About Us

We are currently situated in the Southern Tablelands just outside of the Australian Capital Territory. We relocated here in August 2010 after spending several years in Canberra and many years on the Northern Beaches of Sydney prior to that.

My first exposure to the Rhodesian Ridgeback started in the 70's in the UK with our family dog "George". George was a source of much entertainment for me (not so much for our Persian cat "Princess" who spent many of her days seeking peace and quiet up a tree in the backyard) but conversely many cold English winter nights curled up with George in his basket. In true Ridgeback style he had an appetite for most things that wouldn't eat him first, including a Rabbit fur coat which he hunted down and shredded one evening (after all it was fair game hanging up in the closet, wasn't it? :) and at times he could be completely hard of hearing but most of all he was a great companion who indulged a child in the usual games of hide and seek, hunt the dog biscuit and blind mans bluff!

For many years I had always wanted my own dog but was not settled enough to take on the responsibility and committment required. After many years of travelling for both pleasure and employment I was finally ready to settle down enough to be owned by a Ridgeback.

Thus in 2004 I discovered the Livernose and along came Kheldar.

It is true when they say Ridgebacks are addictive - I could not stop at just one!

  I do not confess to having favourites however I cannot hide the fact that I have a particular passion for the Livernose Ridgeback. Although they may still not be as widely popular as the more traditional Blacknose, these days they are being seen more frequently in the show ring and many judges and Ridgeback lovers alike are now taking the time to appreciate them.

Initially I was not even interested in showing, mostly because it just never occurred to me but as I learnt more I became increasingly intrigued and after attending my first show I was hooked. Michael was initially drawn into the show ring under sufferance to help me handle the growing pack but has not looked backed since and we have now exhibited in five States of Australia - at large Metropolitan shows, in small Rural Townships and at Royals and Breed Specialty shows. The Ridgeback is a popular breed amongst exhibitors and despite the amount of quality competition we have successfully campaigned eighteen Ridgebacks and a lone Afghan to their Australian Championship titles and five on to their Grand Championship title.

It has also been a great way to see Australia (and I have become quite adept at hunting down Pet Friendly accomodation! :)

I hope my foundation dogs Kheldar, Gidget and Jayda have brought some credit to the legacy of the wonderful Ridgebacks that came before them, if not through their achievements then through their willing spirits! We are incredibly proud of them especially in the hands of novices but most importantly, in true Ridgeback style, dignified and unswerving, they freely bestow on us the gift of their loyalty and love which is far beyond the value of any ribbon or title.

They are the foundation of Lionslea and the inspiration for our motto "Amazing Grace Noble Heart".

2008 saw the commencement our own breeding program and the future of Lionslea.

Everyone started somewhere and I would like to thank all those experienced people in the breed and around the show ring who continue to co-operatively share their knowledge and offer their support and encouragement along the way. Life is certainly full of revelations with the Rhodesian Ridgeback and there is always something to learn!

I hope you enjoy our website.

Kind Regards,

Paula.