What are some Dogs Similar to a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Vik: What are some dogs similar to a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
I like everything except for the weight (average 65-75 lbs). I would like the same body-build and look but something smaller like around 50 lbs.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Ari
Vizsla?
A bit smaller, males are 45-60 and females 40-55

Photo Credit: Maufdi/Flickr CC

Answer by Douglas H
If you're going strictly by looks alone, a Viszla is by far your best bet. I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback and when I mention that to people who aren't familiar with them, I tell them they look like a Viszla on steroids. Plus, they have the trademark ridge as well. Keep in mind though, looks are one of the few things these two breeds have in common. They are very different breeds so make sure and do your research no matter what you decide to go with.

Answer by langlaiszoo
I have seen Ridgebacks around 50 lbs, and just rescued a Boxer/RR mix, who is 52 lbs.
My best advice is to go walk around a dog show, look at the dogs that appeal to you physically, then find someone willing to tell you about the breed so you know what to expect.
There are some wonderful dogs sitting at shelters around the country just waiting for someone to come in and adopt them. You might find a mix that appeals to you.
I do breed Ridgebacks, but I also rescue and foster and help place mixes.

There are pit bulls that are around this weight, and I've seen pitbull/RR crosses that are around 50 lbs. I don't like to see these 2 breeds mixed, though. Ridgebacks are very dominant and can be stubborn.
There is a breed called a Black Nose Cur that can be around 50 lb weight as well. They look just like a Ridgeback but do not have a ridge.

Answer by Marti C
No other breed will act like a Rhodesian, this is the first thing to consider when you get a dog.
A vizsla, pronounced veezsh-la, is about the same color, but, much lighter boned and shaped differently. They have a much different temperament, the RR is a sighthound that was bred to hunt large game, like LIONS in a small pack, they are large, strong, and independent, but, at the same time, laid back and easygoing, usually.

• Why is my 8-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy not eating?
• What is a good male dog name for a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Vizslas are a sporting breed, bred for long days in the field finding and flushing birds, they tend to be very high energy.
There is also the Pharoah Hound, a smallish, solid red sighthound with pricked ears. Be aware, Sighthounds are not like labs or retrievers. They are not a group of dogs that everyone can live with, they are cat-like and independent!

Answer by texelgirl2
English Pointers in solid Red (though they don't generally come in solid they are usually Bi-colored. White, with most other colors including Red or Orange) also, not as large or heavy as the Rhod. As for the look, they are a heavy breed, so you aren't going to get that boxy look… maybe go with a solid Boxer? They are smaller if they are American bred.
I should also mention a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. More hair. on the reddish Chocolatey side but not as heavy.

Answer by nashrescue
If you like all the traits of a Ridgeback, why not consider adopting an adult dog? This way there will be no surprises about the size of a full-grown dog.

I volunteer with a national not-for-profit Ridgeback Rescue group. Sometimes there are Ridgebacks available for adoption who are not as tall as the standard and weigh within your desired range.
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