FAQ's  - Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Buying a Ridgeback

What makes a Ridgeback "pet quality"?

'Pet' or 'companion' quality is a term used for dogs who have some sort of fault that would obviously preclude it as a candidate for an American Kennel Club [AKC] Show Championship.  This in no way effects its capacity to be an excellent member of the family.  And the word quality is really a misnomer as it really bears little, if any, reflection on a dog's intrinstic qualities.

Cosmetic faults

◊  The Ridge!  This is an easy area for Mother Nature to go wrong because the Ridgeback Standard calls for two symmetrical crowns on top of a tapering ridge to the point of the dog's hip.  But Ridgebacks can be born without a ridge at all.  It's exactly the same dog as it's siblings, but smooth down the back.  Other ridge flaws are:  more or less than two crowns, crowns which are more than slightly asymmetrical, crowns not at the top of the ridge, a ridge that is too short and a ridge that does not taper (is a thin edge of raised hair all the way down). 

◊  Too much white.  Most commonly on the feet, but white also appears on the chest and/or belly of Ridgebacks. 

◊  A kink in the tail.

◊  Improper ear carriage.  High on top of the head or folded back like the 'rose ears' of a greyhound.  A simple crease in the ear is normal and can usually be corrected through massage, taping or vitamins. 

◊  An incorrect bite.  For Ridgebacks, this would be an over bite or under bite.  The Standard calls for a scissor bite where the jaws fit snugly together and there is no gap.

◊  An incorrect color.  This is fairly rare, but Ridgebacks have been born in colors other than the required wheaten.  Brindle, blue, black, black & tan are all colors outside of the current blueprint for the breed.

◊  Significant structural deviation from the Ridgeback Standard; meaning, the dog's conformation (physical look based on its anatomy) has issues.  A rule of good Ridgeback breeding is that a perfect ridge does not equate to a show/breeding animal.  If the foundation under that ridge is not up to par, the dog should be homed as a pet.  Here are some examples: 

Any of these faults can result in a dog who "lacks breed type".  None of these items may bother the average family about their pet, but they are concerns when making breeding choices with purebred dogs. 

Health-related faults

◊  Dermoid Sinus.  A puppy with a DS has it at birth and the breeder should know about it prior to placement as a pet.

◊  Male dogs with one descended testicle, or none at all.  This requires surgical intervention to correct but is usually not a big deal once "fixed".

◊  Any dog who does not pass health testing as required by RRCUS.  That would include a finding of dysplastic hip and/or dysplatic elbows.

Temperament

◊  Not all dogs like the show ring.  However, a dog that is shy, fearful, aggressive to other dogs or people, can not be touched and examined by a judge, or exhibits untrustworthy and unpredictable behavior should be spayed or neutered.  While the Ridgeback Standard notes "aloof with strangers" that should not be used to excuse any of the above behavioral problems; aloof is a neutral attitude.

The reason why it is important to seek a Ridgeback from a consistent line of AKC show champions is because those dogs have hopefully demonstrated their ability to co-exist in a public environment.  This does not guarantee you will receive a dog with an excellent personality, but it does better the odds.  There is no way to measure the socialibility of a back-yard breeder's animals if their whole existence is the back yard.  You can look for parents that have a CGC (Canine Good Citizen), TT (ATTS Temperament Tested) and/or TDI (Therapy Dog Certification).

Why can't I pick my own puppy?

There are many reasons why a new owner to Ridgebacks would have their puppy selected for them.  Most obviously of these is because people tend to make puppy selections based on emotional reaction and that is the worst reason to pick a puppy.

What if you are looking for a pet and "fall in love with" a show prospect?  Save your broken heart and stay within the parameters of your purchase. 

You don't know anything about these puppies other than what you see at that very moment.  Maybe the puppies just had dinner and the best one for you is already sleeping in the corner?  Breeders spend 8 solid weeks with those puppies and should know them inside and out by decision time. 

The reason a reputable breeder will have you fill out an application, and works hard to get to know you in the weeks or months before you bring home baby, is so they can make the right match for you.  If an older, retired couple is not suited for the highest working potential in the litter, the breeder can place a mellow pup with them. 

"The puppy picked me" is a ridiculous concept.  The puppy doesn't know you.  You just happen to be the object it currently launched at or is napping on.  If the puppy is bouncing all over you, don't be under any delusions that this is a demonstration from your soul-mate; he's probably the most wired pup in the pack.  Not so much fun when you take him home and he dismantles your house. 

It is possible that a breeder may give you options.  For instance, you may be able to take your pick between two puppies of equal evaluation that suits your situation.  But don't expect to walk in and call the shots; only back yard breeders allow this because they are more interested in cashing your check than making a happy match.

Should I pay a deposit?

This is a good question.  It use to be, about 10 years ago, that deposits weren't really necessary.  People were respectful and, if they were on a breeder's waiting list, they anxiously waited for the "big day". 

Not any more.  What we find now is the drive-thru mentality and adding a new canine member to the household has sometimes become disrespectful and hasty.  Most of the calls I receive are "do you have a puppy right this second and if not, can you tell me where to get one?"  No.  Even if I did have puppies at the moment, someone like this would not be getting one. 

So this is my opinion on puppy deposits. 

If a breeder holds on to your deposit, you should expect that the breeder will communicate with you about the puppies, send photos, and give updates as they grow.  Do not expect the breeder to commit to selling a puppy until that puppy is between 6-8 weeks old.  These are growing babies and alot can happen.  If you are hoping for a show male and his testicles aren't forthcoming, well, it happens. 

A deposit is not fully refunded if there is a puppy for you and you have ants in your pants; couldn't wait one more second and went elsewhere for a puppy.  Breeders are not responsible for your lack of manners. 

Let's say you made a deposit, the deposit was cashed and you never hear boo until the puppies are ready to go.  You've emailed and called, no response.  You do get a puppy elsewhere.  That is a breach of etiquette on the part of the breeder and they are not entitled to a dime.  They certainly didn't earn a nickel of it by staying in communication with you and sending pictures.  Fortunately, I would hope, piss-poor excuses for breeders like this are few and far between when using the RRCUS Breeder's Directory.  Yet, if you find it to be the case, you always have recourse through the RRCUS Ethics Committee.  If it happens with a back yard breeder, you're out of luck.

Why am I required to have a fenced yard? 

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was created as an independent hunting hound in Africa.  Unlike sporting dogs such as the golden retriever, a Ridgeback is not looking for your permission to hunt.  He's not looking for you to tell him what to hunt, how far to go, and what to do when push comes to shove and he has cornered the object of his desire.  That is what a Ridgeback was bred to do. 

It is vital to understand the purpose of a dog when considering it as a pet, and if that history fits your lifestyle.  Decisions like this should not be made based on what "looks cool".  If you want to take long walks in the state park with your dog off leash (probably not legal anyway) then please consider a dog that cares what you tell it to do and obeys. 

A Ridgeback doesn't care.  I can think of 4 show-trained Ridgeback recently that never came home from their hunting excursion.  They took off after deer, in the suburbs, and got hit by cars; none of them lived. 

Likewise, electric fences are not well suited to Ridgebacks.  A Ridgeback calculates the pros and cons of their wayward actions and if the benefits outweigh the consequences, they go for it.  That's why they will routinely endure a temporary shock from an electric fence to get something on the other side.  But coming back through, surely to get in trouble, is not worth the same shock.

Even if an electric fence could keep your Ridgeback safeguarded in your yard, it does not prevent anything from entering your yard.  That could be an amorous or vicious canine visitors, bratty neighbor kids throwing rocks, wild animals, and a whole catalog of other trouble.

What can I expect in a purchase contract?