Breed Planning & Puppy Care

Show or Pet

Once you find an ethical/reputable breeder that you are happy with, the first thing they are likely to ask you is, "Are you interested in a pet or show puppy?" That's because exhibitors/breeders, categorize pups into two groups - show potential or pet. Hearing this, some people may feel that if they ask for "pet", they will get an inferior dog, but they shouldn't. Don't be afraid to ask the litter owner just what makes a puppy a pet to them.

A good way to define show and pet:

A show puppy is one that has no obvious show faults (at that age) that would hurt it's chances of completing it's championship title.

A pet quality is one who probably wouldn't title or would have considerable trouble and neutering would be required.

Some examples of things which would make a Ridgeback pup a "pet quality" would be:

The Ridgeback's most obvious feature - the ridge. A ridge has a standard of perfection as to length, width, definition, placement and number of crowns. Sometime the crowns are off-set, one or more may be missing or there may be more than 2 crowns associated with the ridge. It may be too short or not start correctly behind the shoulder, or it may not be there at all! A ridgeless puppy would still have all the wonderful attributes of the breed.

There are other examples, such as too much white on the paws or chest, too small or large in size, a kink in the tail, improper ear carriage or size, flaws in the bite, angulation, structure, gait or attitude. A male pup may have undescended testicles. Most of these things would matter to an exhibitor or dog show judge, but wouldn't be obvious to the average dog owner.

A pet pup may not be "ideal" for the standard but it doesn't mean they can't be the perfect pet and family companion! They'll still have the body and legs to go for a romp or to play ball, perfectly good ears to hear your call (most of the time), a mouth to eat their food and a loud bark to warn off strangers.....the ridge might not be ideal but it will be attached to a warm, friendly body that will love to be petted, a tongue for kisses and a wagging tail to greet you at home. So what if it's not perfect - who is?

Pet or show, dogs are made for unconditional love! All good breeders just want each pup to get the best home possible and for each to get the love and care they deserve. In that sense, there is no such thing as an inferior dog!

Work, Rest and Play

Dogs, especially puppies, will make a big demand on your time. It takes time to properly feed, train and play with a new puppy. Ridgebacks need plenty of exercise both physical and mental to stay happy and healthy so you will need to set aside adequate time for both training and play.

Just like babies, young puppies are not able to make it through the night and you will have to get up and take them out. If you work, a new pup might require that you come home at lunch time to let them out or hire a noon time helper to assist you. Young puppies need a lot of socialization to be good companions. Daily training practice is a must for your Ridgeback to become a welcome member of the community!

However, in the first few months they can challenge the novice dog owner.

Be patient, use a lot of love and positive reinforcement training methods and you will be rewarded in time with an amazing and devoted companion.

To avoid unnecessary stress on growing bones short training sessions on a leash around the house and yard are encouraged but "exercise" needs to end as soon as pup is tired. Let them be the judge of that. Puppies should not be taken on long leash walks before 6 months of age and definitely NO long distance running or jumping until 18 months of age. Although highly encouraged disciplines Agility, Lure Coursing and Endurance Training should wait until then!

If you are unsure on how to train and socialize your RR puppy we strongly recommend that you attend puppy pre-school and basic obedience classes. Once they are a well loved and secure member of your family, the RR will stay close to you and guard you and your family.

If all this seems like too much for you and your family's schedule, then perhaps this is not the right time to get a Ridgeback.

Your Ridgeback Will Need Your Protection

Your Ridgeback must have adequate shelter if he is outdoors while you are away. Shelters must be cool in the summer and warm in the winter! They must have access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Ridgebacks naturally want to hunt and have no sense of cars or boundaries when they go after a possum, rabbit or cat. A fenced yard is important for your dog's safety. Once a Ridgeback's prey drive or determination kicks in, nothing short of a six foot wall or fence may stop them. Dogs allowed to roam are in danger from becoming lost, stolen, hit by a car or poisoned. You certainly don't want your new puppy to run away or get lost or killed. A lock on the gate won't go astray either and will make it more difficult for anyone to let your dog out. It's also a good idea to have your Ridgeback wear an identification tag just in case he manages to get loose despite your efforts. And, of course, when he leaves the yard he'll need a leash, even the most obedient dog can revert to its natural instinct in a split second.

What to Feed Your Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not fussy eaters and have virtually cast-iron stomachs - It also means they will attempt to eat anything that doesn't eat them first. They are master counter-surfers...nothing is spared and they are fast.

Ridgebacks, as a breed, always seem to be hungry and many owners feed way beyond what they should despite the evidence ie, excessive gas and a walking basketball disguised as a dog. On the other hand, when you can see their ribs sticking out, you are not feeding them enough! You should be able to feel the ribs and see a very faint outline of the first two or three - you may need to vary the quantity of food given on occasion to maintain optimum condition.

Regardless of who you ask, everyone has their own "master plan" for feeding their Ridgeback. Many breeders now advocate a raw diet or the addition of raw items and supplements - ie vegetable matter, meat and bones, vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc. However, the majority of dog owners feed a good quality commercial kibble. Your puppies' breeder should give you a comprehensive puppy pack complete with recommended feeding plan and instructions on how to care for your new family member.

Please follow the link to read about our BARF Testimonial.

Money Concerns

The initial price of a dog is of concern to some, but it's the lifelong cost that they sometimes forget. In addition to the purchase price of your dog, you must plan for food, grooming, collars, a leash and some toys and a special bed. Add in vet care and those training lessons!

All dogs need annual vaccination, heartworm medication, and, just like humans, regular checkups. Sometimes, dogs require flea and tick treatments or expensive treatments for unexpected injuries or illnesses. Ask yourself if you can afford a dog.

Ridgebacks Need Companionship

Friendship is a two-way street. Your puppy deserves plenty of attention, if he gets your love and devotion he'll be less inclined to bark or chew your belongings, or run away from home by climbing out. Dogs are emotional beings and to neglect them by banishing them to a lonely life in the yard, on a chain or permanently in a run is cruel and abusive. Just like children, you have to love and instruct them on proper behavior to have a well adjusted Ridgeback that is a pleasure to be around.

Adapted with permission - Kalahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks.