African Wild Dog vs Rhodesian Ridgeback
How does the African Wild Dog compare to the Rhodesian Ridgeback? They are both members of the Canidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Lycaon pictus
- Canis lupus familiaris
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Canidae
- Canidae
- Habitat
- Savanna, grassland, and open woodland
- Savanna and grassland regions near human settlements
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- 10-12 years
- Weight
- 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)
- 29-41 kg (64-90 lbs)
African Wild Dog vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: who would win?

African Wild Dog
18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)

Rhodesian Ridgeback
29-41 kg (64-90 lbs)
Rhodesian Ridgeback has the edge moderate confidence
Rhodesian Ridgeback is somewhat heavier (29-41 kg (64-90 lbs) vs 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Canidae family.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs Savanna and grassland regions near human settlements.
- Diet: carnivore vs omnivore.
- Conservation: Endangered vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 29-41 kg (64-90 lbs).
African Wild Dog vs Rhodesian Ridgeback: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Wild Dog or a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Rhodesian Ridgeback has the edge. Rhodesian Ridgeback is somewhat heavier (29-41 kg (64-90 lbs) vs 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a African Wild Dog and a Rhodesian Ridgeback?
African Wild Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback differ in several ways — habitat: savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs savanna and grassland regions near human settlements. diet: carnivore vs omnivore. conservation: endangered vs least concern. weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 29-41 kg (64-90 lbs).
Do African Wild Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback live in the same habitat?
No — African Wild Dog lives in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, while Rhodesian Ridgeback is found in savanna and grassland regions near human settlements.
What do African Wild Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback eat?
African Wild Dog has a carnivore diet, while Rhodesian Ridgeback has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Wild Dog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
African Wild Dog is listed as Endangered, while Rhodesian Ridgeback is listed as Least Concern.
How big are African Wild Dog and Rhodesian Ridgeback?
African Wild Dog weighs around 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs), while Rhodesian Ridgeback weighs around 29-41 kg (64-90 lbs).

Full profile
African Wild Dog

Full profile
Rhodesian Ridgeback







