Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix – Ultimate Guide

Mixed breeds are in trend these days for reasons like specific traits and better health. Let us have a closer look at a new designer crossbreed – A Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is a cross between two medium to large size dogs – Rhodesian Ridgeback and Pitbull and you would expect him to be brave, powerful, and a loyal companion.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix would look intimidating with his medium to large, dominating strong, powerful, and muscular body. You would need time and energy to satisfy the exercise needs of this energetic dog.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix – Specifications

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Appearance of Ridgebull

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pit mix is a medium to large dog breed which can intimidate a stranger with its large powerful and muscular body.

They have a short glossy coat and mostly are seen in the wheaten color of Ridgeback. It is common to see the typical Ridge of a Rhodesian Ridgeback on its back.

These mixed dogs can grow to a size of 40 to 75 pounds and can reach a height of 20 to 24 inches. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 16 years.

As both parents have athletic and muscular bodies, they are also energetic dogs.

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Temperament

A common fear that this mixed breed owner has is if his pooch would be aggressive. This is due to the fact that both the parent breeds have a reputation for being aggressive.

Pitbulls have got a lot of media coverage in a negative light and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs bred for hunting and have the prey drive in them.

Though in reality Pits are eager to please and Ridgebacks do well as companion dogs. But they both were bred for their strong, muscular bodies and accidents can happen. So it is a must to train them to grow into well-rounded dogs.

Training for these big dogs should start from the beginning. Once trained, they would be a playful and loving companion to the family and would do good as guard dogs as well.

They would want to be your companion for all energetic activities like hiking, cycling, etc.

Being large dogs with a dominating presence, they are not suitable for newbie dog owners. They would need an experienced owner who is confident and become the leader of the pack.

They may have some prey drive and may chase small animals. You would like to avoid this mixed dog breed if you have small pets at home.

They would be tolerant of children as well but at the same time, children should be taught how to respect them and should be supervised by an adult when in their company.

We would advise avoiding this dog if you have young children below the age of six at home as with their large size, an accident can happen.

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix Health

There are not many Ridge Pit mixes to study and be certain about the disease that this mixed dog breed would be prone to.

So the pet parent should know about the health issues that this mixed dog breed parents would be prone to. Let us have a look at them below.

Hip dysplasia

This is a disease that both Pitbull and Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to. This happens when the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

This is an inheritable disease so any dog having this should be neutered.

The impact of this disease may vary in different dogs but arthritis may develop as the dog ages.

Hypothyroidism

It is a medical condition that Pitbull is prone to. In this, the thyroid gland doesn’t function properly and may result in weight issues, thin hair coats, or fatigue.

Vet advice is required and medication may be required for life long.

Bloat

This is a medical condition that medium to large size dogs are prone to which means that both the parents Pitbull and Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to this.

Bloat is a medical condition in which air gets trapped in the dog’s stomach and extends the same. In some cases, the stomach twists can be life-threatening and would need immediate medical help.

Tips to avoid bloat would be –

1. Don’t feed the dog until an hour after exercise.
2. Use small meals instead of one big one.
3. Don’t use raised food bowls.

Dermoid sinus

This is a medical condition that Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to. Dermoid sinuses are a congenital abnormality (present from birth).

This is a tubular skin defect that forms a tubular indentation in the skin near the spine.

Symptoms may include skin infections or nerve damage.

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Care

Grooming

Ridgebulls are low maintenance dogs. They have a short coat that is easier to groom. Brushing him with a Pet grooming glove once or twice will help to keep your pooch clean.

Bathing once every six weeks should be sufficient. Be regular on trimming his nails and keep a vigil on his dental health.

Exercise

This mixed dog has the muscles and body built for agility. Both Pitbull and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active and energetic dogs.

They would be a great companion for any outdoor activity like running, hiking, etc. They would also relish your time for playtime.

A couple of walks every day is required to keep them fit physically.

Training

It is a must to train this strong dog since the beginning as they may have inherited some prey drive and with their large size you would want to keep the dog in your control once he has grown up.

Positive reinforcement techniques work best for them. It is also advisable to socialize them with humans and other pets at an early age. This would help them to grow into well-rounded dogs.

Feeding

Ridgeback pitbull mix is a lean muscular dog that would need a lot of protein to grow and maintain.

We would suggest giving 2 to 4 cups of dry dog food per day divided into two meals based on the size and activity level of your pooch.

We would recommend NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS dog food.

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For whom Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix is suitable?

This mixed dog breed is suitable for

1. Active families
2. Can spend time with them
3. Having time and energy for his exercise needs

They are not suitable for

1. Families having children younger than 6 years
2. Families having small pets
3. Folks who need to leave home for long times
4. Apartment living

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Origins

Let us have a closer look at the parent breeds so we know the traits that he can inherit.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred in Africa for hunting. They got the name from the country Rhodesia and the Ridge characteristic to them for which they are known.

Due to their strength and brave attitude, they were frequently used in Lion hunting expeditions to corner the Lion.

Due to this, they are also known as Lion hunting dogs.

Brief specifications about Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Pitbull

Pitbull was originally developed in Britain as a dog that has the strength of the Bulldog and the agility of the terrier. They were used in hunting games.

With their popularity, they were brought to the USA and were bred to be larger and known as Pitbull.

They are medium-sized dogs known for their strength and agility. While they are good companion dogs, they have got a lot of negative media coverage for some bad incidents.

Brief specifications about Pitbull.

Hope you liked this article and if you happen to know any Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix, do let us know their story in the comments section below.