Proper Health
The most important thing you should search for in a reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder is one who breeds only properly health tested stock. A good breeder only breeds dogs chosen from a historically healthy lineage. Rhodsesian Ridgeback Puppies from such a breeder will have the highest statistical advantage for fewer overall health issues - and a much longer life.
In its early history, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was a generally healthy breed. However, indiscriminate breeding practices due to ignorance, lack of concern, and monetary gain has changed the landscape dramatically. It is important to insist on a minimum set of standards when acquiring a puppy.
Our beloved breed has some issues that need to be addressed prior to whelping a litter of puppies. These are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and thyroid condtions. Testing for eyes (CERF exam) is also appreciated, and any dog that has had a Dermoid Sinus must never be bred. Remember that these are serious health conditions that will severely impact on the quality and length of life of any affected puppies. While health screening of breeding stock can’t guarantee that your puppy will be excluded from any of these problems, the risk factor is mitigated substantially. A good breeder should be able to demonstrate testing of these issues by either providing a link to the Orthopedic foundation for Animals for records of the testing, or they should be able to supply copies of the certified paperwork they received after the test screen was completed. If they do not, or are not willing to provide this information, search out a breeder that is willing to disclose this information.
Your breeder should also offer a minimum of 1-year written guarantee against genetic health conditions, preferably more. Two, three and even 5 years are common in the kennels of high quality breeders.
Its a complete misconception that dog shows are merely glory events for “pretty dogs”. The main purpose for showing dogs is to arrive at dogs of “Proper Type and Temperament” that are suitable for breeding, thereby protecting the available gene pool of potential breeding stock. A good breeder shows their dogs to obtain approval by unbiased judges. This amounts to several independent opinions (several shows under different judges) as to whether or not a dog is worthy to be bred. This final approval (championship) tells us that the dog is worthy of breeding, and that it fits the proper standard, both as to temperament and conformation.
A good breeder is at least actively showing their dogs. This is a very good indication, and one of the best tests you as a puppy buyer can administer. However, a recent phenomenon has cropped up. The public is starting to be come aware of the true meaning of dog showing and how important it is to obtain puppies from breeders actively showing their dogs. Unscrupulous breeders are also getting smarter. They have found a new way of "Skirting the issue". They do this by displaying their dogs at shows that are more for passing time than anything else. In other words, they are not showing their dogs in events that count towards anything of value. The reason they are doing this is that they know that their dogs would not "pass the test" if they were shown seriously at events sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. The simplest way to know for sure is that you can ask for a copy of the AKC pedigree of both Sire and Dam. It is on this pedigree that you can tell if the dogs are truly the proper type for breeding. Almost all of the dogs in the pedigree should have "CH" in front of the name. If not - you are probably dealing with an unscrupulous breeder.
Another phenomenon that has come about is even more insidious. Some kennels make claims that they go out of the country to get their dogs because they want a dog that more closely approximates the "true Ridgeback characteristics." Often, the real reason these people go elsewhere to buy dogs to breed, is that they are not trusted by reputable breeders in the United States.
A little logic is in order here. The United States has some of the most competitive dogs in the world, and win in a variety of competitions world wide. Many of the breeders of these specimens have been involved in the breed for nearly half a century. Do these highly regarded kennels know where to find the best dogs? Wouldn't they have "gone out of the country" to get dogs if they were closer to the standard? Of course they would. And in fact, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is so well appreciated in the U.S. that many, if not most of the better kennels world-wide come to us to get quality dogs - Not the other way around! Lets face it - The competitive American spirit and ingenuity improves on almost everything - including dogs.
Be on guard against any one breeding dogs that
Does not or cannot supply records of health testing administered on the Sire and Dam of any puppy you are thinking about. Simply walk away from this individual.
Will not provide a written guarantee of at least 1 year against genetic problems that may crop up.
Does not put championship titles on their dogs. It isn't necessary for a breeder to show every dog in their kennel, but if a breeder doesn’t show any of their dogs, then you should have cause for concern... Best to move on.
Talks the Talk, but doesn't “Walk the Walk”. These breeders will banter phrases around such as “My dogs have champion lines”, but when you look at the pedigree, Grand Sires or Grand Dams several generations back may be the only dogs that are titled. What we want to see is MANY champions in the pedigree. Ask for a Copy of the pedigree. Look for either “CH” or "FC" in front of the dogs names on the pedigree. Good breeders are proud of their dogs, and will happily provide a copy of the pedigree of their championship lines. VERY IMPORTANT: In the US, only AKC championship titles are of any significance. In Canada, only Championships sponsored by the Canadian Kennel Club are of significance.
Suggests, or requires that you should take your puppy home before it is at least seven - eight weeks of age. Important socialization is accomplished during these early weeks and it is imperative that puppies stay with their litter at least until they are 7-8 weeks of age.
Doesn't appear to provide ongoing support for the life of the dog. A good breeder will always be available, even after your puppy has grown. Look for a breeder that is readily interested in the progress of the puppy as it grows up. They should be available for ongoing support for any questions or issues that might crop up over the lifetime of your new puppy.