New Zealand Heading Dog has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Rhodesian Ridgeback has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Intelligent
Willing

Dignified
Loyal
Sensitive
Intelligent
Mischievous
Strong
Willed

New Zealand Heading Dogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

New Zealand

South Africa

Border Collie

african tribal dog, dane, mastiff, bloodhound, pointer, greyhound, terrier

1867

1800s

Brown
Amber

Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Black
White
Fawn

Fawn
Red

New Zealand Heading Dogs have medium-length coats.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

A New Zealand Heading Dog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

New Zealand Heading Dogs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

None Known

Dermoid Sinus
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Complete Blood Count
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Blood Glucose Tests

Hip
Hearing
Breeder Check For Dermoid Sinus
Skeletal
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

New Zealand Heading Dogs thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

New Zealand Heading Dogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

New Zealand Heading Dog is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Rhodesian Ridgeback minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

New Zealand Heading Dog dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Tramping, Fetch, Hunting, Walking, Playing, Running, Long, Basic tricks, Runs, Fetching balls, Walks

Fetch, Eating Snacks, Walk, Run, Playing, Tug-of-war, Running, Sniffing, Jumping, Walking, Get massages, Facial kisses, Wandering, Catch treats, Play, Zoomies, Go get it, Everything, Cuddling, Walks, Swimming

New Zealand Heading Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For New Zealand Heading Dog, it's at least 30 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rhodesian Ridgeback, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most New Zealand Heading Dogs usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Rhodesian Ridgebacks usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The New Zealand Heading Dog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 55-66 pound (25 - 30 kg) New Zealand Heading Dog feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 79-85 pound (36 - 39 kg) Rhodesian Ridgeback feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

New Zealand Heading Dog is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

New Zealand Heading Dogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

New Zealand Heading Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

The New Zealand Heading Dog is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.