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

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Goldendoodle Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Goldendoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 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
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2170 $1620
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1250 – $1900
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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 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 Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

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

    Goldendoodles live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Goldendoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $2170 $1620
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles. 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 Goldendoodle 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.

    Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Also, like Goldendoodles, 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 Goldendoodle and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Marley is the name of another Goldendoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

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

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs French Spaniel.
  • 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 Goldendoodle vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Dalmatian     Goldendoodle versus Lowchen     Goldendoodle versus Keeshond     Goldendoodle versus Papillon     Goldendoodle versus Basset Hound     Goldendoodle versus Australian Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Sealyham Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Collie     Goldendoodle versus Bedlington Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Goldendoodle versus Korean Jindo Dog     Goldendoodle versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Goldendoodle versus Saint Bernard     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Schnauzer     Goldendoodle versus English Cocker Spaniel     Goldendoodle versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Goldendoodle versus Portuguese Water Dog     Goldendoodle versus English Setter     Goldendoodle versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Goldendoodle versus Chorkie     Goldendoodle versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Goldendoodle versus Shih Tzu     Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter     Goldendoodle versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Whippet     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Tibetan Mastiff     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Puggle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Bulldog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pekingese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lowchen     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Wolfhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sealyham Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kuvasz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomchi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sealyham Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenpinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Toy Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bracco Italiano     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Cocker Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Doberman Pinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chihuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Swedish Vallhund     

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