Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are similar in size. The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $650 $1620
Price Range $400 – $800 $1250 – $1900
Temperament Score 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with other dogs.
  • Catahoula Leopard 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.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs not very playful. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not easy to train.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard 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.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $650 $1620
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog named Blue (Courtesy) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Blue (Courtesy) on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chinook     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pomapoo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boston Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Standard Poodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Beagle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chi-Poo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bullmastiff     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Whoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Peek A Poo     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Great Dane     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chow Chow     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Affenpinscher     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Barbet     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Peek A Poo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bloodhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kuvasz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Fila Brasileiro     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Hovawart     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Portuguese Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basenji     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Tibetan Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Papipoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Catahoula Bulldog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomeranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomsky     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Afghan Hound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Saint Bernard     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Border Terrier     

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