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, Sco-Shis 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
Playful
Independent
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Quick
Lively
Gentle
Selfish

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

Avoid Sco-Shis as watchdogs - they're not effective.

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

Scottish Terrier, Shih Tzu

1800s

Unknown

Brown
Amber

Hazel

Black
Brown

Black

Fawn
Red

Black
Gray
Brown
Brindle

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

Sco-Shis 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 Sco-Shi can have a litter of 2-5 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.

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

Sco-Shis 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

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Ear Infections
Allergies
Reverse Sneezing
Eye Conditions

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

X-Rays
Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints
Eye and Ear Examination
Allergy Testing
Abdominal Ultrasound

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

Sco-Shis are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

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

Sco-Shi has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Sco-Shis need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

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

Sco-Shis have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

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

Running in yard

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.

Sco-Shis are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Sco-Shi dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

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 Sco-Shi, it's at least 6 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 Sco-Shis usually need at least 30 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.

Sco-Shis 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
Scissors
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 20-25 pound (9 - 11 kg) Sco-Shi feed 1 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 Sco-Shi is somewhere $1.30 - $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 Sco-Shi 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 good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Sco-Shis make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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

Sco-Shis have an average level of friendliness towards children.

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

Sco-Shis 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.

Sco-Shis are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Sco-Shis are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Sco-Shis have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.