Which is Better between the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? A Very Detailed Review.

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Patterdale Terrier Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Patterdale Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Patterdale Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $680 $1620
Price Range $550 – $950 $1250 – $1900
Temperament Score 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

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

    The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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.

    Lifespan of Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.

    Patterdale Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $680 $1620
    Price Range $550 to $950 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers. 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 Patterdale Terrier 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Cockalier     Patterdale Terrier versus Dachshund     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Barbet     Patterdale Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Patterdale Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Patterdale Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Barbet     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomchi     Patterdale Terrier versus Schipperke     Patterdale Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Patterdale Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Berger Picard     Patterdale Terrier versus Chow Chow     Patterdale Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chi-Poo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sealyham Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Miniature Poodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomsky     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Cattle Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shih Tzu     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cane Corso     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Catahoula Bulldog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mountain Cur     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Whoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bouvier des Flandres     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenhuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Deerhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Italian Greyhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Gordon Setter     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Sheepdog     

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