Labrador Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breed

The Lab-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, as a hybrid, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while a Rhodesian Ridgeback-Lab mix may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Lab-Ridgeback mix probably grew in popularity during the so-called designer dog "explosion" in the late 20th century. These energetic, loyal dogs are best suited as pets for active families, especially those in need of a good watchdog.

A few facts about a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix with Lab: they're large-sized, averaging 24 inches at the shoulders in height and 70 pounds in weight; they have short, smooth coats that usually shed seasonally; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Labrador-Ridgeback cross:

Energetic, friendly, intelligent, protective, and at times stubborn, the Rhodesian Ridgeback-Lab mix temperament is one of both devotion and activity. These hybrids will be friendly and affectionate with their family members, and very protective of them (especially if their personalities are more like the Ridgeback's).Lab-Ridgeback mixes will usually get along with kids and other pets, though they may try to challenge other dogs (particularly ones of the same sex). In any case, it's best if your Lab-Ridgeback grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they'll be accustomed to being around one another. These dogs are usually standoffish around and even suspicious of strangers--but they'll often take cues from their human owners regarding treatment of unknown people.

When it comes to training, these hybrids are normally very smart and will take well to it--but they might tend towards stubbornness, which means they may need a few repetitions when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Another of the good Lab-Ridgeback mix characteristics: these hybrids' watchdog abilities are usually top-notch. They're alert, protective, and confident, so they'll normally investigate any unknown sights or sounds, and defend against them if necessary.

A Labrador Retriever-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is normally very healthy. Even so, these hybrids may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and elbow dysplasia, along with assorted eye problems (like cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA). Larger, deeper-chested Lab-Ridgeback mixes may also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat).

Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Lab-Ridgeback mix is 10-12 years.