Curly-Coated Retriever vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: full comparison
| Trait | Curly-Coated Retriever | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium | Medium |
| Good with children | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Medium | High |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | 11 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Curly-Coated Retriever needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Curly-Coated Retriever needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Curly-Coated Retriever trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Rhodesian Ridgeback trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Curly-Coated Retriever announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Rhodesian Ridgeback is naturally alert and defends its people.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if you want a longer-lived breed.
Choose the Rhodesian Ridgeback if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Rhodesian Ridgeback better for families with children?
- Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- The Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Curly-Coated Retriever or Rhodesian Ridgeback bigger?
- Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Curly-Coated Retriever or Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever or Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- For apartment or apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback are an even match — either can work well.