Rhodesian Bernard

Breed Information


Type

Is Rhodesian Bernard a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Rhodesian Bernards originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Rhodesian Bernards Live? What is average life expectancy for a Rhodesian Bernard? How long can Rhodesian Bernards live?

10-12 years

The average Rhodesian Bernard lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Rhodesian Bernard Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Rhodesian Bernard?

What is the average height of a Rhodesian Bernard? How big is a Cross Breed Rhodesian Bernard height? Rhodesian Bernard dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) 27.5 inches (69.9 cm)
Female 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm)
What is the average weight of a Rhodesian Bernard? How much should Rhodesian Bernards weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 110-130 pounds (50 - 59 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 115.0 pounds (52 kg) 120.0 pounds (54 kg)
Female 90-105 pounds (41 - 48 kg) 48.5 pounds (22 kg) 92.5 pounds (42 kg) 97.5 pounds (44 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Rhodesian Bernards Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Rhodesian Bernard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Rhodesian Bernard personality? What are Rhodesian Bernard dogs best known for?

Dignified
Independent
Happy
Sensitive
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Strong
Willed
Quiet
Mischievous

Shedding Level

Are Rhodesian Bernards heavy shedders? How Much Does a Rhodesian Bernard Shed?

Rhodesian Bernard dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Rhodesian Bernard. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Rhodesian Bernards descended from?

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saint Bernard

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Rhodesian Bernard breed?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Rhodesian Bernards first bred? How old is the Rhodesian Bernard breed?

Unknown

Rhodesian Bernard Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Rhodesian Bernard eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Rhodesian Bernard nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Rhodesian Bernard coat be naturally?

Red
Fawn
Black
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Rhodesian Bernards coat?

The coat of a Rhodesian Bernard dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Rhodesian Bernard Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Rhodesian Bernard?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Rhodesian Bernard have in a litter? How many puppies can a Rhodesian Bernard have in her first litter?

6-8 puppies per pregnancy

A Rhodesian Bernard can have a litter of 6-8 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.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Rhodesian Bernard dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Rhodesian Bernard Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Rhodesian Bernards have a lot of health problems?

The Rhodesian Bernard breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Rhodesian Bernard?

Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Heart Conditions
Wobbler's Syndrome

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Rhodesian Bernards?

Entropion
Deafness
Cataracts
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Rhodesian Bernard breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hearing
Heart
Thyroid Tests
Blood And Urine Analysis

Rhodesian Bernard Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Rhodesian Bernards need socialization? How social are Rhodesian Bernards?

Rhodesian Bernard have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Rhodesian Bernard have? Do Rhodesian Bernards sleep a lot?

The Rhodesian Bernard breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Mouthiness

Are Rhodesian Bernards mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Rhodesian Bernard running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Rhodesian Bernard dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Rhodesian Bernard? How much energy does a Rhodesian Bernard have?

Medium

Rhodesian Bernards 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.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Rhodesian Bernard walk each week? How many miles should a Rhodesian Bernard walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rhodesian Bernard, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Rhodesian Bernard should exercise a day? How much activity does a Rhodesian Bernard need?

45 minutes

In general most Rhodesian Bernards usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Rhodesian Bernard?

The Rhodesian Bernard is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Rhodesian Bernard?

Weekly

Rhodesian Bernard should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Rhodesian Bernards?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Rhodesian Bernard eat?

3.5 cups

For an average 110-130 pound (50 - 59 kg) Rhodesian Bernard feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Rhodesian Bernard Cost Daily?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Rhodesian Bernard is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Rhodesian Bernard Cost Per Month?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Rhodesian Bernard is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Rhodesian Bernard Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Rhodesian Bernard dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Do Rhodesian Bernard do well in apartments? Are Rhodesian Bernards good indoor dogs?

Rhodesian Bernards are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Rhodesian Bernards good with kids? Are Rhodesian Bernards good around children?

A Rhodesian Bernards typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Rhodesian Bernards good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Rhodesian Bernards good with cats? How friendly Rhodesian Bernards are toward cats?

Rhodesian Bernards are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Rhodesian Bernard dogs get along with other dogs? Are Rhodesian Bernards OK with other dogs?

Rhodesian Bernards are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Rhodesian Bernard dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Rhodesian Bernards friendly with strangers?

Rhodesian Bernards are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Rhodesian Bernards like to play? Are Rhodesian Bernards playful?

Rhodesian Bernards have an average level of playfulness. The Rhodesian Bernards, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Rhodesian Bernard easily trained?

Rhodesian Bernard dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.