After you have thoroughly researched the Rhodesian
Ridgeback breed, and before getting in touch with
any breeders, you need to ask some questions of
yourself. You need to ask: Am I (we) prepared to:
·
Always keep this dog safe --- provide a safe, fenced
area where it can exercise, never permit it to run
loose, never permit it to ride in the back of an
open pickup truck or be chained or tied up outside,
permit no teasing or abuse by children or others
when the dog is playing in its own yard (or any
other time) - such as poking sticks through the
fence, yelling at it, tossing things at it?
·
Give this dog enough attention and exercise and firm
but loving discipline as is given to human children?
Puppies need a lot of TLC each day and as they grow
they also need exercise along with the TLC and firm
discipline so that they may learn right from wrong
and become good canine citizens.
·
Live with shedding (although Ridgebacks don't shed
as much as some long-haired breeds), and the small
amount of grooming needed for a Ridgeback - such as
nails, brushing, baths, cleaning of teeth, ears,
etc., and keeping it parasite free for the next 10
to 15 years?
·
Spend the amount of money required to provide proper
veterinary care, including but certainly not limited
to: vaccines, heartworm testing and preventative,
spaying or neutering, annual checkups, and any
medications required for any illness the dog may
contract? Or the surgery required if the dog
swallows something that could injure its internal
organs? Or hip and elbow x-rays?
·
Keep the breeder informed and up to date on this
dog's accomplishments and problems?
·
Take questions to the breeder or other appropriate
professionals before they become problems that are
out of hand?
·
Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials
of Ridgeback puppy hood which can last for up to two
or three years, and each stage thereafter? To become
educated about the proper care of the breed and
correct training methods?
·
Continue to accept responsibility for the dog
despite inevitable life changes such as new babies
(human), kids going off to school, moving, etc.?
·
Resist impulse buying, and instead have the patience
to make a responsible choice of a puppy?
If you can answer "yes" to ALL of the above you are
ready to start seriously contacting breeders. Start
early because most responsible breeders have a
waiting list ranging from a few months to a couple
of years. Remember, the right puppy or adult dog
IS worth waiting for!
Rescue Dogs
--- Rescue dogs may or may not be responsibly bred.
However, since in many instances they are adults, or
older puppies, it is easier for rescuers to evaluate
them for any signs of a problem before you fall in
love with one of them - something that can't be done
with a puppy. This is only one of the many
advantages to adopting a Rescue Dog!
The members listed in this directory have paid for
the opportunity to advertise herein. The club does
not endorse or recommend any breeder, nor does it
guarantee the puppies or services of any breeder.
This directory is designed for the convenience of
prospective owners of Rhodesian Ridgebacks trying to
locate a puppy or a grown dog, or for those seeking
a stud service or a rescue dog. Since the club makes
no recommendations, it is suggested that a potential
buyer or breeder contact several of the breeders in
this directory in order to develop a frame of
reference. As you interview a breeder, look for a
person who is dedicated to the improvement of the
breed, who only breeds when they feel they can make
an improvement in their already show-quality
breeding stock, and someone who does not produce
Ridgebacks for profit. Be advised that everyone who
advertises in this directory has agreed to abide by
the Club's Code of Ethics, as printed herein. More
specifically, they have agreed to the following
conditions:
1.
Will x-ray the hips of all breeding stock.
2.
For breeding purposes, will use only dogs free of
hip dysplasia.
3.
Have obtained an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals) certification of clear hips, or an OFA
Preliminary x-ray.
4.
Agree to abide by the Club's Bylaws, Code of Ethics
and the regulations of The American Kennel Club.
ANYONE WHO DEVIATES IN
ANY FASHION FROM THE CODE OF ETHICS SHOULD BE
AVOIDED
There are several things you should expect to
receive when you purchase a puppy or an older dog
from a breeder in this directory:
1.
The AKC Registration Application, completed and
signed by the breeder, should be provided to you at
the time you take the puppy home. The papers are
never to be sold separately from the puppy. If there
is a co-ownership agreement involved, be certain
that you fully understand the impact of the
co-ownership and that you receive a copy of any
contract or agreement that you sign. All co-owners
have a legal right to the dog.
2.
The Medical Record, containing puppy's date of birth
and dates of inoculations and wormings, on the
veterinarian's letterhead or medical jacket with his
name, address, and phone number, so that he may be
contacted if necessary. A 48-hour health guarantee
is standard, giving you time to have the puppy
checked by your own veterinarian to assure its
health.
3.
A Pedigree, signed by the breeder, containing the
AKC registration numbers of the pup's parents and
any available registration and OFA numbers of the
puppy's ancestors. Photos of parents are optional,
but always a nice touch. You should ask to see the
OFA certificate for each of the parents, and the
breeder should be able to give you the OFA history
of all the dogs in the pedigree.
4.
An Instruction Sheet, giving the quantity of food
the puppy has been eating, the brand of food
recommended by the breeder, and the schedule on
which the puppy has been fed. This is very
important, since verbal instructions are quite often
forgotten as you concentrate all of your attention
on the new puppy and taking it home.
A small supply of puppy's current food and a gallon
jug of puppy's water, to be replaced by your water
as the puppy drinks, so that the puppy will not
suffer digestive upset from the change. |