Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Eurohound - Breed Comparison

Sled dog racers wanted something unique and hardy in their dogs and the Eurohound seemed to be the dog that fitted the bill.

It was in the 1980s that both Norway and Sweden started crossing the Husky and the Pointer for the first time.

The Eurohound, known also as the Scandinavian hound, is a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer and an Alaskan Husky as well as other Pointer dogs.

Hailing from Norway, Scandinavia, it isn’t a purebred dog but a cross-breed, and the term ‘Eurohound’ comes from a certain Ivana Nolke so as to distinguish the European racing dogs imported into Alaska.

Known as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

The Eurohound is a carefully bred dog considered to be a large dog standing up to 72 cm in height and weighting in the region of 18-24 kg.

With its mission being to be a sled dog, it is constantly being crossbred with other cross- breeds to produce dogs to suit the pulling of sleds. Because both the Husky and Pointers have been used in its breeding, who knows really how its appearance will be as it can vary quite a bit.

There are however, some common features in the dogs such as the half dropped ears. More Eurohounds have black ears with white markings. The dog is a slender breed with a longish face and a long muzzle. Certainly it is known for being a powerful sled dog. The short, shiny dog can be in a number of colors such as cream, beige white, red, black, spotted or patched.

Temperament:

Social, extrovert and energetic, the Eurohound also loves to be busy. Its a dog who forms a strong relationship with its owners, being affectionate and loyal. While he is quite able to live in the city or the country, he essentially needs large premises as he loves to run and be free.

He most certainly isn’t a working dog breed who can be left on his own in the backyard until you need him to pull a sled as he craves your companionship. He is an independent and stubborn dog and therefore training and socialization will b excellent for him as it makes him understand who is boss in the home.

He is a dog who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as children.

Perhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

Full of bounce, social and extroverted, while also being independent and stubborn, the Eurohound just loves being around his human family, bonding strongly with them, whether they are adults, children or even other pets in the home.

You’ll find that your Eurohound is an intelligent dog too and that he can be easily trained. He loves to be active, so to put him in your backyard and all but forget about him would be cruel. They are loyal, loving dogs who want to be part of all your activities, being ready to walk and run with you whenever the opportunity arises.

Your Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

Considered as a healthy dog breed and able to live up to 10 – 15 years of age, just some of the most common reported health problems you might find with your Eurohound are hip and elbow dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is where the joint – the ball and socket – is malformed so that instead of working smoothly it grinds. It is one of the most common skeletal diseases in dogs and large breeds are mostly affected. Hip dysplasia can lead to osteoarthritis, pain and lameness.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

The Eurohound is an energetic dog who will require a high-quality nutritious food. Home made dog foods are wonderful but in the event that it isn’t always possible, make sure you buy top quality commercially manufactured food.

Your vet can advise you on the type of food to use for your pet if you are unsure. Certainly, if you feed your dog kibble, take a good look at the ingredient label on the pet food packaging. If you are interested in your dog’s health in terms of food, you will learn about protein/fat ratio and how much moisture is in the food and what vitamins are included.

Remember to occasionally include cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken as well as some raw meat from time to time.

Grooming:

The Eurohound isn’t a big shedder but you will still need to ensure that you brush his short coat twice a week to keep it in tip top condition.

These are dogs which bond closely with their human family so this grooming period will be therapeutic to him.

Check his ears inside and out for the development of ear infections and brush his teeth twice a week with a special dog toothbrush and tooth paste. Dental disease can cause a host of serious illnesses and you want to avoid this with your dog,

Grooming:

The Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.