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Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Guide, Pictures, Care & More

Written by: Kathryn Copeland

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Dogster Team

Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Guide, Pictures, Care & More

When you fall in love with two dog breeds and are having some trouble deciding between them, sometimes going for a mixed breed might be the answer. So, if the two breeds you have in mind are the Cane Corso and the Rhodesian Ridgeback, you’ve come to the right article!

We’ll take a close look at each of the parents because how else can you understand a mixed breed? In this article, you should get a much better appreciation of the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix.

Breed Overview

Height:

24–27 inches

Weight:

85–110 pounds

Lifespan:

9–12 years

Colors:

Wheaten, red, black, gray, fawn, brindle

Suitable for:

Active families, experienced dog owners, houses with yards

Temperament:

Intelligent, loyal, protective, even-tempered, affectionate

The Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix comes from two purebred dogs with similar temperaments, but there are also some differences. This means that every puppy might take a little more after one of their parents, which is why we need to get to know the Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Both breeds are large with short and sleek coats, so you can absolutely expect these qualities in the offspring. If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful dog, keep reading, and we’ll get into some of the characteristics you might expect from the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix.

Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Puppies

The Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix might be a challenge to find – they aren’t the most well-known mixed breed so there aren’t many available.

You can start by speaking to Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders who might know where you can find one. Sometimes breeders will start breeding mixed breed dogs, so searching online and asking for help through social media might turn up a puppy for you.

Finding a good and responsible breeder includes visiting their kennels to ensure the dogs are taken care of. They should offer their dog’s medical history and you should ask them a ton of questions. If they are on the up and up, they will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Adoption is another way to go, if you can find one of these mixed breeds in a shelter. It’s much less expensive and such an incredibly life-changing experience to bring home a dog in need of a home!

Parent breeds of the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
The parent breeds of Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Left – Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock | Right – Osetrik, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

These dogs come from intelligent parents, so you can certainly assume the offspring will be equally smart. Both parents are also highly protective and tremendously loyal to their families, so the mixed puppy will likely follow suit.

They make excellent watch and guard dogs – even the size alone will be enough to frighten off any potential intruder! This protectiveness also makes them wary of strangers, but they aren’t known to be barkers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes make excellent family dogs but be aware that their size could lead to small children getting accidentally knocked down. Constant supervision with young children is recommended, but they do better with older children.

They are a patient breed, which won’t show aggression towards their family and are just playful enough for the children. But be sure to teach your children to respect your dog and all animals. Just because the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a large dog, they shouldn’t be treated like a horse for rides.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If they are appropriately socialized at a young age, particularly around your pets as well as dogs at the dog park, this breed can get along with other pets. That said, they do have a prey drive, so caution must be used with smaller animals like cats and rabbits.

Both the Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback tend not to always get along with other dogs, which is where lots of socialization should help with the mixed breed.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

You’ll want to start by feeding your Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix high-quality dog food, which must be based on your dog’s current age, weight, and activity level.

Dog food high in protein should constitute about 90% of their diet, which is why picking up high-quality food is crucial for the proper nutrients.

Try not to feed your dog too many treats in order to avoid obesity, and if you’re considering providing your dog with homemade food, be sure to speak to your vet or a veterinarian nutritionist. They can help you come up with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. And ensure your dog has constant access to clean and fresh water.

Exercise 🐕

This mixed breed is a powerful dog that requires a moderate amount of exercise. They aren’t tremendously energetic but will need a minimum of two walks a day of 30 or more minutes each. In addition to this, they will need the opportunity to do some extra vigorous exercise, which can include things like throwing a ball or going for a long hike and even keeping up with you while on a jog.

Training 🎾

Both the Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback are relatively easy to train due to their smarts as well as their eager-to-please natures. So, the mixed breed will likely be pretty easy to train as well – just be sure to use positive reinforcement.

This breed needs an experienced dog owner who has trained dogs before. Because they are such powerful dogs and can sometimes be a little independent-minded, they need a firm and gentle trainer.

Grooming ✂️

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a short, single coat, while the Cane Corso also has a short coat, but it’s a double coat. This makes them shed a little more than the Ridgeback, so depending on which parent the mixed breed takes after, they will likely shed somewhat moderately.

They will need brushing about once a week, but daily is best during the shedding seasons of fall and spring. They only need a bath once every few months or when necessary, so use a good dog shampoo.

Other upkeep for your dog includes nail trims every 3 to 4 weeks, brushing their teeth 2 to 3 times a week, and cleaning their ears about once every few weeks.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Hybrid dogs tend to be somewhat healthier than their purebred parents but are still prone to inheriting some of their genetic conditions. If you are considering a mixed breed, you should be aware of the health conditions the parents are susceptible to, so you know what to look out for.

Some conditions, such as the dermoid sinus are found primarily in Ridgebacks and if the mixed dog takes after the Ridgeback parent more, they might be susceptible. But this is not to say that they are vulnerable to all of these conditions.

Minor Conditions
  • Demodectic mange
  • Eye problems
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Dermoid sinus
  • Bloat
  • Idiopathic epilepsy

Male vs Female

The most significant difference between male and female Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs is their size. The males tend to be taller and stockier than the females.

Otherwise, there’s the other physical difference in which spaying or neutering your dog is a factor. Neutering tends to be a faster procedure; spaying is more complex and, consequently, more expensive.

There might be some differences in temperament between males and females, but this really comes down to the dog’s upbringing and individual personality.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

1. These Dogs Will Make Excellent Hunters

Both the Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback were bred to hunt and were used for hunting boars, bears, and lions! This will make the mixed breed a good hunter as well, which is why you should take care if you have smaller animals in the home.


2. They Are Pretty Quiet Dogs

Again, this is a trait that is strong in this mixed breed because both parents are known to be quiet dogs that will only usually bark if there’s a good reason for it.


3. They Make Excellent Guardians

And yet another trait that comes from both parents! The Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback didn’t only excel at hunting but also at guarding homes and farms against predators and intruders. This makes the mixed breed a natural at guarding and protection.

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Conclusion

The Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a powerful and majestic dog that can be both loving and courageous. They make excellent family dogs as long as there is supervision around young children and smaller pets.

Remember that this breed won’t exactly be a good fit for every family. They need a lot of space because of their size, and an experienced as well as active owner is best. It will be challenging to find this breed, but if you do find one, you’ll also find yourself with an amazing companion!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Left – Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock | Right – imch, Pixabay

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