Russian Hound vs Rhodesian Ridgeback - Breed Comparison

There are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

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 Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

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.

Temperament:

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.

Everybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

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.

The Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

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.

Exercise:

As a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Grooming:

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.

Diet:

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.