Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Fell Terrier - Breed ComparisonFell Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Rhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe. Fell Terrier may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Rhodesian Ridgeback. Fell Terrier may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both Fell Terrier and Rhodesian Ridgeback has same life span. Fell Terrier may have less litter size than Rhodesian Ridgeback. Fell Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Zimbabwe
Height Male:
31 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
31 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
7 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Black Fell, Patterdale Terrier, Red Fell
African Lion Dog
Colors Available:
black and tan, White, chocolate, black, red, bronze
wheaten, tan, Fawn
Coat:
Short or longer - coarse
Short, smooth, glossy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, 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:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

fell terrierFell terriers, known by other names such as Lakeland-, Patterdale-, Red Fell or Black Fell Terrier are small working terriers, hailing from the fell or hilly country of northern England.

Several breeds have been developed from the Fell terrier, of which the Patterdale Terrier, Lakeland are some as well as other locally developed breeds. All these particular breeds are sometimes referred to as the Fell Terrier, and in fact the National Terriers Club LLC has published a Fell Terrier standard.

It is also believed that the long legged Fell Terriers may have descended from an old type of terrier referred to as the rough-coated Black and Tan. The Black and Tan Terrier is now extinct but was drawn into The Kennel Club as the Welsh Terrier.

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.

Description

fell terrier puppy - descriptionSmall and feisty, the Fell Terrier is a working dog used for hunting purposes. He stands at roughly 31cm to 38cm in height and ways between 6 to 9kg.

The dogs were sought after for their hunting skills as being the small dog they were, and with their narrow chests, they were able to move around in small, narrow underground tunnels.

The Fell has long legs, and his coat is shortish but with a rough texture to it. The coat is found in different colors such as white, black and tan, chocolate, red, black and bronze. The ears are medium length and floppy while the tail of the dog is traditionally docked, but these days the tail is often left long, and then he becomes less distinctive.

Temperament:

Used to having hunted in packs, the Fell Terrier has always been used to getting along well with other dogs. He makes a fantastic family pet and will get on well with children who have been been taught to respect animals. He is an independent, strong-willed dog and will certainly need socialization and training to turn him into an obedient dog.

He is energetic, fearless, strong-willed, determined and always ready for a game or some form of action.

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.

Characteristics

fell terrier dog - characteristicsThe Fell Terrier still has dreams of the hunt in him and with his strong prey instincts, he isn’t really suited to city living, but will fit ideally into life in the country.

He is a high spirited, working dog with an endless amount of energy. He bonds closely with his human family, and for all his robust, larger-than-life attitude and boldness, when he is with his human family he can be gentle, calm and loving, just thriving on the love he receives.

Your Fell Terrier is just waiting to be your best friend and a never ending source of unconditional love.

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.

Health Problems

fell terrier puppies - health problemsCaring for your Fell Terrier requires knowing what do do with him when he develops certain common dog illnesses. He is a robust dog and is not likely to get any serious illnesses, but still you want to know about some of the more common ones.

If you suspect an illness, get your pet to the vet who can provide you with a treatment plan for your dog.

Dental Disease:

Your Fell Terrier can easily fall prey to dental disease if you don't brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week. Unfortunately bad teeth isn't just a case of losing a tooth or two, bad teeth can cause serious diseases such as kidney disease. Tarter build-up progresses to infection of the gums as well as roots of the teeth. So serious is dental disease that your dog can actually have his life shortened.

Obesity:

Your Fell Terrier is a small dog and obesity can easily creep up if you don't control your pet's diet. Obesity is a serious illness that can increase problems with the joints and digestion.

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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

fell terrier dogs - caringYour Fell Terrier is an active dog who won’t thrive if he is cooped up and ignored. He thrives on action and will need to be taken on walks with you and involved in all your games and sports, such as when you go jogging, swimming or cycling.

Diet:

Feed your Fell Terrier the best quality commercially manufactured foods if you opt to feed your pet this way. Include cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time and always ensure there is cool, fresh drinking water available to him.

Grooming:

It depends on whether your Fell Terrier has a short, smooth coat, or the longer-haired coarse coat. He will certainly need brushing twice a week and sometimes, with the longer coats, he may require professional trimming or stripping.

Always check nails, in and outside the ears and remember to brush his teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush twice a week at least.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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