A Detailed Comparison of the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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Bolognese Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bolognese 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bolognese 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Bolognese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bolognese is a tiny-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bolognese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Bolognese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Bolognese Rhodesian Ridgeback
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Height 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2030 $1620
Price Range $1888 – $2162 $1250 – $1900
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 84.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Below is a list of where the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:

    • Bologneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Bologneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
    • Bologneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Bologneses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Bologneses adapt well to apartment living. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bologneses are very easy to train. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Bolognese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Bologneses weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Bologneses are 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Bolognese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Bologneses is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bologneses is 13.0 years.

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

    Bologneses live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Bolognese Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Bolognese has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bolognese is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 100.0 percent, the Bolognese has an above-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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 1 Bologneses and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Bolognese versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Bolognese puppy is $2030. The price of the Bolognese typically ranges from $1888 – $2162. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses. 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 Bolognese 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bolognese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Bologneses do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bologneses shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Bologneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bolognese or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bologneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bolognese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bologneses 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.

    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 Bologneses Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Bologneses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Bologneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bologneses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bolognese vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Bologneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Bologneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bologneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bologneses good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Bologneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bologneses and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Bologneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bolognese Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bologneses are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Bolognese Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bologneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bologneses are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.