The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix, or simply Great Ridgeback or Rhodesian Dane, is a large and powerful dog with an athletic appearance.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix is undeniably a good-looking dog that you may consider adopting. But what is the proper care for this incredible dog and what else should you know before getting one?
There are many things you need to know about the interesting Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix. For instance, can you offer the best living conditions that they need? Can you meet their exercise requirements? Can you adequately train them?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you might be the perfect owner for this breed. Good news, right? Well, continue reading to find out more.
In this comprehensive guide to the Rhodesian Great Dane, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from their appearance to personality, to care requirements and much more.
So let’s get the ball rolling…..
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Great Dane and Rhodesian Ridgeback) |
| Size: | Large |
| Other Names: | Great Ridgeback, Rhodesian Dane, Rhodesian Great Dane |
| Good Guard Dog: | Only if they take after the Ridgeback parent (Great Danes don’t make good guard dogs) |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 70 to 100 pounds |
| Average Height: | 26 to 30 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 12 years |
| Apartment Living: | No, This large dog requires a large space and plenty of exercises to do well |
| Ideal for: | Active owners, Active families with older children, Experienced dog owners, People in need of a watchdog |
| Coat: | Dense, Short Coat |
| Coat colors: | Wheaten or Yellow-Brown, Fawn, Black, White, Black and White, and Merle |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Not Recommended |
| Training: | Moderate Difficulty (They can be independent and stubborn) |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not suitable for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Moderate to Heavy (But they have minimal grooming demands) |
| Grooming Needs: | Weekly Brushing, Monthly Bathing (brush them more often during the heavy 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: | 3.5 to 4.5 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, Bloat, Ear Infections, Eye Problems |
| Temperament: | Loyal, Intelligent, Protective, Loving, Affectionate, Energetic, Strong-willed, Friendly |
| Cat Friendly: | No, 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 (Due to their strong prey drive, they might see smaller canines as prey + 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 (They may alert their owners to strangers outside the house or unusual circumstances) |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Drooling Level: | High, especially if they take after the Great Dane parent |
| Price: | Average $700 – $2000 USD |
What Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Called?
A Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix is also known as a Great Ridgeback, Rhodesian Dane or Rhodesian Great Dane.
Although the exact origins of this mixed breed dog are unclear, it is believed that the dog was the first breed in the United states.
As with all mixed breeds, understanding both parent breeds can give us valuable insights into the temperament and appearance of the Rhodesian great dane.
The History Of The Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is so named after the distinct ridge on its back. This breed is also called the African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in Southern Africa by European settlers who needed a powerful and reliable hunting dog to help keep lions under control. These dogs also served as guard dogs on farms, so these dogs didn’t start as family pets.
The first Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed by mixing the domestic African dog called Khoikhoi with large dogs imported from Europe. These European dogs included Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, and Great danes.
The History Of The Great Dane
Great Danes were developed in the 19th century for hunting big game. The Great Dane is believed to have descended from the Bloodhound.
The Nobles in Weimar, Germany keep these canines. Great Danes also served as gun dogs once hunting big game dropped in popularity in the country.
Great Danes made their way to America in 1929 when two dogs were introduced to the country by a breeder named Howard Knight.
The Great Dane gained official AKC recognition in 1943. These days, Great Danes are commonly used as hunting dogs and as family pets. These wonderful dogs make excellent family companions.
What Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Look Like?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes do not inherit equal physical characteristics from their parents.
However, you can expect them to have the best characteristics of the parent breeds.
Those that resemble the Rhodesian Ridgeback will have large, muscular, and balanced frames. They have long heads with flat skulls and tapered muzzles. Their eyes are set apart and have a bright expression.
Hybrid dogs that closely resemble the Great Dane will have angular jaws and big, chiseled heads.
Just like their tall Great Dane parents, you can expect the Rhodesian Dane to be a large dog with long legs. They also have long, erect ears like their Great Dane parent and a balanced frame like the Ridgeback.
Thanks to their large build and imposing stature, Rhodesian Danes seem intimidating. That’s why they make good watchdogs and guard dogs.
How Big Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Get?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can weigh up to 88 pounds and reaches up to 27 inches tall, while the Great Dane weighs up to 200 pounds and reaches 34 inches in height.
That means that your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix will be a very large dog. This impressive dog weighs anywhere between 70 to 100 pounds and stands between 26 and 30 inches tall.
Coat and Coat Colors
Not all Ridgebacks have a ridge, but it’s the most prominent feature. If your puppy’s Rhodesian Ridgeback parent has this unique ridge, your pup will have one, as well.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix has a dense, short double coat. However, the undercoat isn’t as thick as in most of the Spitz and Herding dog breeds.
When it comes to coat colors, most Great Ridgebacks come in wheaten or yellow-brown color like the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent, or fawn just like the Great Dane parent. Other common colors include black, white, black and white, and merle.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix dog is a cross between a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback and a purebred Great Dane.
These two parent breeds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. So it’s no surprise that your Ridgeback Dane will inherit the same traits.
The Great Dane parent contributes a friendly, patient demeanor that combines easily with the even temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This hybrid dog is a great family companion that is loyal, loving, and affectionate with their owners and family.
With early socialization, this hybrid gets along fine with children and other dogs. If you want a loyal, loving, and protective family companion, then the Rhodesian Dane might be an ideal dog for you.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Protective?
Great Danes and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are protective of their owners and families. Therefore, you can expect your Great Ridgeback to be an excellent watchdog.
However, many professionals discourage training these hardworking dogs to be guard dogs due to their strong prey drive. Otherwise, you may end up with an overprotective dog.
It is better to cultivate the friendly nature of the Great Dane and the even-tempered tendency of the Ridgeback.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Good For First Time Owners?
No. Rhodesian Danes need a firm and experienced dog owner. These hybrid dogs are not ideal for first-time owners or people who are not ready to put in the effort necessary to train and socialize them properly.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Good with Other Dogs?
Another thing to remember is that the Great Dane is sometimes territorial with unfamiliar dogs. Ridgebacks can also show aggression towards dogs of the same gender.
However, each puppy is unique, so you should gauge your dog’s probability of getting along well with other dogs.
If you socialize your dog early, the Rhodesian Dane Mix has the potential to be a great companion for other dogs at the dog park. With early socialization, your Rhodesian Dane can also coexist easily with other pups in the family.
As always, make sure to monitor this large-sized dog around smaller dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Good with Cats and Other Pets?
The predatory nature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent can manifest in a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix, so be wary when your hybrid dog is around cats and other pets.
Their strong prey drive may kick in and they may start chasing everything from cats to smaller dogs to squirrels.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Dogs Do Well In Apartments?
Rhodesian Danes are not ideal for apartment living. They require a spacious place where they can run, play, and explore.
Are Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good With Kids?
While the Great Rhodesian is not normally considered to be a ‘dog-friendly’ hybrid, they can actually get along well with children.
That’s because they are generally loyal, loving, and protective. However, you need to remember that this hybrid dog is very large and powerful. Therefore, you should supervise smaller children around a Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix.
Exercise Needs
Both parent breeds are very active dogs, so their offspring should also be an energetic pup. These designer dogs will do well getting 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day.
A walk might not be enough for these active and energetic guys, so you need to engage them in more challenging exercises such as hiking, jogging, running, cycling, and a game of fetch.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane is also intelligent and requires mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.
A bored Great Rhodesian is likely to develop destructive behaviors, so it’s extremely important to offer them enough opportunities to keep their minds active.
One great way to achieve this is to provide them with a variety of interactive dog toys to keep them busy and mentally challenged.
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Training
The Great Dane and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are smart, so they can be quite easy to train.
However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong-willed and independent dogs. If you combine these traits with the stubbornness of the Great Dane, you can find it hard to train this cross.
From the word go, make sure your pup sees you as the pack leader. Rhodesian Danes are not suitable for novice owners because they’re likely to develop a stubborn streak without proper training.
You need to be firm and consistent in training and use positive reinforcements to reward acceptable behavior by providing your dog with treats and other rewards.
You should also introduce them to other dogs and pets as well as to other people early on. This will help make them more friendly and less aggressive toward strangers.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Shed a Lot?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix sheds moderately throughout the year and seasonally.
Grooming
You don’t have to spend a lot of time grooming your Rhodesian Dane since they have a short coat that’s easy to maintain.
To maintain the smooth and beautiful appearance of your Rhodesian Great Dane, you should brush their coat only once a week.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes should not be bathed often. It’s important to bathe them once a month and use deodorizing wipes for dogs to help with their hygiene.
You should also start brushing your dog’s teeth at a young age. Be sure to brush them 2 to 3 times each week to prevent plaque buildup and to eradicate bacteria that could result in bad breath. Moreover, provide them with plenty of chew toys and dental bones to help with oral hygiene.
Lastly, clean their ears regularly to prevent wax buildup and ear infections.
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Feeding and Diet
Your Rhodesian Dane requires high quality dog food to stay happy and healthy. If in doubt, ask your vet to recommend the best dog food for your Rhodesian Dane puppy or adult dog. Your vet should also be able to recommend the best daily food portions for your puppy or adult dog, depending on his age, health, metabolism, and activity levels.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with probiotics and wild alaskan salmon oil is also a good way to promote coat and skin health.
Lastly, ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix has regular access to clean, fresh water in addition to their meals. If they consume dry dog food, these dogs can get dehydrated without fresh water.
Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Health Issues
It is widely believed that crossbreeds are healthier than their purebred parents because the genetic conditions and illnesses are bred out.
Generally, mixed breed dogs like the Great Ridgeback are less vulnerable to genetic conditions.
That said, there are certain condition that the Rhodesian ridgeback Great Dane Cross is prone to, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat or GDV
- Epilepsy
- Dilatative cardiomyopathy
Keeping up with vet checkups and vaccinations will help detect any potential health issues early on. With love, care, and attention, Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Danes can enjoy longer and happier lives.
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How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Live?
The Rhodesian Dane has an average lifespan of about 9 to 12 years.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Puppies for Sale
Visiting a litter of Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix puppies for sale before you’re certain they are the perfect breed for you will increase your chances of bringing home a quality puppy. Before taking the plunge, it’s strongly recommended to do your homework.
You should go through reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix breeders first. When you visit a potential Rhodesian Great Dane puppy, you will be able to see the level of attention, care, and health of the pups.
You can also get a good idea of how the puppy’s personality will turn out. Your breeder may recommend a given puppy depending on your lifestyle and the puppy’s disposition.
How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Cost?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix price might vary depending on the breeder, location, and/or quality of the puppy. However, the price will vary from around $700 to $2000 for one of these puppies.
If you’re considering getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix, be ready to pay a reasonable amount for a healthy puppy.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix For Adoption
Fortunately, you can avoid behavioral issues and other negative traits by rescuing a dog from a rescue organization or animal shelter.
With a rescue dog, you will know exactly what you’re bringing home, and most full grown Rhodesian Great Danes have excellent traits that you and your family will fall in love with.
Suitable Products and Accessories For A Rhodesian Dane
The mentally active great dane Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix will be happy with valuable items like interactive dogs toys and chew toys.
These dogs will also benefit from a collar and harness, as well as recommended dog products such as the MidWest Folding Crate for large dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed, which are perfect for keeping your new dog safe, comfortable, happy, and healthy.
FAQs
Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix a Good Family Dog?
Yes. The Rhodesian Dane loves being around his family and they get along well with older children. This makes them an excellent choice for families.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
Due to their short coat, Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes are low maintenance dogs, so you won’t need to spend much time grooming them. To maintain the shiny and smooth appearance of your dog, you should brush their coat at least once per week.
Can Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane is an active and energetic dog who needs a lot of exercise each day.
Without a channel for their energy, these dogs are likely to become destructive. Therefore, you should not leave them alone for long hours.
How Long Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Be Left Alone?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane can adapt to staying alone 5 to 6 hours a day. However, they can get bored and start destroying your belongings if they don’t get enough exercise each day.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. The Rhodesian Dane is not a hypoallergenic hybrid dog, as they shed seasonally. Therefore, they need weekly brushing to keep their fur smooth and healthy.
Are Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgebacks Lazy?
No. These dogs are active and require plenty of exercise, so they are not lazy at all.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Bark A Lot?
Although all dogs do bark, certain breeds bark more than others. The Rhodesian Great Dane is known to be alert and vocal, so be ready to deal with barking. Fortunately, this behavior can be reduced with early training and socialization.
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Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Hard to Train?
Rhodesian Great Danes are very smart and learn fast, making them good candidates for early training. However, they can also be stubborn, so you need to start training them as early as possible and establish yourself as their pack leader.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Despite their massive size, Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mixes enjoy cuddling. They enjoy hanging out with their owners and family like Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Are Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive?
These dogs require early socialization to keep any aggressive behavior at bay.
Aggression towards other dogs may be a concern because the Rhodesian Ridgeback tends to ge aggressive to strange dogs of the same sex.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Dogs Smart?
Great Ridgebacks are loving, loyal, and intelligent dogs who make great family companions. Independent and large, these dogs are ideal for experienced dog owners.
Can Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgebacks Be off Leash?
Due to their strong hunting instincts, Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Danes must be kept on a leash during walks.
What Are Some Negatives About Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Danes?
- They are very large dogs
- As puppies, they can be rambunctious
- Not good for families with small kids
- High exercise needs and activity levels
- Prone to a few health problems like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and bloat
- Too strong for first-time dog owners
- Needs firm and consistent training
Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix Right for You?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane Mix has an amazing personality and makes a great pet for their right family.
However, these dogs might not be suitable for everyone since they require a lot of exercise and need consistent training. They are also not ideal for households with very small kids.
However, they make excellent pets for families with older children and people looking for a fun companion dog.
If you’re prepared for a large, loyal, and protective dog that can be a great companion, then the Rhodesian Ridgeback Great Dane should be on top of your priority list.
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Other Great Dane Mixes
Love Great Danes but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Great Dane mix breed dogs.
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