Rhodesian Ridgeback American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback-Pit Bull mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' exact origin; while a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix with PitBull may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. These powerful, athletic, loyal dogs make great pets, especially for those in need of a watch- or guard dog--but training and socialization are musts.

A few PitBull-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized and muscular, averaging 22 inches at the shoulders in height and 65 pounds in weight; they have short, stiff coats that shed moderately; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed with PitBull:

The Pit-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix is a confident, protective hybrid. Since both parent breeds are strong, athletic, and protective, this mixed breed will surely share those qualities as well. The Ridgeback-APBT mix will be big and muscular, with a short coat that comes in a variety of solid and mixed colors.

One often misunderstood characteristic of the Pit Bull breed (and in turn, pit bull mixes like this one) is their aggression. Pit bull breeds are by no means naturally aggressive; they only become that way if they're trained to do so! Still, owning these types of dogs is often frowned upon by people, and a lot of cities/towns, neighborhood associations, and apartment buildings have rules prohibiting residents from having them. While it'll be highly unusual for your Ridgeback-APBT to show aggression, owners must begin obedience training and socialization as early in these dogs' lives as possible. A PitBull-Ridgeback mix definitely needs owners willing to be the dog's "alpha"; doing so will help ensure the dog remains peaceful, even when provoked.

Another way to help a PitBull-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix stay calm: exercise, exercise, exercise! These hybrids have huge amounts of energy, and will need multiple exercise sessions throughout the day in order to be relaxed and well-balanced.

Protective, friendly, intelligent, energetic, and sometimes stubborn, the Ridgeback-PitBull mix temperament is one of loyalty and activity. These hybrids will be very affectionate with family members, and will be extremely protective of them. While they'll rarely be aggressive with anyone or anything, they might be defensive or confrontational around unknown people or animals (especially if they feel provoked)--so owners will need to try and train them otherwise. They'll get along very well with kids, and socialize pretty well with other pets; they may, however, take after the Pit Bull and be hostile to other dogs (particularly those of the same sex). It's best if your Ridgeback-APBT mix grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

Another aspect of the Rhodesian Ridgeback-PitBull mix personality is these dogs' intelligence. They're pretty smart, and can respond well to training--but they may be stubborn and willful, and may require a few repetitions when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. Firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And perhaps the best of the Rhodesian Ridgeback-PitBull mix traits is their terrific watchdog skills. While they're not huge barkers, these hybrids will investigate most unknown sights and sounds, and are powerful enough to neutralize most any potential threat.

The Ridgeback-Pit Bull mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids might suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, allergies and other respiratory issues, heart disease, and gastric torsion (or bloat).

Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Rhodesian Ridgeback-American Pit Bull Terrier mix is 11-14 years.