Differences and Similarities between the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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Pomsky Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pomsky belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

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.

Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomsky 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 Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Pomsky Rhodesian Ridgeback
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
Weight 7 to 38 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2270 $1620
Price Range $1500 – $2995 $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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Pomskys require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
  • Pomskys do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Pomskys adapt well to apartment living. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pomskys are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomsky 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 Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
  • Both the Pomsky and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Pomskys weigh 7 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Pomskys are 10 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 Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Pomskys is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pomskys is 13.5 years.

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

    Pomskys live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Pomsky versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Pomsky puppy is $2270. The price of the Pomsky typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of a Pomsky can be as low as $500 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 823 Pomsky 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 Pomsky is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Pomsky Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Average Price $2270 $1620
    Price Range $1500 to $2995 $1250 to $1900

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomskys. 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 Pomsky 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 Pomsky versus Adopting the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Pomskys do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomskys shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pomskys shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Pomsky or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Pomskys do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pomskys require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomskys can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomsky vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Pomskys do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Pomskys Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pomskys get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomskys good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pomskys 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 Pomskys and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pomskys do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pomsky Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pomskys are fairly easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

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

    Pomskys adapt very well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pomskys 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 Pomsky

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

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

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

    Pomsky Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pomsky versus Greyhound     Pomsky versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pomsky versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pomsky versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pomsky versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pomsky versus American Bulldog     Pomsky versus Silky Terrier     Pomsky versus Saluki     Pomsky versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pomsky versus Labradoodle     Pomsky versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pomsky versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pomsky versus Cesky Terrier     Pomsky versus Australian Kelpie     Pomsky versus Whippet     Pomsky versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pomsky versus Whippet     Pomsky versus Bolognese     Pomsky versus Komondor     Pomsky versus Coton de Tulear     Pomsky versus Pharaoh Hound     Pomsky versus Samoyed     Pomsky versus Australian Kelpie     Pomsky versus Tibetan Terrier     Pomsky versus Bluetick Coonhound     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boston Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Vizsla     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Peek A Poo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxerdoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Alaskan Malamute     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Hairless Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shetland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Black Russian Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kuvasz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Goldador     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norfolk Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomapoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bordoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Whippet     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Hairless Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Carolina Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Foxhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pekingese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Finnish Spitz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Water Spaniel     

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