Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Facts

Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador Mix

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix comes from two muscular dogs that are known for their loyalty, affectionate natures, and high energy levels. This hybrid dog also loves to goof around its owners and make them laugh, making it a lovable companion and a wonderful house pet.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

1. Risk of Crossing Breeds

Crossing two purebred dogs may have serious consequences on their offspring. Any health condition the parents have may show up at the puppy. When crossing a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Labrador, owners must make sure to check the parents’ medical history to avoid ending up with a sick pet. Small-time breeders can hide the medical history of the parent breeds, so it is essential to avoid falling for the adorable puppy eyes at first glance.

2. Alpha Trait

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix is a breed of prideful dogs. It may show signs of acting as the alpha by shoving children into the places it thinks they belong to in the house. It may also be unwilling to participate in training if an owner is inexperienced in teaching commands. As it grows up, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador may exhibit a destructive behavior around the house if it did not go through consistent training.

3. Eating Habits

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador does not require much exercise to keep itself happy and healthy. However, it does tend to eat more than what is appropriate for its activities. Overeating may lead to weight problems. Obesity and diabetes are some of the diseases that owners must be aware of when feeding the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador

• Perfect House Pets

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador is the ideal companion for a complete family. Kids will have a wonderful time with this playful dog. Active owners will have a perfect partner for their outdoor activities with this hybrid dog. It is also a calm dog around the house, which means that it will likely avoid hitting furniture and breaking items.

• Protective Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Labrador are two breeds known for being service dogs. The offspring may inherit its parents’ traits and protect its family from intruders. It is also an affectionate pet that will keep a close watch on children while playing around the backyard. It also tends to bark around suspicious strangers getting close to its human family, making it an excellent watchdog for owners.

• Low Maintenance

Compared to other large breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador does not require much grooming except for the essential grooming services. Its short coat helps make it easier for owners to clean up during shedding season. If owners want a large and athletic dog that is not hard to groom, then the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a good choice.

Personality, Appearance, and Traits of a Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback

Weight	Male: 75 to 80 pounds Female: 70 to 75 pounds
Height	Male: 24 to 27 inches Female: 22 to 24 inches
Size	Medium to Large
Coat Type	Short or Medium length, Normal density, Straight texture, Double-coated in rare occasions
Coat Color	Black, Brown, Red, Sable, Isabella, Fawn or a combination of any two
Amount of Shedding	Moderate
Eyes	Dark Brown, Rich Amber
Nose	Black
Ears	Wide Apart, Folding
Temperament	Loving, Headstrong, Gentle, Determined to Learn, Energetic, Loyal, Playful, Goofball, Stubborn, Affectionate, Lively, Active, Protective, Easy-going, High prey-drive
Life Expectancy	10 to 12 Years, 14 if kept healthy
Hypoallergenic	No
Kids Friendly	Yes
New Owners Friendly	Yes
Breed Recognition	DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Physical Traits	Long-limbed, Long snout, beautiful fur, ears folding away from the face

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix is a combination of two loving and loyal dogs that are known for having an unshakeable bond with their family. The hybrid dog loves to play with children and may even display more energy than the kid. Owners will know that the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback likes to spend time with its human family inside the house and even sharing their sleeping space. Owners must also be aware that this hybrid dog loves to eat, which makes it essential to keep its food out of reach and avoid throwing food on the floor.

Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with Labrador Puppies for Sale

Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Labrador are large dog breeds, which may come at high prices. While it may be pricey, owners will have a worthwhile experience living with this hybrid dog. The average price for the Labrador crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback ranges from 750 to 1000 dollars. The cost varies when considering the pedigree and the size of the puppy.

Here are a few places that may have the Rhodesian Ridgeback crossed with Labrador:

1. Labrador Retriever x Rhodesian Ridgeback on Facebook
2. Galveston County Animal Shelter in Texas City, TX
3. 4Life Animal Rescue in Orange, CA
4. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in West Palm Beach, FL
5. Lancaster Puppies in Lancaster, PA

Grooming Your Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix is a moderate shedder. Its shedding requires owners to brush its fur at least twice a week. On rare occasions, the hybrid dog may inherit the Labrador’s double coat, which forces owners to clean it more frequently. This hybrid dog does not require too much bathing due to its short coat. Owners may take it on a quick bath if the coat and skin start to get smelly.

While it is low maintenance on its coat compared to other large breed dogs, the Labrador crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback needs constant supervision on its ears. Owners may forget to check the hybrid dog’s ears for wax and dirt buildup because they are folding at a closed position. The moist environment on the floppy ears may provide a place for bacteria to grow, which could lead to infections.

It is essential for owners to be careful with trimming the nails of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador. If owners cannot trust themselves with making clean cuts, they must seek the help of a professional groomer. Improper nail cutting can harm the hybrid dog.

Here are the necessary grooming items you need to have in your kit for your Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix:

• Dog Dental Spray

Should owners find it hard to brush the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador’s teeth, they can use dental sprays to maintain good oral hygiene. Owners can add it to the hybrid dog’s water bowl or directly spray it into the mouth. Dental sprays help reduce the chances of the dog contracting oral diseases. It may be difficult for some owners to clean the teeth of the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback as it tends to force itself away from a toothbrush. Dental sprays help save time and effort for the owner.

• Ear Cleanser

Ear cleansers can help remove wax to avoid diseases and prevent bacteria from growing inside the ears of the Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback. Pet owners can try their ear cleaning solution for their pets when there are signs of infection or irritation. However, improper cleaning solutions can be harmful to the dog if owners create it without proper knowledge. Owners may seek a professional groomer’s help when building or buying ear cleansers.

• Vacuum Cleaner

This tool helps remove clutter inside the house and protects owners from allergies. While the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador is a moderate shedder, the vacuum cleaner may come in handy for dog owners who want to save time and effort cleaning up inside the house. It also helps to run a vacuum cleaner lightly on the dog’s coat to remove dead hair.

• Bristle Brush

Since the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix is a moderate shedder with a short to medium coat, it does not require the slicker brush. The bristle brush will work on this hybrid dog as it helps remove shed hair remaining on its coat.

Rhodesian Ridgeback crossed with Labrador Health Problems

Before adopting a Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador puppy, owners must first coordinate with the breeder regarding the health of its parent breeds. Most dogs inherit their diseases and health conditions from their parent breeds, which makes it essential for owners to check the medical history documents of the parents of the hybrid dog. Upon adoption, it is necessary to administer the shots that the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback need.

Owners must always be aware of the common health conditions to prevent them from developing. Because of its large frame, the Rhodesian Ridgeback crossed with Labrador is prone to hip and joint problems. It may also be common for the hybrid dog to have stomach problems because of its lack of activity and its tendency to overeat. Owners must keep a strict eating schedule and a close watch on their pets.

Here are a few of the common health problems of the Labrador crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback:

• Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a common condition among active dogs because the hip and joint support can deteriorate as they age. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador can dislocate the socket joint on their hips, causing painful friction in the hip socket. An awkward limp on its hind legs is the first sign of hip dysplasia. The Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback can suffer permanent paralysis if it remains untreated.

• Bloat

Veterinarians still have no idea as to how dogs contract bloat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix suffers from it because it often eats uncontrollably without proper exercise. The gas inside the dog’s stomach applies pressure on the diaphragm, which causes breathing problems. Bloat can cause damage to the stomach and heart if left untreated.

• Ear Infections

Owners may forget to clean the ears of the Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback. The uncleaned environment inside the ears invite bacteria and may lead to infections. If left untreated, infections may cause severe damage to the hearing of the hybrid dog.

• Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can happen to any dog breed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix may suffer from the health condition on rare occasions. The hybrid dog’s metabolic hyperactivity is the result of too much thyroid hormone from its glands. If not adequately treated, the Pitbull Husky mix may suffer heart and kidney failure.

Lab crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback Food Requirements

The Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback needs to have at least two and a half cups of dry dog food a day. If the hybrid dog’s activities are more tiring than usual, owners can stretch the limit to three cups. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador’s daily consumption can cost between 1.50 to 2.00 dollars. Owners can spend up to 39 to 52 dollars for the dog’s essential food products.

Because of the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix’s tendency to overeat, owners must always be aware of how they schedule the meal time for this dog. Owners must also be able to keep the food out of the dog’s reach. Free-feeding, the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback, may also have severe consequences for its health, which is why it is essential for owners to separate the dog’s consumption into three meals a day.

The Labrador crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog and needs to have a protein-rich diet. Owners need to seek dog food products that have meat as their main ingredients. Kibble that is rich on glucosamine is also a good choice when owners consider the hip and joint issues of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix.

Owners need to consider what kind of dog food fits the Labrador crossed with Rhodesian Ridgeback. One of the factors for picking the right product is studying possible health issues. Since the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is prone to hip dysplasia, owners must seek brands that have glucosamine to improve joint health. The hybrid dog is also likely to bloat, which makes it essential for owners to buy dog food products that have large kibbles.

Here are the best dry dog food products available in the market:

• Nature’s Variety Prairie Beef & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix will have a treat with Nature’s Variety dog food. This brand boasts real beef as its first ingredient. It also contains a turkey meal, antioxidant-rich fruits vegetables, and whole grains. Turkey meal provides the necessary protein levels to complement the real beef ingredient. Nature’s Variety also contains a mix of beef heart and liver.

• Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Wild Game Recipe with Freeze Dried Lamb Dog Food

This Wellness CORE formula contains protein and natural enzymes that will keep the Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with Labrador healthy and happy. The brand comprises of wild boar, rabbit with freeze-dried raw lamb, and wild game duck. While it is a dry dog food product, the Wellness CORE formula can become a safe way for owners to introduce raw food into the diet of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix without upsetting its stomach. It is also gluten-free, making it a balanced diet.

• American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice

This large breed recipe is a nutritious meal for large breeds like the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback because it contains real and deboned meat that can improve or maintain lean muscles. It is also good for the hybrid dog’s bone health with its high levels of calcium and phosphorus. This brand also helps improve vision and brain development because of the inclusion of the omega-3, DHA. This American Journey product also includes wholesome grains like barley, brown rice, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots, leaving a delicious blend of flavor.

• FirstMate Large Breed Pacific Ocean Fish Formula

This formula meets the nutritional requirements of the Rhodesian Ridgeback crossed with Labrador. It derives nutrients and protein from its main ingredient, wild fish from the herring family. This single source protein diet helps eliminate allergy risks from chicken. FirstMate’s large breed product contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that will also help keep the skin and coat of the hybrid dog healthy.

• BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Owners can expect high-quality dog food with the Blue Buffalo brand. The Life Protection formula is one of its most famous recipes because of its deboned chicken main ingredient. The formula also has antioxidant-rich kelp, sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries. It also has no corn, soy, or wheat. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix will remain happy and healthy with the delicious BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Formula.

• Wellness Complete Health Large Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix will have a tasty and healthy meal with the large dog breed recipe of Wellness Complete. Each meal consists of a whole plate of nutritious proteins like salmon meal, deboned whitefish, and deboned chicken. This brand also contains four different probiotics, fruits, and vegetables to compliment the protein-rich ingredients.

• EUKANUBA Adult Dry Dog Food

EUKANUBA dry dog food will make the owners of the Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback happy because it provides a healthy meal at a friendlier price. This brand contains all the necessary ingredients without all the additives that make dog food expensive. It lists chicken as its primary ingredient, followed by fortified vitamins and minerals. It also provides this hybrid dog with multiple fiber sources to aid the digestive problems of the hybrid dog.

• NUTRO ULTRA Adult

The NUTRO ULTRA large breed recipe provides delicious and nutritious food that will improve the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback’s mobility because it contains chondroitin and glucosamine. It also includes a vast array of fiber sources to prevent digestive problems for the hybrid dog. This brand has chicken as its main ingredients and contains a lot of beneficial greens called “superfood” to give large dogs maximum nutritional value. While it may prove costly, the NUTRO ULTRA brand assures owners that their dog will get all of the nutrition it needs.

• Horizon Complete Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador needs a different kind of dog food while growing up, which is where Horizon Complete comes in. Large breed puppies like the Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback will have a wholesome meal with whole grains and chicken for optimal nutrition. It also includes helps prevent diseases with its low glycemic index, making sure that the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador grows up to become a healthy, energetic, and large canine.

Your mixed pooch will likely be a bulky fellow, and they’ll need a diet to match. Try out some of these best large breed dry dog food options, and if they don’t like them, feel free to refer to our guide on the best dry dog food, such as Wellness Core Dog Food and Dog For Dog Food. In addition, the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can help you provide all the essential vitamins and minerals for your buddy. In any case, try to pass on the worst dry dog food — these brands don’t have the recommended micro- and macronutrient ratio that is recommended for a dog like yours.

While your Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix is still a whelp, you should aim to feed them will life stage-appropriate nutrition — here are the best puppy food brands that have our stamp of approval. You could also offer them some of the best dry dog food for small dogs and see how they like it. And in case you have an elderly furry companion by your side, give them the best nutrition possible with the best senior dry dog food.

Remember to consult with your vet before you go and change your doggo’s diet for good.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Lab Mix Exercise Requirements

Inside the house, the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a calm and quiet dog. In the backyard, however, it becomes an energetic goofball who loves to play with kids. As a house pet, this hybrid dog will do fine with a daily walk as its exercise. If owners want the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador to be playful, they are going to have to get involved in the activities. This hybrid dog loves to get the attention of its family, which is why a game of fetch and tag are some of the most suitable exercises for it.

When taking a walk at the park with the Rhodesian Ridgeback crossed with Labrador, the owner must keep it on a retractable leash to keep it calm. Low-flying birds or smaller animals running on the ground may trigger the hybrid dog’s protective instincts and prey-drive, enough to bark wildly and chase whatever threat it sees.

Owners must not let the Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with Labrador go on a day without activities because it may have adverse effects on its health. Without proper exercise, the Labrador mixed with Rhodesian Ridgeback must have less food consumption. Its lackadaisical nature around the house can cause it to over-eat, exposing the hybrid dog to many diseases like bloat.

It is also essential for owners to limit exercises in hopes of avoiding hip and joint deterioration. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix will need to have 12 hours of activity in a week, which owners can divide into two hours of walking and playing in a day.

Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Training

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix needs to have proper training and socialization at an early age. This hybrid dog tends to reach into its instincts to be alert and act aggressively toward unfamiliar guests and strange animals around the house. It may also bark at people who are trying to pet it at the park. Owners must teach the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador mix how to act around strangers at an early age appropriately. The hybrid dog is a fast learner because it loves to please its owners.

However, there may be instances where the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback may think of itself as the alpha around the house. When the hybrid dog is displaying stubbornness or unwilling behavior, owners must position themselves as the true leader inside the house.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador dogs have the reputation of staying quiet and sulk at a corner of a room if owners use harsh treatment during training. To avoid any destructive behavior from the hybrid dog, owners must be firm and consistent with practice while giving positive reinforcement like handing out treats for obeying commands.

It is also essential for owners to avoid keeping the Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador on a short leash or a cage inside the house. It loves to roam around the house and interact with its family. A retractable leash is also recommendable for owners.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Labrador and Families

The Labrador and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are two lovable household pets that can double as protective dogs around the house. Their associations to services like hunters, military, and police work make them a perfect match for crossbreeding. Around the house and loving owners, the Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback will be on the spotlight for a happy family. It loves to play around children because of its playful and affectionate nature. It is also protective of its family, making it an excellent watchdog against strangers and intruders.

Reference:

1. Davison, L.j., et al. “The CaninePOMCGene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, 8 Feb. 2017, pp. 343–348., doi:10.1111/jvim.14636.
2. Wielaender, F., et al. “Absence Seizures as a Feature of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 32, no. 1, 30 Nov. 2017, pp. 428–432., doi:10.1111/jvim.14892.
3. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
4. Bailey, Eileen M. The Rhodesian Ridgeback. Howell Book House, 2000.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodesian_Ridgeback
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever