Golden Retriever VS Rhodesian Ridgeback: 19 Differences

Golden retrievers are very popular dogs. They have big personalities but never strive to dominate – all they want is to make friends and enjoy their lives.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are among the rarest dog breeds in the U.S. They are natural-born alphas with an independent, courageous nature.

None is better or worse, but you should consider your temperament and lifestyle to choose a dog that suits you best.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are medium-sized dogs. Golden retriever males are 23-24 inches tall and weigh 65-75 pounds on average, while females are 21-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are slightly larger – males reach 27 inches in height and weigh up to 85 pounds, while females are 24-26 inches tall and weigh around 70 pounds. Both breeds have a strong, muscular build.

Shedding

Shedding is among the most significant differences between golden retrievers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The lustrous long fur of golden retrievers is beautiful, but it sheds heavily year-round, with extra intense shedding phases in fall and spring.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed as their hair goes through its natural cycle, but they aren’t seasonal shedders. Because Rhodesian Ridgebacks have short fur without undercoat, their shedding isn’t nearly as bad as that of goldens.

Personality

There’s no clear winner in the golden retriever vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback temperament comparison, but they are quite different. Golden retrievers are exuberant, friendly dogs that are always in action and quickly get bored.

They are always up to play and are highly affectionate with family. Goldens are the extraverts of the dog world, quickly making friends with people and other animals. Being stubborn or aggressive isn’t in their nature.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in a way similar – they are generally friendly dogs affectionate with family. However, they are more independent than goldens and more aloof with strangers.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are goofy as puppies but develop calmer personalities as they grow. These confident, courageous dogs are very loyal and protective.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are gentle, patient, and rarely bark, so they are suitable for households with babies. However, they may be a bit too energetic and goofy and unintentionally knock over a child.

A golden retriever is the best companion for older kids who can play with the dog and understand when the game is getting out of hand.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very even-tempered dogs with predictable behavior, so they are great for young kids. Neither of these breeds is prone to aggression, but supervision is necessary when a child interacts with a dog regardless.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers want to be friends with everyone, including other dogs, cats, and small pets like rabbits and birds. They have a low prey drive and are unlikely to attack another animal but may unintentionally hurt a small pet during play.

Overall, golden retrievers get along the best with animals with a similar temperament but may be over the top for old or shy pets. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can live with other pets if they get used to them since puppyhood.

However, these dogs tend to be dominant with other animals, especially with dogs of the same sex. The best time to introduce another animal into the house is when a Rhodesian Ridgeback is still a puppy.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are quiet dogs that rarely bark. Like all dogs, they sometimes use barking for communication but only when there’s a valid reason.

Intelligence & Trainability

According to canine researcher Stanley Coren, golden retrievers are the fourth most intelligent dog breed, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the 52nd. Although golden retrievers excel, Rhodesian Ridgebacks show better results than an average dog.

The reason goldens rank higher in intelligence is the independence of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. These dogs are quick to memorize commands and have excellent problem-solving skills, but they aren’t as eager to please the owner as golden retrievers.

Common Behavior Problems

Golden retrievers are prone to separation anxiety caused by a lack of socialization or a history of abuse. The symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include pacing, digging, chewing, excessive vocalization, and potty accidents.

Many goldens pull on the leash because of curiosity and high energy levels or jump on people because of excitement. Fortunately, they quickly learn to remain silent unless the owner ignores discouraged behavior.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks may be overprotective of their territory or owner.

Some dogs of the breed are aggressive or destructive, which is usually caused by a lack of training, under-stimulation, or abuse. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can take advantage of inexperienced owners, refusing to obey commands.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are energetic dogs that need at least an hour of walking daily. These dogs appreciate mentally stimulating exercises such as hiking, swimming, playing fetch, and hunting.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks need even more physical activity than golden retrievers, despite their calm and even-tempered nature. They need at least two hours of walking daily or an hour and a half of vigorous exercise.

Grooming Needs

When it comes to golden retriever vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback grooming needs, the latter is a clear winner. The gorgeous fur of golden retrievers demands a lot of upkeep, including daily brushing and regular bathing.

Golden retrievers should never be shaved because it may affect their thermoregulation and damage the fur, but they will benefit from feather trimming.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks only need occasional brushing with a rubber glove to evenly distribute skin oils on the fur. They don’t need bathing unless they get dirty.

Lifespan

Golden retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback life expectancy are standard for dogs of this size, 10-12 years. However, there are known cases of golden retrievers living for over 20 years.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are prone to cancer, epilepsy, thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and skin conditions.

Goldens that frequently swim are susceptible to ear infections, and dogs that aren’t getting enough exercise may get obese.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks, too, often suffer from hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and skin conditions. They are more prone to deafness, cataracts, and dermoid sinus than an average dog.

Price

The price of golden retriever puppies with a complete document package ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on compliance with the breed standard, lineage, and breeder. Show-quality goldens may cost over $4,000.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t cheap dogs. The typical price is $1,700-$2,500, and some puppies can cost twice the amount. Many people are confused about why Rhodesian Ridgebacks are so expensive.

The reason lies in the supply and demand rule. The breed is rapidly gaining recognition (and rightfully so), but the few breeders situated in the U.S. are unable to keep up with the demand.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s size doesn’t define how well it’s suited for first-time owners. The personality is what truly matters.

Golden retrievers are relatively large dogs bursting with energy, but they are an excellent choice for inexperienced owners because of their trainability and lovely nature.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t recommended for first-time owners because they are independent, have a high prey drive, and may be stubborn. However, one can still make it work with enough dedication and discipline.

Suitability for Apartments

Many people planning on buying a golden retriever or Rhodesian Ridgeback are worried about whether large dogs can live in apartments. In short, yes, but only if the owner provides the dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Both breeds are silent and well-behaved if they get proper care and training. They don’t care about the space as much as about attention.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Any dog can be a service dog if it receives the necessary training and isn’t aggressive towards strangers. However, golden retrievers excel in this role because of their inherited temperament traits.

Goldens are considered one of the best service dog breeds. In contrast, Rhodesian Ridgebacks may be a bit reserved with strangers and stubborn, so they need more extensive training and socialization.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers are loyal and strong, so they make excellent protection dogs, but they are too friendly, credulous, and affectionate to serve as guard dogs.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks handle this role much better. They are always alert and have a high prey drive. These dogs will never let a stranger onto their property.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Both breeds make excellent hunting companions. Golden retrievers were initially used to retrieve waterfowl and excel in this role to this day. They are obedient, eager to please, and have fantastic work ethics.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions. These dogs have a powerful prey drive and immense stamina. They are perfect for chasing animals, big or small, but they need extensive training.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

In contrast, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a relatively rare breed – the American Kennel Club registers about 2,000 dogs annually compared to over 50,000 goldens.

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