Breed Comparison: Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Sloughi

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Sloughi: Introduction

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

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

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 Sloughi.

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi: Overview

Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are similar in size. The Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are Hound Dogs. This means both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi 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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback to the Sloughi 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 Sloughi

Factor Rhodesian Ridgeback Sloughi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
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 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Height 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 70 to 85 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1620 No Data
Price Range $1250 – $1900 No Data
Temperament Score 84.2 percent 100.0 percent
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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 40 189

    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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi

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

  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sloughis adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi

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

  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are not easy to train.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi

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

    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, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi

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

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

    Sloughis live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Sloughi

    The Sloughi has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sloughi is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 100.0 percent, the Sloughi has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi by measuring the temperaments of 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and 3 Sloughis.

    The Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Popularity of Sloughi

    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 Sloughi over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is more popular with dog owners than the Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 189 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Popularity of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Year Rhodesian Ridgeback Popularity Rank Sloughi Popularity Rank
    2013 39 no data
    2014 39 no data
    2015 40 no data
    2016 42 185.0
    2017 41 188.0
    2018 41 192.0
    2019 42 191.0
    2020 42 189.0

    Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Health Problems of Sloughi

    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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    6 health tests are recommended for Rhodesian Ridgeback while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and in Sloughis.

    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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.

    Sloughi Health Problems

    Sloughis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sloughi 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 Sloughi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sloughi 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 Sloughis for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sloughis here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sloughi

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Sloughi

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Sloughis 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 Sloughis?

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

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

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Sloughi

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

    Sloughis have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sloughis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Sloughis are not the best dogs 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 Sloughi vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sloughi

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

  • Bracco Italiano (78 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Ibizan Hound (79 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Clumber Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mal Shi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Morkie     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Brussels Griffon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkshire Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwegian Lundehund     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mountain Cur     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lakeland Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bolognese     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Portuguese Water Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Longhaired Pointer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Berger Picard     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Barbet     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Sussex Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Doberman Pinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkipoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akbash     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Australian Cattle Dog     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akita Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bullmastiff     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     

    Sloughi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sloughi versus Chihuahua     Sloughi versus Mountain Cur     Sloughi versus Bulldog     Sloughi versus Rottweiler     Sloughi versus Afador     Sloughi versus German Shepherd Dog     Sloughi versus Akbash     Sloughi versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Sloughi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Sloughi versus Brittany     Sloughi versus English Springer Spaniel     Sloughi versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Sloughi versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Sloughi versus Greyhound     Sloughi versus Kooikerhondje     Sloughi versus Coton de Tulear     Sloughi versus Shiba Inu     Sloughi versus Japanese Spitz     Sloughi versus Shiranian     Sloughi versus Chihuahua     Sloughi versus Toy Fox Terrier     Sloughi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Sloughi versus Belgian Sheepdog     Sloughi versus Spinone Italiano     

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