The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is the cross between two popular dogs – the powerfully-built Bullmastiff and the famous hound dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
A relatively rare crossbreed, this strong and muscular dog is known for his friendliness, loyalty, and intelligence. This breed also has a strong desire to be constantly on the move or taking part in family activities.
The parent breeds of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix are both loyal companions that are known for their strong protective and guarding instincts. By training and socializing this crossbreed, you are sure to get a great family dog and a devoted companion.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix to help you determine if this hybrid dog is right for you and your family.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Mastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback) |
| Size: | Large-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Rhodesian Mastiff Mix, Ridgeback Mastiff Mix |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 80 to 130 pounds on average |
| Average Height: | 24 to 27 inches tall on average |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 12 years on average |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, providing they are sufficiently exercised |
| Ideal for: | Active Families and Singles in need of a loving, loyal, and protective family dog, Those Looking for a Watchdog/Guard Dog, Experienced Owners |
| Coat: | Short, Shiny, Dense coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, Brown, Chestnut, Golden, Red, and Brindle |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Not Recommended |
| Trainability: | Moderate Difficulty |
| Hypoallergenic: | No, not ideal for people with allergies |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Brushing them at least once a week should be enough |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise is recommended to prevent destructive behaviors |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Well trained adult Rhodesian Boxer can stay alone for 5 hours. Just make sure they are well-exercised |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3.5 to 4.5 cups of high quality dog food twice a day. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are low maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Possible Health Issues: | Cystinuria , Hypothyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cancer, Allergies, Gastric Torsion, Cataracts |
| Temperament: | Energetic, Protective, Lively, Friendly, Intelligent, Courageous, Strong-Willed, Loyal, Brave |
| Cat Friendly: | Yes, Only if the two pets were raised together and socialized early enough (the Ridgeback parent has high prey drive) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, With Proper Training and Socialization Only (because they have high prey drive, they may view smaller dogs as prey animals, especially if they were not raised together) |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, (Early Socialization Is Required) (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Barking Tendencies: | Low (they tend to not bark as much as other breeds) (They bark only when they see an intruder or a strange animal) |
| Drooling Potential: | High |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Price: | Average $500 – $1500 USD |
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Getting To Know the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix
The Rhodesian Ridgeback and Mastiff Mix dogs cross two popular dog breeds: one from South Africa (Zimbabwe) and the other from England.
Since this mix is relatively new, there are few breeders who specialize in producing Rhodesian Mastiff Mixes.
While both primary breeds were developed for guarding and hunting purposes, the Rhodesian Mastiff Mix was mainly developed for companionship. Although they are still used as watchdogs, their main purpose is being a family pet.
Before adding a Rhodesian Mastiff Mix to your family, it is important to study the two parent breeds separately. That is because, as with other hybrid dogs, the Ridgeback Mastiff Mix can inherit a mix of any or all of the parent breeds’ individual physical characteristics and personality traits.
Studying each parent breed separately is a great way to know what you’re getting yourself into.
Meet The Two Parent Breeds
The Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also called the African Lion dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred for hunting lions, but instead of killing, the dogs would chase and control lions to allow the hunter to take aim at them.
The history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback began sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries when European immigrants arrived in South Africa with their Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and Great Danes.
Unsuitable for the harsh weather conditions and tough terrain, the immigrants started breeding their dogs with the local Khoikhoi dog, a popular hunting dog characterized by a ridge on its back. The outcome was a powerful, speedy, and intelligent dog with impressive hunting skills.
The breed gained popularity in the United States after the Second World War. Today, Ridges are known to be loyal, loving, and affectionate dogs.
The Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a big, powerful dog with a strong body and short coat. Although their origins are unclear, it is thought that the Bullmastiff was bred in England in the nineteenth century by mixing mastifis with bulldogs.
The outcome was an impressive hunting dog, able to chase and subdue boars, deer, and other large animals.
Apart from their role as hunters, Bullmastiffs are also known to be great guard dogs that are very loyal to their owners.
Today, Bullmastiffs make excellent choices for families looking for a gentle yet protective dog.
What Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Look Like?
When it comes to general appearance, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Cross has a powerful body with long, floppy ears. They have a long, thick tail that is usually held low whilst the dog is relaxing.
When the dog is alert or excited, the tail is normally carried high.
These dogs have large eyes that are normally brown in color, but they could also be hazel, blue, or green.
How Big Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Get?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is a very large dog with a strong, muscular body. They weigh around 80 to 130 pounds and stand around 24 to 27 inches tall. Full grown males are generally taller and heavier than females.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Rhodesian Mastiff Mix dog has a short, thick coat that’s easy to maintain. The coat comes in many color combinations, including black, brown, and brindle.
Some of these dogs may also have white markings on the chest or face.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Temperament & Personality
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix personality can be described as lively, friendly, intelligent, and brave.
Since the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bullmastiff parent dogs are known for their energy, strength, and desire for outdoor activities, you can expect their offspring to be quite similar.
Rhodesian Mastiffs are also known for their gentle and strong-willed personality, so they require proper guidance from a firm and patient owner. If well trained, socialized, and cared for, these dogs are very loyal and affectionate with their owners.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes are not ideal for first time dog owners. These dogs were developed to work. They have natural hunting instincts, so you can expect them to be predatory. Once they sense movement, their predatory insects will kick in and they will want to chase.
These dogs also enjoy playing, running outdoors, and interacting with other dogs. So it is advisable to allow your Ridgeback Mastiff Mix to play outdoors to curb excess energy levels and prevent any aggressive behaviors.
Keeping them locked up indoors throughout the day can be frustrating for this mix. It’s advisable to give these canines at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Protective?
Yes. The Rhodesian Ridgeback cross Mastiff is very loyal and protective of their families and property, making them excellent watchdogs and guard dogs.
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good With Kids?
Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes are very loyal to their human friends. They are kind and patient with children, but smaller kids are at the risk of being injured if this dog gets rambunctious.
Therefore, it’s vital to teach kids how to interact with your dogs and make sure to supervise them while playing with this dog.
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good With Strangers?
Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes are not always suspicious, but they will definitely bark at intruders. They are also wary of strangers, so introducing them to different people is very important.
The more exposed they are with strangers, the better. That way, they can learn that unfamiliar people can be friends rather than threats.
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks With Cats and Other Pets?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes have a strong prey drive with small pets like cats. Since they may want to chase cats and other small animals in the yard, these dogs require careful introductions to cats and other small animals in the family.
This dog’s large size might make them problematic around livestock. To avoid problems, you should limit his dog’s exposure to horses and other livestock.
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The Ridgeback Mastiff gets along well with other dogs that he has been introduced to. If they are not well socialized, Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes might be aggressive toward other dogs. However, with early socialization, these dogs can get along amazingly well with other canines.
Are Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Good for Apartment Living?
The Rhodesian Mastiff cross can live in an apartment provided they get sufficient amounts of exercise daily. They must get at least 1 hour of exercise every day, but they do best when they get around 2 hours of exercise every day. This can include walking, running, hiking, and playtime.
If they don’t get enough exercise, Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes can become destructive. They can also start barking a lot. So if you’re considering making the Rigeback Mastiff an apartment dog, you need to provide him with enough exercise each day.
They are large dogs, though, so be ready to have them occupy a lot of space.
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Exercise Needs
Rhodesian Mastiff Mix dogs have plenty of energy and require an opportunity to expel any excessive energy.
They need long walks and around 60 to 90 minutes of physical activities every day. That doesn’t mean all they have to do is run around the homestead because there are many other ways of exercising your Rhodesian Mastiff Mix.
Agility, chase, fetch, and training are all great ways to meet your dog’s exercise needs. These dogs love playing all kinds of games and sports, including fetch and agility.
As we’ve mentioned, the Rhodesian Mastiff Mix has a strong prey drive, so they are inclined to chase after smaller animals. If they prey drive kicks in your dog might not always respond to recall. Therefore, it’s important to keep your Rhodesian Mastiff Mix on a leash when in public places.
Interactive dog toys will help with mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors when left alone. If you have to leave your Ridgeback Mastiff Mix unattended, do not leave them alone in the backyard. Bored dogs can become escape artists.
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Training
The Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is an intelligent dog, but they can also be stubborn. They are normally easy to train when positive reinforcements are used.
Though a smart dog, the Rhodesian Mastiff Mix’s independence and stubborn streak can make housetraining tricky. Therefore, it’s important to start training your Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix immediately using positive reinforcement.
Enrolling your Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix puppy in puppy classes is a great way to train and socialize your dog.
Exposing your Rhodesian Mastiff Mix to different sounds, sights, animals and people can help him develop into a confident and well-adjusted adult dog.
When training this mix, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be patient, consistent, and firm. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement like praise and treats.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Shed a Lot?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix sheds moderately seasonally. However, they can also produce some drool due to the Mastiff parent’s side.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Cross is quite easy to take care of and requires minimal maintenance.
A moderate shedding dog like this needs proper brushing at least once a week. You should do this with a soft bristle brush to remove any dead or loose hair.
It may also be necessary to occasionally trim your Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dog’s claws. You should do this from a young age to ensure your puppy gets used to the procedure and to avoid stressing them out. When in doubt, many dog owners opt to use a professional groomer to do the job.
It is also advisable to clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent ear infections. You can do this with ear cleaning wipes and ear cleaning liquids if you see dirt buildup. If the ear seems inflamed or has a foul smell, you should contact your vet.
Bathing may be done occasionally when the dog gets really dirty. When bathing them, be sure to use a mild doggie shampoo and make sure you rinse thoroughly. At other times, you should use deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep your hybrid dog clean and smelling fresh.
Lastly, brushing your dog’s teeth is a maintenance activity you need to perform every week. Do not just rely on dog chew toys to perform this task for you. Doggie toothpaste and toothbrushes are readily available, so you should start brushing your dog’s teeth from an early age to get them used to this activity.
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Feeding and Diet
Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes should eat high quality dog food every day. You should factor in any treats you offer them by reducing the portions.
Spread the feeding times throughout the day. For instance, you can divide their daily food into two meals to help their bodies burn off calories. Since bloat is a common problem with these large dogs, feeding several meals each day can lower the risk of bloat.
You may consult your vet regarding the best dog food brands for your Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix. Depending on your pup’s age, health, and activity level, your vet might recommend a specific diet for your dog, so it’s best to seek advice.
Your dog’s diet should also be rich in supplements such as wild Alaskan salmon oil, glucosamine, and probiotics to help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia and other joint problems. As dogs advance in age, they normally lose flexibility and mobility. These supplements can help prevent mobility loss.
Another helpful nutrient for dogs is taurine. This ingredient can help boost heart health and prevent heart disease. It also boosts eye health as your dog ages.
As with other dogs, this dog will also benefit from drinking fresh water each day.
Lifespan
The average life expectancy of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is around 9 to 12 years. However, this will vary depending on each dog’s lifestyle and health.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Health Issues
As with other dog breeds, the Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is prone to certain health conditions, so you should take this into account if you’re considering getting a puppy.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix major health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cancer, bloat, and allergies.
As with other large dogs, the Rhodesian Mastiff Mix dog is also vulnerable to heat stroke. Therefore, it is important to give them fresh water in hot weather to keep them cool and avoid leaving them in your car alone for extended durations.
While the above health issues may sound frightening, they are definitely not very common among Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes. However, they are serious illnesses every Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dog owner should be aware of and be ready to deal with, if need be.
It’s also important to buy your Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix puppy for a reputable breeder who will be happy to introduce you to their puppies and the puppies’ parents. If you’re looking to adopt a dog, ask the shelter or rescue center for all health records.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Breeders
As with other dog breeds, you should research reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix breeders only. Visit the premises where the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix puppies for sale are living and ask to meet both dad and mom. Observe how the puppies interact with each other.
As we’ve mentioned, always aim to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder who guarantees healthy litters.
There are several things to consider when searching for a reputable breeder, including:
- The breeders must have a good reputation.
- The breeder must provide valid references.
- The puppies must be healthy and properly cared for.
- The puppies must be socialized.
- The puppies must be vaccinated.
- Puppies should have a health guarantee.
A good breeder should be able to answer all your questions about this mix and be willing to help you after bringing your new puppy home.
How Much Does A Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Cost?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix price will vary considerably, but a rough estimate would be between $600 and $2000.
As usual, you should avoid any puppies that are cheaper than this. This may be a clear indication that the owners are operating a puppy mill.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Adoption
While the Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is quite uncommon, you may be lucky to find one in a rescue.
These pooches have great abilities because they have already been socialized and won’t require too much time adjusting to their new environment.
However, be sure to verify their parentage. The dog’s appearance and traits are an important factor to consider.
But before rescuing a Rhodesian Mastiff Mix, make sure your new puppy has everything he needs to adapt to his new home. This includes getting them a comfortable place to stay like the MidWest Folding Crate for large dogs.
Large dogs like the Mastiff Ridgeback Mix also love the new Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed since it gives them a safe and comfortable place to stay, rest, and sleep.
Since the Mastiff Ridgeback Mix is a large pup with a strong prey drive, he will also require a leash during walks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix a Good Family Dog?
Yes. A Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is a loving and loyal family dog that gets along well with kids. However, keen supervision with small children is important since they can get knocked over by one of the large dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
No. Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dogs are considered to be low-to-moderate maintenance dogs. These dogs have short coats and require brushing once a week to remove dead or loose hair.
Can Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
Since Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes are loyal, friendly, and affectionate dogs, they are vulnerable to separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for long, they won’t know whether you will return safely or not.
This is because these dogs are very loyal and enjoy companionship. They want to be on your side at all times, so they may suffer from separation anxiety or develop destructive behaviors.
How Long Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix be Left Alone?
It’s not advisable to leave a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dog alone for more than 5 hours. This is because they form strong bonds with the families and owners.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately, so they are best suited to people without allergies.
How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Live?
The average lifespan of the Rhodesian Mastiff Mix is between 9 and 12 years.
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks Lazy?
No. This energetic breed is not lazy at all. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to remain happy and healthy.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Bark A Lot?
Any dog can bark if he has not been trained to stop barking excessively. However, the Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dog is not a vocal or yappy dog. They bark only when they see an intruder or a strange animal. If they are left alone, they will want to protect their owners’ property, which might involve barking.
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Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Good For First Time Owners?
No. Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes can be strong-willed, so they are best suited to experienced dog owners.
Do Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Rhodesian Ridgeback mastiff Mixes are not lap dogs, but they love being near their owners. They will usually follow their owners around and will want to stay next to them. They also love being scratched and petted.
If you would like your Rhodesian Mastiff Mix to enjoy snuggling, you should give them positive snuggling experiences during their puppyhood. But some of these dogs are independent, so they may not fully embrace snuggling.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes Hard to Train?
Due to their strong-willed personality, training a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix dog can be tricky. You need to establish yourself as the leader and be patient when training this dog.
Some recommended training sessions to consider include:
- Housetraining
- Crate training
- Potty training
- Leash training
- Obedience training
Are Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks Aggressive?
No. Although protective of their owners and families, Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mixes aren’t aggressive.
If a Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is raised together with other pets and animals, he should get along well with them. However, he might still be aggressive towards strange animals, so be sure to socialize him early.
Are Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Dogs Smart?
Yes! The Rhoddesian Ridgeback Mastiff dog is very clever, but can be independent just like the Rhodesian Ridgeback parent. Therefore, this dog requires firm and patient training to avoid making him an overpowering nuisance.
Can Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgebacks Be Off Leash?
Rhodesian Mastiff Mixes can be too much for some people to control. Due to this dog’s hunting background, they have a strong prey drive and must be kept on leash during walks.
What Are Some Negatives About Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiffs?
- These dogs are very large and can exceed 120 pounds.
- This dog is very curious and has a strong prey drive.
- They are prone to various health problems common to larger dog breeds.
- They are not ideal for individuals unable to meet their exercise needs.
- They are strong-willed, so training can be a challenge.
- They shed moderately year-round, so they are not ideal for allergy sufferers.
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Is A Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix Right For You?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix is a large dog that is not suitable for first time owners due to their size and strength.
These canines are ideal for people who want a companion dog that they can walk and run with because they do best on intense physical activities every day. They will enjoy exploring the neighborhood with you.
These dogs will also inherit the Ridgeback’s protective nature. Adding this to the Mastiff’s courage guarantees a great watchdog and guard dog.
The ideal living environment for a Mastiff Ridgeback Mix is a large home with a fenced-in yard where they have enough space to exercise. While they can get along with children and other dogs, they might see smaller pets as prey.
Their strong and independent personalities can test their owners, so they need proper guidance and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your own lifestyle before bringing a Rhodesian Ridgeback Mastiff Mix puppy home. Talk to a reputable Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix breeder or shelter about your expectations to determine if this mix is a good match for you.
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