Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Harriers shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are Hound Dogs. This means both the Harrier 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.
Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Harrier | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1250 – $1900 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1620 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 40 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 40 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 39 |
| 2014 | 181 | 39 |
| 2015 | 183 | 40 |
| 2016 | 186 | 42 |
| 2017 | 183 | 41 |
| 2018 | 189 | 41 |
| 2019 | 186 | 42 |
| 2020 | 190 | 42 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks 11 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 6564 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 636 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and how common these diseases are in Rhodesian Ridgebacks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Rhodesian Ridgeback and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Rhodesian Ridgeback Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 168 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 11 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 15 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 31 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 32 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 48 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 56 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 97 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 102 out of 182 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Harriers shed moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers 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 Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Schipperke Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler Harrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus French Spaniel Harrier versus Briard Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Papipoo Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Harrier versus Briard Harrier versus Boston Terrier Harrier versus Shihpoo Harrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Harrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog Harrier versus Puli Harrier versus Scottish Deerhound Harrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Harrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Harrier versus Sussex Spaniel Harrier versus Papipoo Harrier versus Golden Retriever
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chihuahua Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Standard Poodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Saint Bernard Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Puggle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Schipperke Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Finnish Spitz Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Great Dane Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Pit Bull Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Berger Picard Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shetland Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cesky Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lhasa Apso Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boerboel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cockapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Newfoundland Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Cocker Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.