Rhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Golden Doodle is originated from United States. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Golden Doodle are having almost same height. Rhodesian Ridgeback may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Golden Doodle. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Golden Doodle has almost same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Golden Doodle has almost same litter size. Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low maintenance. But Golden Doodle requires Moderate maintenance
Known as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.
He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.
The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.
The Goldendoodle, known fondly as the Golden Poo, originates from the USA and was first bred in the 1990’s, coming about because of two popular dog breeds being mated together – the Golden Labrador and the Poodle.
He isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs. The beautiful dog was first bred in 1969 by Monica Dickens, and of course when everybody saw the little golden ball of sheer delight, everybody wanted one and the dog’s popularity soared.
The original purpose of the cross-breed was to develop guide dogs which would go down well with people with allergies. Today, not all Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, but they’re also popular because they have a low shedding coat.
Perhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.
He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.
In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.
He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.
He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.
The Goldendoodle is a medium sized dog, standing between 61 -66 cm in height and weighing between 14 – 20kg. Nothing is set in stone with regards to his size as the Poodle can be Toy, Miniature and Standard, meaning the Goldendoodle can be a smallish dog or he can be a large dog.
His coat is usually golden, cream, yellow, red and even leaning towards brown or black. It is mostly medium length and wavy or even curly. Many Goldendoodle owners send their pets in to have their coats professionally shorn.
He has medium length, floppy ears and the tail is long.
Making the most wonderful family pet and companion, Goldendoodles have just the right temperament for them to be used as therapy- or rescue dogs. They’re bright, outgoing alert, social, gentle, loving, patient with children, adults and pets and friendly and amicable as well.
They’ve inherited wonderful characteristics from both the poodle and the Golden Labrador. He is an energetic dog so even though he adapts well to city life or country life, he will need to have exercise as in walks and ball games.
Your Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.
He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.
Your Goldendoodle is sure to be a real joy in your home. He is a lively, healthy dog breed and when you treat him like a family member, a real deep bond can be developed.
He loves to be included in everything going on in the household and doesn't like being left alone for a long time. He has wonderful characteristics from the Golden Retriever and the Poodle as both these dog breeds are known for their friendly, patient, kind, amicable and intelligent personalities.
Easy to train, your Goldendoodle is obedient and wants to please, and is just waiting to become a loyal, loving friend in your family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.
If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.
This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.
It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.
For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.
That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.
Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.
Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.
The Goldendoodle is a healthy dog, but each breed involved with bringing about the Goldendoodle - Poodles and Golden Retrievers – can be prone to hip dysplasia. Both dog breeds are also susceptible to inheritable eye disorders.
There are some common dog ailments worth knowing about. The idea is to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible when you detect that he isn’t his usual self.
Allergic skin disease is common in other dog breeds as well, and once the allergen is inhaled or absorbed, your pet can battle terribly with itchy, red skin. This inflammatory, chronic skin disease can drive your pet mad and you’ll see him scratching and licking continually. Get him to the vet as soon as possible because it may just be a case of changing his diet.
This is something that can even be seen in young dogs when the hip joints don’t develop normally. It can cause arthritis, terrible pain and lameness with your pet.
You’ll notice that your pet battles to see- and get around at night. Signs of night blindness can lead to loss of vision, particularly with your middle-aged Goldendoodle.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.
He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.
Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.
Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.
Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.
If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.
It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.
They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.
Taking care of a Goldendoodle isn't only about feeding him and seeing he has a fresh bowl of water available. It’s about making him part of the family and giving him love and attention just like with any family member. He needs -
Good nutritious food to keep him healthy.
A warm dry place to sleep at night.
A place during the day that offers shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.
He needs to be brushed to remove loose hairs, have his nails trimmed, his ears checked for infection and his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.
He needs to be exercised – walks, ball and rope games, swimming and joining you in your activities.
He needs to be taken to the vet when he is showing signs of illness.
He needs love, care and attention just like any other family member.