Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Rhodesian Ridgeback |  Border Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), South Africa | Developed in the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland in the eighteenth century to work with foxhounds, running with the hunt and then going to ground to bolt the fox. The breed standard still describes a dog built for that job. |
| Group | Hound | Terrier |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Coat | Short, glossy wheaten coat with a ridge of hair growing along the spine | Harsh, wiry double coat in red, wheaten, grizzle and tan, or blue and tan |
| Weight | 29 to 41 kg | 5.1 to 7.1 kg |
| Height | 61 to 69 cm | 28 to 40 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Barking | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Prey drive | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Copes alone | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Drool | 3/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Flat fit | 4/10 | 6/10 |
| Running cost | €108 / month | €142 / month |
Rhodesian Ridgeback verdict
A powerful African hound built for stamina and independence, marked by the distinctive ridge of hair running along its spine.
Get one if
- · Active owners able to provide well over an hour of serious exercise daily
- · Families with children and a secure garden for the dog to settle in
- · Owners committed to early, consistent socialisation around strangers
Think again if
- · Sedentary households or owners wanting only short daily walks
- · First-time owners hoping for an easily biddable dog
- · Homes with cats or small pets, given a strong prey drive
Border Terrier verdict
The easy-going terrier with an otter head and a working heart.
Get one if
- · First-time terrier owners who want character without the sharpest edges
- · Active singles, couples and families who walk properly every day
- · Households with considerate children; the breed is sturdy and good-natured
Think again if
- · Homes with rabbits, guinea pigs or other small pets in reach
- · Gardens that cannot be made escape-proof
- · Owners wanting a reliably off-lead dog around wildlife