Breeding
Breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks takes a lot of time and responsibility. To start off, you must have a ridgeback who is healthy and cleared of any inherited defects or medical conditions that could be passed down to the pups. The dogs being used for breeding should be registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club) in the United States. Other countries have their own registry for pure-bred dogs. Next, the dogs used in a breeding program must have health clearances done. This is accomplished by taking x-rays of hips and elbows, along with other DNA and blood tests to determine if any hereditary problems are in the lines of the dogs. The results of these tests are then forwarded to the OFFA (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals). This open database can be viewed by anyone trying to determine which male or female would be right for their breeding. If a breeder does not have health clearances on their dogs, then stay away. A reliable breeder will be willing to provide all health clearances and be upfront on any health issues that their dog may have.
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A reliable breeder will not only have health clearances on their dogs but when choosing a potential mate, they study pedigrees and decide what they want to improve on in their own lines. They will check out certain sires and see what have they produced in the past. Don't be confused about dogs with titles such as Champion with those dogs without titles. The title does not make a dog better than any other. I prefer an excellent non-Champion dog over a terribly-structured Best in Show dog. Let's face it, some dogs just do not like the conformation ring but that is no reason to leave them out of a breeding program. To me, a dog used in a limited way for reproduction is a more valuable one.
Choosing a Breeder
The best advice I can tell you when choosing a breeder in your search for a new puppy is to do your homework. Start by going to a dog show and talking with breeders there. Online you can find reliable breeders by going to the RRCUS (Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States) website and looking at a list of breeders according to state. Not every RRCUS member belongs to this list but it does give you some idea who you can contact. Remember that most breeders do not have a litter available all the time. If you do come across someone advertising puppies, if they have a lot of litters, and/or do not allow you to come to their house, I would advise to stay away. This sounds like someone who is in it for the money (backyard breeders) and really could care less about the puppies themselves and who they sell them to. Ask how many years the person has been in the breed. Be aware that you may have to wait for that certain puppy. Many breeders have waiting lists for their future litters. We had 50 people on Margo's latest litter's waiting list and all the puppies were sold before they were born. Do not wait until you want a puppy now. Chances are you will not be able to get one.
A reliable breeder will keep you updated on the progress of the litter and may even send you pictures of the growing puppies. When the day comes to pick up your puppy, the breeder will have a packet ready for you which contains the pedigrees and health clearances of both parents, information on feeding, how to train, etc. Your puppy may even be micro-chipped already which we did with our pups. Most breeders will have you sign a contract to assure that you will not breed a pet-quality dog and that they are spayed or neutered at the right age (as close to two years old as possible). Also the contract should state that if anything should happen to you or your family and you no longer can keep the dog, he is returned to the breeder and not dropped off at an animal shelter. A reliable breeder is there for you and the dog for all of his life. Do not be afraid to go to the breeder at any time and ask questions if health concerns arise or if you need help in training, etc. I have helped many people even though they have not purchased their puppy from me. A reliable breeder is there for all ridgebacks.
You may also find that perfect ridgeback by adopting one from rescue. These dogs are in desperate need for their forever homes and yours might be just the one they are longing for.
A reliable breeder will keep you updated on the progress of the litter and may even send you pictures of the growing puppies. When the day comes to pick up your puppy, the breeder will have a packet ready for you which contains the pedigrees and health clearances of both parents, information on feeding, how to train, etc. Your puppy may even be micro-chipped already which we did with our pups. Most breeders will have you sign a contract to assure that you will not breed a pet-quality dog and that they are spayed or neutered at the right age (as close to two years old as possible). Also the contract should state that if anything should happen to you or your family and you no longer can keep the dog, he is returned to the breeder and not dropped off at an animal shelter. A reliable breeder is there for you and the dog for all of his life. Do not be afraid to go to the breeder at any time and ask questions if health concerns arise or if you need help in training, etc. I have helped many people even though they have not purchased their puppy from me. A reliable breeder is there for all ridgebacks.
You may also find that perfect ridgeback by adopting one from rescue. These dogs are in desperate need for their forever homes and yours might be just the one they are longing for.
Future Litters
New Litter Announcement for 2023!
Exciting news for 2023! Zenkosi Rhodesian Ridgebacks welcomed a beautiful litter of 9 puppies; 7 girls and two boys sired by our Brody on January 3, 2023. All puppies have beautiful ridges, are black-masked and have white chest blazes. All puppies have been spoken for. 2022 January 1, 2022: New Litter Announcement!!! It is with great pride that I announce the breeding of Brody’s daughter, Lucy, to CH Sidiboarani's Alec Of Tehran “Alec”. What makes this breeding so very special is that Lucy was surgically implanted with Alec’s 35-year-old frozen sperm. All long-time ridgeback breeders will remember that Alec was the BOB winner of the 55th RRCUS National Specialty in 1986 at the age of two and one-half years. Alec also sired the very first ridgeback (Tori) to get a lure coursing title. We couldn’t be more excited about the number of puppies (9 total: 6 black-nosed and 3 liver-nosed) of this blast from the past litter. Alec’s frozen sperm turned out to have a high motility rate even after 35 years on ice. The combination of both Lucy’s and Alec’s pedigrees brings longtime greatness to the present day. As usual, all puppies already have their long-awaited homes lined up. The puppies made their debut on January 1st, 2022. What a great way to bring in the New Year!!! 2018 We are very happy to report Brody is the sire of a new litter whelped on July 6th, 2018. 7 beautifully ridged puppies (4 girls and 3 boys) dark reddish-brown in color with black masks. All puppies are now spoken for. 2017 A new litter, sired by Brody, was whelped on November 3rd, 2017!. 10 beautifully ridged puppies (6 boys and 4 girls) are now all living in their forever homes. Brody just sired a litter of 13 beautiful puppies on August 18th, 2017. All puppies have been sold before they were born. Unfortunately, we are not currently planning a litter anytime soon. But we can still help you find that special puppy. We know many breeders from all over and would be happy to help you get in contact with whoever has a litter planned or has puppies currently available. Please feel free to send an email to us at [email protected] and we can set you on the right path for a happy and healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy of your very own. |