Our love for Rhodesian Ridgebacks
It is said by most owners of these magnificent, intelligent graceful dogs that, once you have had a Ridgeback, you will never want another breed of dog. This is definitely true for Margo, born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (the location where the Rhodesian Ridgeback standard was originally drafted), with her first Ridgeback being born on her birthday. They developed a special bond. She and her sister used to play on Bruno’s back, roll around the garden with him, climb all over him and generally treat him like their sibling and playmate! The reward was total loyalty, unswerving dedication to the entire family, a massive protective instinct and, a friend for life.
Bruno was brave, humorous, loved stealing cuts of meat, when possible, with speed and deftness which was hard to imagine. One day he trotted to the end of the road and collected a new litter of bunny rabbits as a gift for the family. He gently picked up each baby rabbit in his mouth and carried it back safely to the porch until he had brought the whole litter and, was very pleased with himself.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were created by South African hunters, breeding a native African Hottentot hunting dog, with a ridge, inherited over many centuries, with their own hunting dogs. The blending of the African Hottentot hunting dog over a two-hundred year period, with the best qualities of the imported European breeds during the 16th and 17th centuries, allowed for the formation of the beautiful Ridgebacks we see today. The Hottentot hunting dog is believed to be extinct but, dogs with ridges can be found in Cambodia and the island of Phu Quoc, in the Gulf of Thailand which, are believed to be descendants. The “ridge” consists of a line of hair, growing in the opposite direction, along the length of the spinal cord. It is characterised by two “dimples” at the top of the ridge which should be parallel to each other.
WIKIPEDIA: “The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa. Its European forebears can be traced to the early pioneers of the Cape Colony of southern Africa, who crossed their dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi.
In the earlier parts of its history, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has also been known as Van Rooyen’s Lion Dog, the African Lion Hound or African Lion Dog—Simba Inja in Ndebele, Shumba Imbwa in Shona—because of its ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting its master to make the kill.
The original breed standard was drafted by F.R. Barnes, in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in 1922. Based on that of the Dalmatian, the standard was approved by the South African Kennel Union in 1926”.
Ridgebacks are dual purpose dogs, as field and hunting dogs. They are faithful pets and home dogs, guardians of the family unit and gentle with children or elderly. Like all dogs, they are deeply intuitive, knowing when their owner is sick or needing help. Deep-chested and muscular, Ridgebacks run like the wind and possess tremendous endurance. Their large, well-padded feet allow them the ability to effortlessly cross rough terrain. Despite their tremendous power and capabilities, they are generally of quiet temperament, rarely barking, unless they hear a strange vehicle or person approaching the gate. They are exceptionally faithful to their owners, a one-man dog and might be a bit aloof to newcomers until they get to know them. They love children and playing games. Don’t ask them to retrieve a stick or ball. They will look at you as if you are crazy! It is beyond their comprehension that they would bring their prize back to you!
They love playing rough with another Ridgeback and, have a unique style, standing on their hind legs, sparring with each other, going underneath each other, hopping over each other, pinning each other down, grabbing a leg in their mouth – all good fun and non-aggressive. Their superior intelligence makes them quick to learn and, anxious to please. They love the sun and will lie, stretched out on the grass to bask in the heat or, in front of a roaring fire. They don’t generally like water or rain, however they will swim if encouraged from a young age. They have acute senses of vision and smell.
Our Rhodesian Ridgeback Litter
Poppy and Angus had their first litter on May 17th 2024. They will be available to be collected to go to their new homes in Europe from mid July, chipped, vaccinated and wormed. The puppies will be socialised, have fundamental training, including toilet training, obedience training and much stimulation through play. They will spend their days in an outdoor play area, 6 x 3 metres in order to have lots of space to play, sleep, feed and rest. If the puppies are going to a UK home, they will be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks and available for collection from 15 weeks. They will all be fully KC registered with a European pet passport, ensuring ease of travel in the future. There is an extra charge for puppies leaving later than 8 weeks old.
Due to the superb nature of the dogs, their international, championship pedigrees, their exquisite physique and temperament, this should be an exceptional litter with show quality puppies.
Any potential new owners of a puppy will be vetted for suitability, home environment and previous Ridgeback experience. They will need to meet the parents in person and view the puppies after they are 4 weeks old. Every attempt will be made to meet the requirements of the new owners, depending on how many males and females are born. A deposit is required to secure a puppy. Price on application.7
