Rhodesian Ridgeback has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Schipperke tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.

Dignified
Loyal
Sensitive
Intelligent
Mischievous
Strong
Willed

Agile
Curious
Fearless
Intelligent
Confident
Faithful
Independent

Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Schipperkes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

South Africa

Belgium

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

sheepdog

1800s

1600s

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

Non Sporting (AKC:1904)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Fawn
Red

Black
Cream
Brown
Blue

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

Schipperkes have medium-length coats.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Schipperke can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Schipperkes are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Dermoid Sinus
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Entropion
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

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

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination

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

Schipperkes 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.

Schipperke has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

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

Schipperkes 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.

Schipperkes are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

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

Schipperkes are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

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

While Schipperke 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

Walks, "Love fests", More walks, Sniffing, Training, Play, Walk

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 Schipperke, it's at least 7 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 Schipperkes usually need at least 45 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.

The Schipperke has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker 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 12-16 pound (5 - 7 kg) Schipperke feed 0.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of a Schipperke is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 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 a Schipperke is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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.

Schipperke 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.

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

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Schipperkes are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Schipperkes are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Schipperkes are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Schipperkes are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.