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Rhodesian Pit Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Rhodesian Pit so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States Zimbabwe flagZimbabwe
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Rhodesian Pit? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Rhodesian Ridgeback and American Pit Bull Terrier mix

Rhodesian Pit Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Rhodesian Pit? Learn how big the Rhodesian Pit breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Rhodesian Pit weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Rhodesian Pit breed.
22-78 pounds (10-35 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rhodesian Pit?
50 pounds (22.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rhodesian Pit? Rhodesian Pit height:
14-24 inches (35-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rhodesian Pit?
19 inches (47.5 cm)

Rhodesian Pit Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Rhodesian Pit puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Rhodesian Pit costs.
$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Rhodesian Pit, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Rhodesian Pit for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Rhodesian Pit gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Rhodesian Pit? How many Rhodesian Pit are there in the world?
Frequent: The Rhodesian Pit is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Rhodesian Pit Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Rhodesian Pit? Discover the Rhodesian Pit's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Rhodesian Pit ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Rhodesian Pit? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's trainability and response to training methods.
Rhodesian Pit dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Rhodesian Pit as a watchdog? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's alertness and guarding instincts.
Rhodesian Pit dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Rhodesian Pit protective of its territory? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's guarding instincts and behavior.
Rhodesian Pit dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Rhodesian Pit Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Rhodesian Pit have? Learn about characteristic Rhodesian Pit temperament and behavior traits.
StubbornDignifiedClownishSensitiveCourageousIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateObedientLoyalStrongWilledAggressiveMischievous
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rhodesian Pit sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Rhodesian Pit dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Rhodesian Pit a good family dog?
High: Rhodesian Pit dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Rhodesian Pit need? Rhodesian Pit social needs:
Rhodesian Pit dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Rhodesian Pit to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rhodesian Pit roam?
Rhodesian Pit dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rhodesian Pit have high prey drive?
Rhodesian Pit dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Rhodesian Pit dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rhodesian Pit Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Rhodesian Pit bark a lot? Learn about typical Rhodesian Pit vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Rhodesian Pit barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Rhodesian Pit? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Rhodesian Pit breed.
The Rhodesian Pit is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Rhodesian Pit live in an apartment? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Rhodesian Pit indoors.

Rhodesian Pit Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Rhodesian Pit to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's flexibility to new situations.
Rhodesian Pit dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Rhodesian Pit be left alone? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's tolerance to solitude.
Rhodesian Pit dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Rhodesian Pit Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Rhodesian Pit biting potential? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Pit has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Rhodesian Pit mouthy? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's tendency to use mouth during play.
Rhodesian Pit dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Rhodesian Pit dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Rhodesian Pit bite? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Pit bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Rhodesian Pit measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Rhodesian Pit is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Rhodesian Pit bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Rhodesian Pit bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Rhodesian Pit puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Rhodesian Pit, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Rhodesian Pit bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Rhodesian Pit can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Rhodesian Pit Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Rhodesian Pit live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Rhodesian Pit breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Pit: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Rhodesian Pit handle different weather? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Rhodesian Pit? Discover typical conditions affecting the Rhodesian Pit breed.
The Rhodesian Pit is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Rhodesian Pit need vet visits? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Rhodesian Pit should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Rhodesian Pit breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Rhodesian Pit breed? Most common health risks of Rhodesian Pit:
Hip Dysplasia Dermoid SinusElbow DysplasiaDemodectic MangeSkin Allergies

Rhodesian Pit Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Rhodesian Pit? Understand daily activity needs of the Rhodesian Pit breed.
Rhodesian Pit dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Rhodesian Pit need? How much exercise do Rhodesian Pit dogs require per day?

Do Rhodesian Pit dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rhodesian Pit dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Rhodesian Pit breed need?
Rhodesian Pit dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Rhodesian Pit Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Rhodesian Pit prone to weight gain? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's obesity risks.
Average: The Rhodesian Pit has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Rhodesian Pit weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Rhodesian Pit need daily? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's feeding requirements.
Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals.

Rhodesian Pit Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Rhodesian Pit hypoallergenic? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Rhodesian Pit dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Rhodesian Pit come in? Discover all possible Rhodesian Pit color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red Blue White BrownYellow Golden Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Rhodesian Pit need? Learn about Rhodesian Pit coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Rhodesian Pit requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Rhodesian Pit is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Rhodesian Pit drool a lot? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's drooling habits.
The Rhodesian Pit is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Rhodesian Pit could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Rhodesian Pit.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Rhodesian Pit smell bad? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Rhodesian Pit has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Rhodesian Pit have? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's fur characteristics.
FineDense
Bathing Needs
How often does a Rhodesian Pit need baths? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Rhodesian Pit dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Rhodesian Pit? Do Rhodesian Pit dogs shed a lot?
Rhodesian Pit dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Rhodesian Pit Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Rhodesian Pit good with children? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's behavior around kids of different ages.
Rhodesian Pit dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Rhodesian Pit get along with other pets? Discover the Rhodesian Pit's compatibility with other animals.
Rhodesian Pit dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Rhodesian Pit temperament with other people:
Rhodesian Pit dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Rhodesian Pit dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Rhodesian Pit breed live with a cat?
Rhodesian Pit dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Rhodesian Pit good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Rhodesian Pit dogs get along with other dogs?
Rhodesian Pit dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Rhodesian Pit is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Rhodesian Pit breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Rhodesian Pit breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Rhodesian Pit dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Rhodesian Pit dogs good office canines? Do Rhodesian Pit dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Rhodesian Pit is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Rhodesian Pit dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Rhodesian Pit temperament with senior people? Are Rhodesian Pit dogs good for elderly owners?
Rhodesian Pits are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rhodesian Pit As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Rhodesian Pit be a service dog? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Rhodesian Pit is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Rhodesian Pit good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Rhodesian Pit is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Rhodesian Pit good at detection work? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Rhodesian Pit breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Rhodesian Pit do search and rescue? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Rhodesian Pit is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Rhodesian Pit good on boats? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Rhodesian Pit breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Rhodesian Pit pull carts? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Rhodesian Pit is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Rhodesian Pit used in military service? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rhodesian Pit Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Rhodesian Pit usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Rhodesian Pit pregnant? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rhodesian Pit: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Rhodesian Pit have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Rhodesian Pit Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Rhodesian Pit in? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Rhodesian Pit in? Learn about the Rhodesian Pit's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Rhodesian Pit Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Rhodesian Pit dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Rhodesian Pit requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Rhodesian Pit dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Rhodesian Pit is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Rhodesian Pit dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Rhodesian Pit dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rhodesian Pits are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rhodesian Pit dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Rhodesian Pit dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Rhodesian Pit dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Rhodesian Pit dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Rhodesian Pit dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Rhodesian Pit dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Rhodesian Pit dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Rhodesian Pit is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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