I honestly thought Jazzie, the Doberman x Ridgeback
@jazzies mum had was a gorgeous cross who seemed to compliment both breeds very nicely. I haven't done any research on the RR to know the health issues with the breed but the cross would certainly diversify the breed.
I agree. Have had a rhodi/retriever cross with a zipper; clever, fast, great with kids, fierce enough in self defense to hold her own with a big Akita that attacked out of nowhere in a trail run with BW.
Bonnie seems to gravitate to big rhodies on beach or trail parks. Along with other dobes, its the one other breed she seems to "recognize" or gravitate to instinctively it seems which makes no sense as we raised her as a pup without exposure to one.
Its the big males, the little hussy...
What I find interesting is the potential for hybrid vigor baked into the older european dogs taken by the Boers to Africa along with horse, oxen, to do a job: hunting, guarding, herding and the mix of khoi khoi native dogs that protected the village and cattle in the kraal from lions.
From what I recall reading the Boers being the tough farmers and settlers they were, appreciated the native dogs hardiness and utility and purpose-bred them to improve their functional dogs lines.
The euro dogs they brought with just could not hack the heat, pests, and other African dangers in that harsh environment.
To get a really good one the serious rhodie breeders would go to S Africa for foundation stock...but this was 20 years ago.
They are stubborn. Lots of love, clarity, consistent and fair leadership is required, but you will have a heart dog you can depend on, including dig dens 3 feet deep in your garden to escape the heat...just like in Africa!
