FAQ's  - Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Finding a Reputable Breeder                                   

Where is the best place for me to find a Ridgeback?

• The first best place to begin looking for a Ridgeback is first on the rescue website where you can search for the perfect pet to adopt.  If you are willing to take on the challenge of a Ridgeback puppy, you should first consider breeders affiliated with the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States or one with similar reputable ties.  RRCUS breeders agree to follow a stringent Code of Ethics.  This is not to say all parent club breeders are great, but it does improve the odds.  

What should I ask about when considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder?

• Ramnes stud dogs are only bred to bitches whose owners abide by the RRCUS Code of Ethics and comply with the health and purchase requirements below:

• Health testing certificates on both parents; required are OFA or PennHip clear hips & OFA clear elbows but may also include thyroid certification, cardiac certification and CERF eye testing.  A buyer should always ask for proof of health certification prior to the purchase of a Ridgeback puppy.  What does proof look like?  Click here for samples of official health certificates.

• A health guarantee as part of the puppy sales contract.

• A return policy for the life of the dog as part of the puppy sales contract.

• A complete five generation pedigree that illustrates a consistent lineage of AKC champion and/or performance titled ancestors (not just one or two Champion dogs).  We stress AKC Champions as opposed to other American registries because it is the gold standard here in the USA.  Don't be convinced otherwise by grandiose claims and slick marketing. 

• A spay/neuter clause in the purchase contract for non-show/non-breeding puppies.

• Non-show/non-breeding puppies should be only sold on AKC Limited Registration.

What will the breeder ask me?

• You should be cleared for a job at the Pentagon after talking with a breeder about purchasing a dog.  Don't be offended by their questions; you are asking to take home one of their babies.  If a breeder does not thoroughly interview you then walk away.

• You will be required to have a fenced yard if you are a home owner.  Why?  Ridgebacks were bred to be independent hunters.  They will run away and are not safe off-leash, outside a fenced area, no matter how much obedience training or how much they love you.  Once they've begun a chase, or on the scent, they can be miles away in no time; lost, without a way home and at risk.  Disney's "The Incredible Journey" is fiction.

• Ridgebacks require socialization.  A good rule is 3 new people and places per week during puppyhood and adolescence.  If you do not have time to properly socialize this breed, please consider another type of dog.

• Unless you are purchasing a dog that will be shown, be prepared to spay or neuter by the age of 2. 

• Do you have time in your life to commit to a Ridgeback?  This is a relationship that will last more than a decade; you are expected to take it seriously.  That means basic training at a puppy kindergarten class & adolescent canine good citizen training, proper daily exercise and proper veterinary care.  Ridgebacks have a potential of turning antisocial, fat and lazy if they do not receive the required care your breeder will discuss with you.  Be honest.  If you can not meet this expectation, be fair to the Ridgeback and opt for another breed.

How can I make sure I am purchasing a puppy from a reputable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder?

• As with everything in this world, there are dishonest dog breeders eager to take your money.  Be an educated consumer to identify an ethical, reputable breeder [minimum requirements are above].  You will run across people who are disreputable 'back yard breeders' and they will be adamant that they are not; education is your best weapon.  If you are researching on the internet, you will certainly find websites pronouncing "I am not a BYB or puppy miller"; if you have to make a big issue out of it (or how your non-AKC Champion dogs are just so wonderful) then the buyer should definitely think twice.

• Never, ever purchase a puppy from a pet store.

• Be able to identify a "backyard breeder".

• Never, ever purchase a puppy from a flea market or auction.

• Don't be taken in by exotic (and unfounded) claims of the superior quality of imported dogs.  It is fundamentally untrue and nothing but a marketing device.  Also, some people have to import from other countries because no one here will sell them a dog.  Find a reasonable explanation for using foreign bloodlines and "don't believe the hype".

• Ask how many litters the mother has produced.  If this is more than her third, that's questionable breeding practices.  She also needs to be atleast two years old but not older than seven. 

• Ask how long the breeder has been involved with Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  Everyone has to start somewhere, but experience is a plus.  That is not to say that claims of "I've been breeding for 20, 30, 40 years" mean that this person is reputable.  Anybody can be doing a bad thing for a long time.  Make sure you find out how many AKC Champions they have produced in all that time.

• Ask how many litters the breeder has produced in their years, and how many they have produced within the current year.  The very best breeders have puppies only occasionally.  "Occasionally" does not mean several litters a year!

• Is the breeder is supplementing their income by selling puppies?  Get a feel for what's really going on.  Truthfully, a good breeder takes losses.  Health testing, showing, stud fees, care of the dam, etc are all expenses associated with breeding.  The sole goal of an ethical Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder is to produce a litter that attempts to come as close to the breed standard as possible.  Anyone producing puppies to sell, for the pet market, and to supplement their income is doing a disservice to the breed and is unethical.

• Ask the breeder if they plan to keep a puppy for themselves.  If not, keep looking!  If they're not wanting one, why should you?  It's a red flag that they may be breeding for a quick buck.

• Ask the breeder how they selected the stud dog used.  He/she should clearly be able to tell you what attributes he brought to the table to compliment the bitch and what they expect out of the puppies.  If - 1) you get hesitation or no answer, walk away;  2) if it was because he's a "top winning dog" and that's the extent of it, walk away;  and 3) if his only asset is that he lives in the same house (is convenient & free) or down the road, walk away.

• Check with Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue to see if this breeder has been a problem.  That means the breeder has produced dogs, healthy or not, correct in structure in temperament or not, that they are unwilling to take back if the owner should no longer be able to keep it.  Purchasing a puppy is a two-way street; you should be able to trust the breeder as much as the breeder should be able to trust you.  Rescue is a good place to identify crappy breeders (contact Bonney at this link and she'll help you out).

• Is this breeder actively involved in improving Ridgebacks?  Or are they in their own little world, breeding away, and showing in non-AKC venues so they can make meaningless marketing claims to promote what they want to sell you?  Check out the list of RRCUS Regional Ridgeback Clubs in your area and find out if the person you are buying from is an involved member of the legitimate Ridgeback community.  Check out our "About Us" page for our affiliations.  This is the kind of breed dedication you should expect.

• Will I be able to pick my puppy?  No.  Not unless you have a previous track record in Ridgebacks and/or an established relationship with the breeder.  Why?  Puppies are selected on the basis of what personality best matches your living situation.  A puppy running over to "pick you" is the backyard breeder method because they really don't care about putting the right puppy with the right family, as long as your check clears.