Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies in the Works!
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A puppy from our Summer 2023 Litter:
Are you ready for a puppy from our 2024 Summer litter? We still have some openings left.
If you believe you would qualify as a great home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you.
We are official lovers of all Rhodesian Ridgebacks!
Dont forget the possibility of providing a home for a wonderful Rescued Ridgeback before deciding on a puppy
Our boy "Joey"
Are you ready for your Ridgeback Puppy?
Another recent litter at about 6 weeks old
If you are new to the breed and you are considering a puppy, please take time to browse our website to find out about the Rhodesian Ridgeback, especially its history, temperament and personality. This will acquaint you with our breed. There is a good variety of articles with great information about the breed published here. In fact, we get a lot of compliments from people who have used the information that we make available here to help in selecting a Ridgeback puppy. The information on this site will equip you to make a sound decision as to whether or not this breed is a good choice for your family. Ridgebacks aren't for everyone - particularly first time dog owners.
Coming very soon we'll have a litter of puppies available for qualified homes. To help you with the decision making process we have prepared a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy questionnaire which is going to be very helpful for you if you are contemplating becoming a first time Ridgeback owner.
If you would like to keep updated on our upcoming litters, feel free to drop us an email, or give us a call. We are always happy to talk about our Ridgebacks.
If you decide to obtain a puppy from us, or you are considering other Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders it's a good idea to begin establishing a relationship with them a few months prior to being ready for a puppy. Depending on the time of year the better kennels often have the majority of their pups placed before they are born, usually in the Spring. Start planning early in your search. It doesn't take long to fill up the list for a litter of pups!
Our kennel breeds for conformation, soundness in temperament, and health. We are always on the lookout for people willing to show our dogs, or to have someone show them. In one of our recent litters, only 5 out of 10 of our puppies went to homes that did not intend to show. (And they were GREAT families!) The earlier that a relationship with is breeder established, the better the chance there will be will be for getting a puppy once they are ready for their new homes.
CH Wild West "Miss Demeanor" (Misty)
You can contact us by email if you feel that you have the "right stuff" to be owned by one of these very particular puppies.
We always have a few family companions from each litter, but if you are willing to allow your puppy to be shown, you will receive priority of consideration. Many people say that they only want a "family companion" Ridgeback puppy. Its easy to find such homes. But when someone cares enough about the breed to recognize the importance of continuing the legacy of proper type, health and temperament, then such a family sometimes becomes a "show home".
The reason we emphasize "showing" in our kennel is because the way reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders make quality 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, by unbiased judges.
Showing is not difficult. It just requires that you allow someone to do it for you if you can't do it yourself. Such a situation is what is typically called a "show home". Would you be willing to allow your dog to be in a dog show once or twice a month for a short time? Please consider this possibility when thinking about a puppy from this kennel.
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.
The photo to the left is a shot of the one of the Sires of our kennel. "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 meets.
Spencer was our "Best of Breed" Champion, and the taker of multiple "Best of Winners" AKC conformation shows. He showed his true potential when he took 2nd place in puppy competition at the Ridgeback National Specialty show at just 6 months and 1 day old.
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. A pretty decent book you can read on this breed is called "The Rhodesian Ridgeback" by Stig Carlson. The author is well acquainted with the breed and he is a pretty decent writer.
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 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
Reputable Ridgeback Breeders, are conscious of the importance of protecting this outstanding dog. 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 breeders, is to establish a legacy of soundness of health, steadiness of temperament and to exceed the AKC standard. This is easier to say than to actually accomplish. However, there are ways in which such a standard of excellence can be measured, and determined. Anyone interested in obtaining a Ridgeback would do well to familiarize themselves with those standards prior to making a final decision. 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. We have a summer breeding for 2020 which you may be interested in. However, our puppy list is starting to fill up so keep that in mind.
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 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.
Spring through mid summer is a great time to obtain a puppy. Training is easier, 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. This is why its a good idea to start developing a relationship with your breeder a few months before you want to take new family member home - there is usually a list!
If you would like to explore the possibility of getting a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy from one of our litters, you can send an email to us 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 from peers, many times who are also your competitors in the show ring!
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 wonderful animal 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. We believe that you will also come to the same conclusion.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us here
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Once you've owned a Rhodesian Ridgeback, you'll never be satisfied with anything less!
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