Choosing to be a dog owner (of any breed) is not a decision to be made lightly, on impulse or under pressure from persistent children. A dog will require care and attention for many years (the average life span for a dog is 13 years). Consider whether you have the time and patience necessary to feed, groom, walk and train a dog. If you think you have, then your time and effort will be handsomely rewarded by the loyalty and companionship of a faithful friend.
Before acquiring a dog consider your personal circumstance.
Do you want a puppy? - He will require house training, socialisation etc.
OR
Do you prefer to give a home to an older dog who needs a new home? Yes - then please look at the Rescue Page.
Before you decide to own a Rhodesian Ridgeback find out about the specific requirements of this breed.
Buy a good book about the breed.
Visit Discover Dogs - November at Earls Court & March N.E.C. (Crufts - Contact the Kennel Club - number on the Links Page)
Go to Breed Club shows (Contact Club Secretaries for details). There you will see Ridgebacks in large numbers and most Breeder/Owners will be happy to talk to you above the breed. Just one word of warning - Don't be influenced by "winners". Make your own mind up above what you like.
Like humans Ridgebacks are diverse in type. Some are quite fine and almost 'racey' - others are more compact, more solidly built. You will note this if you do your research properly. Like all pedigree dogs we do have a 'Breed Standard'. However, this "ideal" dog is hard to breed - (I know!) and just when you think you've got it right someone will disagree!!
A Ridgeback is hopefully a long-lived dog - 12/13 years is not unusual! A good age for a large breed. So please think long and hard before making the life-changing decision to become involved with this wonderful breed.
If, after visiting shows, fun days, discover dogs etc. you feel you really can't live without a Ridgeback and want to know more:-
Having decided what dogs you like, talk to the owners and/or breeders of those dogs.
Visit your preferred breeders in their own homes. Most breeders welcome visitors - I do! (by prior arrangement). You should be able to see at least the mother of the proposed litter and sometimes 2 or 3 generations.
Be prepared to wait for the right puppy from your preferred breeder. Be guided by the breeder. I like to watch a litter develop, trying to match the right puppy to potential owners e.g. some pups can be quite dominant (even at 5/6 weeks). To place this puppy with a novice Ridgeback owner could be a recipe for disaster and a quiet shy puppy may not take well to the hustle and bustle of a hectic family. However, both puppies require good basic training and socialisation to become sound, well balanced animals.
Don't be tempted to go "off at a 'tangent' and buy on impulse.
Either wait for another litter from the same breeder or they will help you to find a well-bred puppy of similar type and bloodlines.
NEVER be tempted to buy 2 puppies together. Yes, they are company for each other. They can both shred the sofa! both run off together and not come back when called! Both will need house/lead/car training/socialising and eventually both will want to be a TOP DOG. O.K. if one puppy is dominant and the other is submissive - horrendous if not so! Usually one puppy (or both) has to be re-homed. How would you choose?
If you want to discuss any of the above points don't hesitate to contact us.