A Detailed Comparison of the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Factor Fila Brasileiro Rhodesian Ridgeback
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 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
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
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1620
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $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
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Fila Brasileiro 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 a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro 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 they 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 a 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $1270 $1620
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also available for adoption. For example, Hank (Courtesy) is a Male Rhodesian Ridgeback that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Rhodesian Ridgebacks like Hank (Courtesy) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Roody, an adorable Male Rhodesian Ridgeback on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Rhodesian Ridgebacks that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Siberian Husky     Fila Brasileiro versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Cane Corso     Fila Brasileiro versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Peek A Poo     Fila Brasileiro versus English Setter     Fila Brasileiro versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Fila Brasileiro versus French Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus Goldador     Fila Brasileiro versus Samoyed     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Great Pyrenees     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenhuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Ibizan Hound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Aussiedoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Brittany     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Azawakh     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenpinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Springer Spaniel     

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