Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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Anatolian Shepherd Dog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to the Rhodesian Ridgeback based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Anatolian Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Weight 80 to 150 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $990 $1620
Price Range $750 – $1150 $1250 – $1900
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 84.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. So, you should get the Anatolian Shepherd Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Below is a list of where the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:

    • Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:

    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 83.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 36 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy is $990. The price of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $750 – $1150. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 119 Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

    2 health tests are recommended for Anatolian Shepherd Dog while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Anatolian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Anatolian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs drool moderately.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Anatolian Shepherd Dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Anatolian Shepherd Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.