Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier: Overview
- Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
- Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Skye Terrier
- Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Skye Terrier
- The Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus the Intelligence of the Skye Terrier
- The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Popularity of Skye Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Skye Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier?
- Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye Terrier?
- Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Skye Terriers?
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Skye Terrier
- Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier?
- Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Skye Terriers?
- Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier? 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 Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier.
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 Skye Terrier.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog while the Skye Terrier 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 Skye 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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback to the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier
| Factor | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 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 | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 85 pounds | 25 to 40 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | $2000 |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1900 | $2000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 84.2 percent | 37.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 40 | 176 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 52 | 55 |
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 Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Skye Terrier is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. So, you should get the Skye 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terrier
Below is a list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier
The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier.
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, Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Skye Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Skye Terriers is 13.0 years.
Skye Terriers live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Skye Terrier
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and 8 Skye Terriers.
Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Skye Terrier
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 Skye Terrier puppy is $2000. The price of the Skye Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of the Skye Terrier can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Skye Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Skye Terrier is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Skye Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1620 | $2000 |
| Price Range | $1250 to $1900 | $2000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Skye Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies or how many Skye Terrier 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 Skye Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy or the Skye Terrier 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.
The Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback versus the Intelligence of the Skye Terrier
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Skye Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 52 out of 130 dog breeds | 55 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an obedience intelligence rank of 52 out of 130 dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Skye Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 55 out of 130 dog breeds. The Skye Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Skye Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more intelligent than the Skye Terrier.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Popularity of Skye Terrier
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Skye Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is more popular with dog owners than the Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Popularity of Skye Terrier
| Year | Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity Rank | Skye Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 39 | 161 |
| 2014 | 39 | 177 |
| 2015 | 40 | 175 |
| 2016 | 42 | 178 |
| 2017 | 41 | 172 |
| 2018 | 41 | 178 |
| 2019 | 42 | 187 |
| 2020 | 42 | 183 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Skye Terriers?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Skye Terriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye Terrier?
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.
Skye 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.
Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Skye Terriers?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Skye Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Skye Terrier
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Skye Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Skye Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Skye Terriers?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Skye Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Skye Terriers are not easy to train.
Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Skye Terrier?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Skye Terrier?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Skye Terriers 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Skye Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Skye 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 Skye Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Rhodesian Ridgeback and how the Skye Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and of the Skye Terrier to other breeds:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkshire Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus King Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Carolina Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kerry Blue Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pug Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Saint Berdoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Shar-Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boykin Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lancashire Heeler Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Miniature Pinscher Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Frenchton Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Black Russian Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Silky Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kai Ken Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Aussiedoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus West Highland White Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwegian Buhund Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Skye Terrier versus Australian Terrier Skye Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Skye Terrier versus Yorkipoo Skye Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Skye Terrier versus Border Terrier Skye Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Skye Terrier versus English Setter Skye Terrier versus Havanese Skye Terrier versus Chi-Poo Skye Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Skye Terrier versus Chi-Poo Skye Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Skye Terrier versus Kooikerhondje Skye Terrier versus Barbet Skye Terrier versus Samoyed Skye Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute Skye Terrier versus Border Terrier Skye Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres Skye Terrier versus Dalmatian Skye Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Skye Terrier versus American Water Spaniel Skye Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Skye Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Skye Terrier versus Pekingese Skye Terrier versus Sheepadoodle
Conclusion: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Skye Terrier. 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 Skye Terrier better suits you and your family.