Russian Setter vs Rhodesian Ridgeback - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Russian Setter is originated from Russia. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Russian Setter are having almost same height. Rhodesian Ridgeback may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Russian Setter. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Russian Setter has same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Russian Setter has almost same litter size. Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low Maintenance. But Russian Setter requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Setter dog
undefined
Zimbabwe
Russia
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
None
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
Short or long, smooth or wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

rhodesian ridgebackKnown 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.

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps 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.

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour 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.

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian 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.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe 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.

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Russian Setter vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Russian Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Russian Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Russian Setter vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Russian Setter vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Setter vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Setter vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Setter vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Setter vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Setter vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Russian Setter vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Setter vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Setter vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Setter vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Setter vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Russian Setter vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Russian Setter vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Russian Setter vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Setter vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Setter vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Setter vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison