Is the Carolina Dog Better than the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a Pet? Answer…

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Carolina Dog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are Hound Dogs. This means both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.

Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Carolina Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $500 $1620
Price Range $500 – $500 $1250 – $1900
Temperament Score 66.7 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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not easy to train.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Carolina Dogs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Carolina Dog

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina 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 Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina 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. However, the price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $500 $1620
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina 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 Carolina 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.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Rhodesian Ridgebacks are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named A1135456 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like A1135456 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also available for adoption. For example, Mufasa 21-12-102 is a Male Rhodesian Ridgeback that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Rhodesian Ridgebacks like Mufasa 21-12-102 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Ricky is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Carolina 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Carolina 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 Carolina Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Rhodesian Ridgeback:

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Saint Bernard     Carolina Dog versus Dalmatian     Carolina Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Carolina Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Carolina Dog versus Cockapoo     Carolina Dog versus Westiepoo     Carolina Dog versus Kishu Ken     Carolina Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Carolina Dog versus Shih Tzu     Carolina Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Carolina Dog versus Irish Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Labradoodle     Carolina Dog versus Greyhound     Carolina Dog versus Plott     Carolina Dog versus Basenji     Carolina Dog versus Whippet     Carolina Dog versus Bernedoodle     Carolina Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Carolina Dog versus Azawakh     Carolina Dog versus Sussex Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Rottweiler     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Harrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Great Dane     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus French Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dalmatian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Fox Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Deerhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Carolina Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kishu Ken     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Goldendoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxerdoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cairn Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Water Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bracco Italiano     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Rottweiler     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkipoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bull Terrier     

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