Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix: Enchanting Mixed-breed Dog

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix is an adorable hybrid dog produced by crossing two beautiful dog breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boxer. The hybrid dog embraces the best traits of their parent breeds, resulting in a loving canine companion.

> READ MORE:

• Border Collie Dachshund Mix: Dog Breed Information And Pictures
• Explore The Unique Dog: Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Mouth Cur

Parent Breeds of Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix

Let's look at the Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer's parents and see what do they have in common!

The Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a distinctive and versatile dog breed that was originally bred in Southern Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe. This breed was developed to be a hunter and guardian. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large and muscular, with males typically standing between 26 and 29 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 90 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, reaching 24 to 26 inches tall and 70 pounds in height.

This dog is famous for its distinctive ridge of hair running down its back. The Ridgebacks come in various shades of wheat, which range from light to dark wheaten, with brown or black masks on the muzzle. They are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent, which makes them true family pets.

The Boxer

Boxer is a medium to large-sized working dog breed known for its courage, intelligence, and loyalty. This German dog breed has short hair, a muscular body, and a distinctive square-shaped muzzle. Boxers come in a few colorings, including fawn and brindle, sometimes with white markings on chests, paws, ankles, and black masks on the muzzles. With a short and tight coat that rarely mats or tangles, the Boxer does not require much grooming and brushing as other breeds.

A full-grown Boxer stands around 21 to 25 inches tall at the withers and weighs between 60 and 70 pounds. Boxer dogs are smooth, graceful, and people-oriented. That's why they don't make good guard dogs or watchdogs without proper training. Despite their vicious appearance, they are affectionate and love to play, which earned them a reputation as great dogs for families with children.

Overview of Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix

History

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix is a new hybrid dog that results from the crossbreeding of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boxer. Both parent breeds typically determine the history of a mixed-breed dog. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in South Africa and was originally used as a versatile hunting dog. The Boxer was from Germany and used to send messages and deliver ammunition across battlefields. Boxers have become popular since then and have always been in the top 20 most popular American dog breeds.

When both its parent breeds are intelligent and agile, the offspring will carry these remarkable characteristics that render them endearing companions.

Appearance

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix has an athletic body with a deep chest and strong legs. With a robust neck and a slightly rounded skull, this crossbreed possesses a striking appearance. They have black noses, triangular, floppy ears and, dark, round eyes. Their short, dense coat comes in various colors, such as brown, white, black, brindle, fawn, or red, with some white markings on the chest.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix can vary widely based on the genes and specific traits inherited from each parent breed. The height of the male Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix typically ranges from 24 inches to 27 inches, while the female is around 22 inches to 25 inches tall. The Rhodesian Boxers will weigh from 55 to 68 pounds when they are fully grown up.

How Long Can a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix Live?

Like other large-sized dogs, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix does not live as long as smaller dog breeds. Their average lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years. Some Rhodesian Boxers can live up to 15 years if they are provided with a nutritionally balanced diet, adequate daily exercise, regular veterinary check-ups, and a happy lifestyle.

Temperament

When the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boxer are mixed, we get an amazing crossbreed dog that combines the best of both worlds: the gentle demeanor and good-natured character of the Boxer and the loving and protective traits of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This hybrid dog is famous for its sharp intellect and high energy level, which makes it an ideal choice for experienced dog owners, active families, and single people.

Despite their intimidating size, Ridoxers are very protective of their owners and family. They love to play with children and make them happy. However, you should supervise all interactions between this dog and kids due to their large bodies and boisterous personalities. In some rare circumstances, they can play too rough and accidentally harm young children. The Rhodesian Boxers also can act aggressively toward strangers when they don't feel safe.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mixes are likely to get along well with other dogs and pets. However, their high prey drive can be a big problem when they see smaller animals run. If you want your Rhodesian Boxer to live peacefully with other pets in your house, early training and socialization are the keys to ensuring their friendly temperament. When they are raised alongside other pets from the puppy stage, they are more likely to consider these small animals as their friends rather than prey.

Overall, the Rhodesian Boxer Mix is friendly and protective. Proper training and early socialization will control their strong prey drive and foster a well-mannered Rhodesian Boxer. Once this breed bonds with you, it will be unconditionally devoted to you and your family.

Barking Levels

The Ridgeback Boxer is a quiet and gentle dog breed and has low to moderate barking tendencies. If you are looking for a quiet four-footed friend, this mix could be the right one for you.

Trainability

Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxers mixes are famous for their high intelligence, which makes them rapid learners, but they can be extremely stubborn when they are unmotivated. That's why early training is necessary to help them be well-behaved in the future. Perseverance and consistency are the keys to success when you train this dog. Using positive reinforcement will increase their motivation and form a strong dog-owner bond.

Exercise Needs

Playful and athletic, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer requires daily exercise at least 60 minutes a day to keep them physically fit and mentally healthy. However, it is better to minimize your dog's exertion during hot weather. In case it inherits the Boxer’s shorter snout, it can be easily affected by high temperatures, which can make it overheated. It’s also essential to supply your pooch with fresh water to maintain their hydration levels.

Nutritional Needs

Like other dog breeds, the Rhodesian Boxer Mix requires a well-balanced diet that is rich in protein, such as chicken, beef, fish, and eggs, to maintain its muscle strength. Feeding them with high-quality kibble and adding supplements like fish oil to their diet to promote a silky coat.

Health Issues

The Rhodesian Boxer Mix can suffer from some popular health issues such as ear infections, skin allergies, eye disorders, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups will help identify hidden health issues early on and help your dog live a longer and healthier life.

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix Apartment-friendly?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer is a friendly and affectionate dog that thrives in a family environment. It is generally more adaptable to apartment living, but make sure that you have enough space for the dog to move around. This mixed-breed dog also needs lots of attention from the owners. Hence, it would prefer staying indoors with the family rather than being outdoors alone. Therefore, they suit families that can be with them throughout the day.

How to Groom a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer has short and sleek hair that is relatively low maintenance. You just need to brush their coat once a week with a pin brush or slicker brush. That will not only help remove dirt and shed hair but also keep the coat clean and improve blood circulation. The Rhodesian Boxer does not require frequent bathing due to its self-cleaning coat. However, if you need to bathe it, use gentle shampoo to balance the dog's sensitive skin. Gently clean the ear with cotton balls or gauze and then dry with a towel.

How Much Does a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix Cost?

A high-quality Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix can cost from $500 to $1500.

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer Mix Hypoallergenic?

Dog breeds that are hypoallergenic generally shed less hair, while the Rhodesian Boxer sheds moderately throughout the year and releases allergenic particles into the environment. This means the Rhodesian Boxer mix dog is not hypoallergenic.

Conclusion

This mixed breed is a loyal, friendly, and intelligent dog that is an excellent choice for active families. They are also affectionate and playful and will bring joy and togetherness into your home. You can engage the Rhodesian Boxer in the family’s everyday activities and form a strong bond between you and your dog.

If you are still wondering if the Rhodesian Ridgeback Boxer mix is the right pet for your family, then you should read this article again to ensure that you have all the necessities to meet the dog's needs.