrated without drinking water.
Doberman Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Health Issues
Since the Doberman Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a hybrid dog, they benefit from hybrid vigor. That means that these designer dogs are less likely to experience most genetic health problems.
However, potential owners of this mix should watch out for the following health issues because they are common among both Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Dobermans:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
If you’re interested in knowing what health problems your dog may be prone to, ask your breeder or vet.
Alternatively, you can find out by using a reliable dog DNA test. The DNA test allows you to find out the dog breed and identify any health problems your new dog may be susceptible to.
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How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Live?
The average lifespan of a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix is around 10 to 13 years.
With proper care and attention, your Doberman Ridgeback can enjoy a long and happy life.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Puppies for Sale
Some Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix owners opt to purchase their puppies from unethical breeders due to their low prices. Nonetheless, this could backfire in more ways than one. We strongly recommend that you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder to take home a healthy Rhodesian Doberman Mix puppy.
If you’re interested in Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix puppies for sale, you should search for a reputable breeder who carries out periodic genetic tests. That way, your new Doberman Ridgeback puppy won’t have any genetic conditions.
You can also find healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix puppies for sale from responsible Rhodesian Ridgeback and Doberman breeders.
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How Much Does A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Cost?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix price can vary considerably, just like their traits. You can find a healthy Rhodesian Doberman puppy anywhere between $1000 and $2000.
The price will vary based on factors such as the puppy’s characteristics, breeder’s experience, and whether the puppy has undergone health testing or not.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix For Adoption
Another affordable way to get a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix is by searching at rescue centers or animal shelters that are open to rescue dogs.
You should prepare to be interviewed by the rescue staff because they want to ensure their pup’s overall health and wellbeing after releasing it to you.
Good rescue centers will make as many background checks on potential owners as possible.
Suitable Products and Accessories for a Rhodesian Dane
The intelligent Rhodesian Doberman Mix requires mental stimulation, so we recommend getting him valuable and interactive dog toys.
We also recommend getting them high-quality and durable dog products like the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed and the MidWest Folding Crate for large dogs, which are both designed to keep these large dogs safe, comfy, happy, and healthy.
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FAQs
Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes. Both Dobermans and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are adorable family pets, so the Rhodesian Doberman Mix should also be a great family dog.
They are playful and affectionate, and they also get along fine with children. They are also loyal and protective of their owners and families, which makes them good watchdogs and guard dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Rhodesian Doberman Mixes are low-maintenance dogs because they have a short coat. Generally, they don’t need a lot of grooming. All you need to do is to brush their coat on a weekly basis.
Can Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
The Rhodesian Doberman is a high-energy dog that requires plenty of exercises every day. These active dogs need at least 120 minutes of exercise each day, so they don’t tolerate being left alone. Otherwise, they can become bored and develop destructive behaviors.
How Long Can A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Be Left Alone?
While Rhodesian Dobermans don’t like being left alone, they can adjust to staying alone for a maximum of 6 hours each day. However, if you leave them alone for too long, they can become destructive.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes are not hypoallergenic. Even though they shed moderately year-round, they are not hypoallergenic. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with allergies.
Are Doberman Rhodesian Ridgebacks Lazy?
No. Doberman Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very energetic dogs and need regular exercises. This means they are far from being couch potatoes.
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Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Bark A Lot?
Well, this will depend on the individual dog. Remember, both Doberman Pinschers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are relatively quiet breeds. Although they don’t bark much, they can bark when hungry or excited.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Hard to Train?
Rhodesian Dobermans are smart and eager to learn. This makes them excellent candidates for puppy training.
Nonetheless, they can develop a stubborn streak, so start training your puppy as early as possible.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Despite their large size, these dogs love cuddling. They like staying near their owners just like the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent.
Are Doberman Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive?
One common fear about Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mixes is that they can be aggressive. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
With proper training and early socialization, any aggressive behaviors can be nipped in the bud.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Dogs Smart?
Yes. Smart, confident, and happy, Rhodesian Dobermans enjoy pleasing their masters, but some can be stubborn. This makes these mixes perfect for experienced dog owners.
Can Doberman Rhodesian Ridgebacks Be off Leash?
When walking your Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix in the dog park, make sure to use a leash to keep them calm. Low-flying birds and smaller animals can trigger their protective instincts and natural prey drive, so they might bark and chase after the animals.
What Are Some Negatives About Rhodesian Ridgeback Dobermans?
- They can be stubborn
- They require a lot of exercise
- They are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia
- Not suitable for first-time dog owners
- Require firm and consistent training from a young age
- Not good for families with small pets
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Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix Right for You?
Before bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback Doberman Mix home, make sure you have enough space for this large-sized dog.
Although they make excellent family dogs, they might not be the best choice for first-time owners since they do well with experienced and knowledgeable owners.
Also, keep in mind that these dogs do not tolerate being alone, so they are ideal for homes where there will be someone to take care of them at all times.
Other Doberman Mixes
Love Dobermans but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Doberman mix breed dogs.
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