Australian Shepherd vs Rhodesian Ridgeback

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Australian Shepherd vs Rhodesian Ridgeback
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
24-27 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
65-90 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin Country
United States
Zimbabwe
Origin Year
1840 AD
1924 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
35-95 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
None
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Energy Level
High to Very High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
23 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low
Shedding
Medium
Low
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Dermoid sinus
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Blue Merle
Blue Merle
Red
Red
Red Merle
Red Merle
Light Wheaten
Light Wheaten
Red Wheaten
Red Wheaten
Wheaten
Wheaten
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