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

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and for the Shiranian. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiranian.

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback to the Shiranian 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian

Factor Rhodesian Ridgeback Shiranian
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 7 to 12 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 85 pounds 4 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1230
Price Range $1250 – $1900 $925 – $1200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Shiranian. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian

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

  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiranians adapt well to apartment living.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom. However, Shiranians require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shiranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shiranians have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian are not easy to train.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian

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

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Shiranian

    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 reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shiranian puppy is $1230. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $925 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $400 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 35 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Shiranian
    Average Price $1620 $1230
    Price Range $1250 to $1900 $925 to $1200

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy or the Shiranian 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Shiranian

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians 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.

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Shiranian

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

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

    Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Shiranians?

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

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

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shiranians are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Shiranian vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Shiranian vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiranian

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

  • Pomapoo (75 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Pomapoo.
  • Shichon (74 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shichon.
  • Shihpoo (76 percent match with Shiranian). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Shihpoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Stabyhoun     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Rottweiler     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Coton de Tulear     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Longhaired Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwegian Buhund     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Greyhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cockalier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lhasa Apso     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Longhaired Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Black Russian Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Vizsla     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomchi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boxerdoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cockapoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Springer Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Fox Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Japanese Spitz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus English Setter     

    Shiranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiranian versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shiranian versus Saint Berdoodle     Shiranian versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Shiranian versus Sheepadoodle     Shiranian versus French Spaniel     Shiranian versus Dalmatian     Shiranian versus Bedlington Terrier     Shiranian versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Afghan Hound     Shiranian versus Cavachon     Shiranian versus Alaskan Malamute     Shiranian versus Boxer     Shiranian versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Shiranian versus Dachshund     Shiranian versus Hovawart     Shiranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shiranian versus King Shepherd     Shiranian versus American Bulldog     Shiranian versus Morkie     Shiranian versus Norwich Terrier     Shiranian versus Cairn Terrier     Shiranian versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shiranian versus Tibetan Spaniel     Shiranian versus Valley Bulldog     Shiranian versus Bolognese     

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