Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies | Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Breeders
Rhapsody Rhodesian Ridgebacks proudly announces a brand new litter of Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies, ready to make their appearance in April, 2010.
To see the Sire and Dam of this litter, scroll down just beneath the puppy photos and read about Brandy and Spencer.
Take your time and look over the rest of the information we provide about the Rhodesian Ridgeback, its history, temperament and personality. We also have a puppy questionnaire which is particularly useful if you are a first time Ridgeback owner.
We try to answer all email inquiries, but this time of year - and especially because we are announcing a new litter of puppies, it may be a day or 2 before you hear from us. You might achieve better results with a phone call.
2 Photos of our recent litters
We presently have openings for qualified homes for our upcoming Spring liter, due April, 2010. You can contact me by email if you feel that you have the "right stuff" to be owned by one of these very particular puppies.
If you are willing to allow your puppy to be shown, you will receive priority of consideration from my litters. Many people want a "Family Companion" Ridgeback, and no difficulty is had finding homes for them. What is special is when someone cares enough about the breed to recognize the importance of continuing the legacy of proper type, health and temperament.
The way reputable breeders make Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies available is by getting unbiased opinions as to whether or not a particular dog should be bred. This is done in the show ring. The reason you have quality dogs as family companions is because there was someone that cared enough to go the extra mile to insure soundness in the breed.
Showing is not difficult. It just requires that you allow someone to do it for you, if you don't want to
Rhapsody's Wild West Miss Brandywine -"Brandy"
Brandy has a superb background, having a truly exceptional pedigree. Her Mother, Lamarde Perro Bards Bianca is a multiple Best of Breed winner, and multiple group placement winner. Her photo can be seen here.
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The Sire comes from an illustrious heritage as well, with pedigrees that include Calico Ridge Honky Tonk Hero, and the War Lord, War Lords Legacy brings a solid conformation back ground to this breeding that was all but lost, until now. See a photo of the sire here.
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Brandy is truly an affectionate, sensitive animal. I expect her pups to be equally alert, creative, and of above average intelligence for the breed. She has excellent angulation, type, and form, easily passing all OFA health checks. Several Show puppies are anticipated from this litter, with a few "runners up" puppies to be placed as family companions.
Lamarde Perro Hollywood Legends - "Spencer"
The photo to the left is a shot of the Sire of this present litter - Lamarde Perro "Hollywood Legends", call name: "Spencer".
Spencer was Sired by River City's "Travlin' Man" and the Dam was Lamarde Perro "Gladys".
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Spencer has a very prestigious heritage as well. His bloodline goes back to one of the founding Kennels in the United States. Margaret Lowthian Cook, of Lamarde Perro Kennels helped establish the Standard that is used by the AKC, and she is often referred to as "A Pillar of the Breed". This in itself testifies as to the high regard in which the kennel was held.
Spencer is the quintessential "teddy bear". Yes, he looks like formidable Ridgeback, but don't let that fool you. He is soft eye'd and of gentle temperament - he wins over virtually everyone he comes in contact with.
Spencer is a "Best of Breed" National Champion, and the taker of multiple "Best of Winners" AKC conformation shows.
You can check out Spencer's health testing Here.
Please feel free to browse this site - The articles on this site are here to help you in your search for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy - sub standard breeding practices abound, placing the future of this wonderful breed in jeopardy. Sadly, the internet has become a selling medium for the uninitiated. If you want advice on a particular person selling these dogs, feel free to contact me. (But please read this web site first, as a great many of your questions can be answered here.)
I have familiarity with many Ridgeback publications and frankly, there aren't many good ones out there. About the finest book you can find on this breed is called "The Rhodesian Ridgeback Today" by Stig Carlson. The author is well acquainted with the breed and he writes well.
If, after you are finished looking at this site, and you think you have found a breeder that wants you to get one of their Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, you can call or e-mail me. I will be glad to help you make a sound decision... If you are having doubts - pay attention to your instincts. They are usually right!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders
As Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeders, we are conscious of the importance of protecting this outstanding breed. The breeding program at Rhapsody Rhodesian Ridgebacks is designed to produce sound and versatile dogs that are loving family members with the ability to work or compete in the field or to be presented conformationally, if desired. We have also developed relationships with other Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders who share our philosophy of excellence.
The process of whelping a litter of puppies is not taken lightly. We carefully consider and research all breeding scenarios for several months prior to a final selection of Sire and Dam. You can be certain that all of the pups from this kennel have an impeccable pedigree that can be traced back to the foremost kennels in the world.
Our goal as a breeder is to establish a legacy of soundness of health, steadiness of temperament and to exceed the AKC standard. This is easier said than actually accomplished. However, there are ways in which such a standard of excellence can be measured, and determined. Anyone interested in this breed would do well to familiarize themselves with those standards prior to deciding on where to obtain a puppy. In particular, you might want to read this essay on the importance of AKC Championship Bloodlines, which is a real "eye opener" in the world of canine breeding and will help you to understand what you should look for when choosing a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. If you haven't been exposed to this breed before, you might want to read An introduction to the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Puppies become available at this kennel from time to time. This years litter is expected in early May, 2009. This means early summer puppies. A dedicated effort will be made to place our puppies in responsible, loving homes. Therefore, we have a screening process to help you - and us - determine whether or not a Rhodesian Ridgeback will fit your lifestyle. There is a short questionnaire that will help you become more cognizant of the various demands this breed can make on your time. Please take the time to look it over as it will give you great insight on the realities of owning one of these animals. You can e-mail me to ask for that questionnaire, or you can download it from this web site. You can find it under the menu selection "Getting A Puppy! " Other topics on this site will assist you in gathering more information to help in your selection of a breeder.
Now is a perfect time to obtain a puppy, for training purposes, families can enjoy them over the summer, etc. However, this is also the most popular time of the year where people start looking in earnest for a puppy. So, its a great idea to start developing a relationship with your breeder a few months before you want to take possession of a puppy - there is usually a list!
If you would like to explore the possibility of getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from a future litter, you can send an email to me here.
A litter with "unbelievable temperament".
It is typical to invite other breeders to critique and evaluate litters of puppies. All reputable breeders engage in this practice in varying degrees.
An evaluation over a recent litter whelped here elicited comments from other long-time breeders such as: "Your dogs all have unbelievable temperament", "This is a beautiful litter", "all of them are very nice", "you do not have a single bad puppy", "Many of your puppies could easily become finished champions", and "This is a very calm, healthy litter without a great deal of variation from puppy to puppy".
If you are a breeder, you know that having a nice litter, without dramatic variation tells you that you are on the right track with your breeding program. Yes, we already knew, but its nice to hear unbiased opinions...
The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog - a breed like no other
The Rhodesian Ridgeback dog has almost overnight, become all the rage in the kingdom of Canines. It's not surprising that people are attracted to their unique personalities, strength of presence, uncanny intelligence, and near feline agility. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a dog apart, and It's hardly any wonder that one of the foremost Rhodesian Ridgeback judges is known to have said: "Once you own a Ridgeback, you'll never be satisfied with any thing less".
When I first became exposed to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, it wasn't long before I decided that this wasn't a typical dog. Of the several breeds I have become acquainted with over the years, none have impressed me as much as this breed. Today, I still find it difficult to describe the unique temperament that this dog possesses, and I have yet to appreciate anyone elses description of it either. Nearly every depiction can only provide a glimpse from an individual perspective, and this by definition, is a limitation. I wonder if anyone can do this magnificent creature the justice it deserves.
My experience with this breed has afforded the opportunity to speak with many others having similar perceptions. Whether a Ridgeback owner for a short time, or a seasoned breeder, each one arrives at similar conclusion: It would be next to impossible to allow room in their hearts and lives for any breed other than a Rhodesian Ridgeback.