Unfortunately, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Irish Water Spaniels are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Dignified
Loyal
Sensitive
Intelligent
Mischievous
Strong
Willed

Active
Clownish
Intelligent
Alert
Inquisitive
Quick

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Irish Water Spaniels make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

South Africa

Ireland

african tribal dog, dane, mastiff, bloodhound, pointer, greyhound, terrier

poodle, portuguese water dog, barbet

Hound (AKC:1955)
Sighthounds & pariahs (UKC)

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Brown
Amber

Brown
Amber

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

Fawn
Red

Brown

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Irish Water Spaniels have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Straight

Curly

While the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Irish Water Spaniels typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Dermoid Sinus
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat

Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Otitis Externa
Entropion
Eye Problems
Hypothyroidism

Hip
Hearing
Breeder Check For Dermoid Sinus
Skeletal
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Rhodesian Ridgebacks' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Irish Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Rhodesian Ridgeback has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Irish Water Spaniel has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Irish Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Irish Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Irish Water Spaniel has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Irish Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

While Irish Water Spaniel dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Fetch, Eating Snacks, Walk, Run, Playing, Tug-of-war, Running, Sniffing, Jumping, Walking, Get massages, Facial kisses, Wandering, Catch treats, Play, Zoomies, Go get it, Everything, Cuddling, Walks, Swimming

Walking, Swimming, Hunting, Running

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rhodesian Ridgeback, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Water Spaniel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Irish Water Spaniels usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Irish Water Spaniels require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 79-85 pound (36 - 39 kg) Rhodesian Ridgeback feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 55-68 pound (25 - 31 kg) Irish Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of an Irish Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Rhodesian Ridgeback is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Irish Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Irish Water Spaniel is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Irish Water Spaniels can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Irish Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.