1. Where do you live? Where do you go to school?

I live in Belleville, Michigan, and I go to school at Renton Junior High in New Boston, Michigan.

2. Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Do you have a job?

Yes, I like running, biking, baking, and cooking. I am also on the Cross-Country Running team at school.

3. Have you grown up in a doggy family? What is your breeds(s)?

Yes, I grew up in a doggy family. I grew up with Rhodesian Ridgebacks and a Belgian Malinois. When I was 7, I got my own dog, a Beagle named Summer.

4. How were you introduced to Junior Showmanship? When did you start competing?

My Mom was involved in Junior Showmanship as a child and helped me get into it. I started to show in the Breed ring at age 5, and in Juniors when I was 9.

5. What do you remember about the first time you showed as a Junior?

My first time as a Junior was at the Ann Arbor KC July show and I won my class with Summer. I was surprised and happy!

6. How do you prepare yourself and your dog for the ring? Any rituals? Any good luck charms?

I get my dog happy and excited, and I have to tell my Mom to leave me alone because she tells me all the corrections that I know to do. My good luck charm is a pair of dog earrings.

7. What’s it like in the ring when the pressure is on? Do you have a secret for handling the nerves?

When the pressure is on, I act like no one is watching and I focus on my dog. That’s all you can do.

8. Do you have a mentor in the sport? Have you assisted any Professional Handlers?

I have a few mentors: my Mom, Summer’s breeder, Chanel Lefever, and Professional Handlers Doug Belter and Courtney Hartman. I also regularly assist Doug and Courtney at shows.

9. Are there any wins for which you’re particularly proud? Any memorable losses?

Summer and I won Best of Breed at the Monroe KC, at the Monroe, Michigan, show, and went on to win a Group 2 under Judge Sulie Greendale-Paveza!

10. How do you accentuate your dog’s breed type in the ring? How do you try to stand out?

I accentuate my dog’s breed type by showing off her neck and moving her ears, and I also take the Beagle’s collar off. I try to stand out by always being aware of my dog and how to present them, and how the judge sees us as a team.

11. Is your breed generally well-suited for a Junior Showmanship career?

Yes, I think Beagles are an amazing breed for Junior Showmanship. Though they have their challenges, like being stubborn, they teach you how to move past it because if they don’t want to freeze-stack… how can we fix their free-stack or do you hand-stack them? They are also a happy breed and smaller for kids. Beagles can teach you how to stack on the table and ground, and how to groom and chalk too.

12. Are there any breeds that you haven’t shown yet but would like to someday?

Yes, I would like to show a Kerry Blue Terrier, an Afghan Hound, and an Irish Setter.

13. What can be done to encourage more young people to participate in Junior Showmanship?

The AKC has done an amazing job supporting Junior Showmanship. I think that the AKC allowing people without show dogs to use a show dog from someone else is very encouraging.

14. Have you bred or co-bred a litter? If so, can you share what you’ve learned from the experience?

Yes, I have co-bred two litters. Before being signed on to my first litter, I learned a lot. Everything is important and more than just “here’s a puppy, give it food and water.” I also was the very first AKC Junior-Breeder-Handler to finish a dog from the Bred-by-Exhibitor class under their new Junior Breeder program.

15. Is breeding something that you’d like to pursue? Is breed preservation important to you?

Yes, I would like to continue my Mom‘s lines, Zareba Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and I want to add Beagles to the Zareba line also. Breed preservation is important to me because it keeps the breeds natural abilities and purpose for the future.

16. What are your goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing in the sport once you’ve aged-out?

Yes, I will continue showing, even once I’ve aged-out. I’d like to win an Owner-Handled Best in Show and qualify for Westminster as a Junior Handler.

17. Can you share a word or two about your relationship with your current dog? What does s/he mean to you?

My current dog, Summer, is a joy. She helps me take my mind off of hard things and makes me happy, especially when I’m feeling down or discouraged. She is always wagging her tail and I have fun with her.

18. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Junior Handler?

It’s not so much funny as it is about meeting new friends. At my first dog show, I met a girl at the Juniors ring; we talked and then we went our separate ways. Less than a year later we are now very close friends because we ran into each other at other shows and keep running into each other. In Juniors, it is nice to be able to meet other kids who love dogs as much as you do.

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Why a Sight Hound? Categorizing the Rhodesian Ridgeback

The purpose of a breed of dog dictates the conformation which lends to that purpose. Those dogs best suited for the task were the type used for breeding advancement. The Ridgeback was first developed 350 years ago by the early European settlers in the Cape colony area of South Africa. The domestic animals that the Europeans brought to the new land quickly succumbed to the diseases and parasites of the region. They realized the need to cross their imported domestic stock with the native animals to instill disease resistance producing the Afrikaner cattle, sheep, Boer horses, etc. The ridged native hunting dog of the Hottentot people was chosen to produce the hybrid strain of dog known today as the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

In addition to disease resistance, this cross incorporated the genetic based “local knowledge” hunting instincts for survival in this land. The settlers created a dog which possessed the keenest of sight, scenting ability and hearing as well as formidable courage, dedication and athleticism, securing survival for both man and dog. Lacking the ability to test DNA, the visible ridge was maintained as the identifiable feature that indicated the dog’s crossed heritage. The importance of this dog to the Dutch/European settlers cannot be overestimated as he aided in sustaining the family with meat for the pot.

Quoting the South African handbook circa 1947: “…a trained hunting pack will upon scenting game fan out, one running directly towards the quarry and the other circling with the object of cutting off any retreat. Here again the dog’s amazing agility is displayed—the ability to turn in a split second, swerve and feint, or maintain a fast pace should their quarry break and run, and a chase ensue.”

While tracking game, usually on foot, the hunter depended on his dog to signal him as to what lay ahead. He relied on the dog’s keen senses to detect danger. When encountering a herd of antelope the hunter shot at the selected target hoping to affect a kill. A wounded antelope could run for many miles before dropping, resulting in the loss of a week’s worth of meat to the hunter. In the event that a clean kill was not affected by the hunter’s bullet, the dog would sight the wounded antelope, and with speed, endurance and agility strike out to knock it down. He often slammed the game with his chest, landing on his feet yards away out of striking distance of the quarry.

If the wounded game was enraged and threatening a charge, the dog would distract with agile feint attacks and retreats until the hunter could take a clean kill shot. He would if needed sacrifice himself for his master.

The original KUSA standard called for a maximum 25 inch bitch 65 lbs. and a dog 27 inches, 75 lbs.—certainly not the short necked, drafty, weighty, low legged and unathletic specimens judges often ribbon in the show ring today. The AKC Standard was revised by our parent club to increase the weight to 75 and 85 lbs. for no other reason than the committee wanted a bigger Rhodesian Ridgeback. This decision was not based on anything but preference for size to fit their dogs into acceptable range.

If wounded in the bush the utilitarian size dog could be portaged out for treatment. The hundred pound and over dogs of today would certainly be left where they dropped.

The AKC Breed Standard references speed throughout “General Appearance… athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed… The Forequarters… the shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular, denoting speed. The neck should be fairly long. The Chest should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious, ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel hoops which would indicate want of speed. At the chase the Ridgeback demonstrates great coursing ability and endurance.”

Nowhere within this Standard for the Breed is the mention of “lion hunting” or guard dogs for diamond mines, etc. Rather this breed had a much more serious work which was to aid the settler in procuring meat (no one ate lion) and protection by signaling as to what danger lay ahead in the bush or what was surrounding their encampment at night.

These Standard requirements do not describe a heavy, shorted neck, Mastiff-like, stationary, sentry dog (which I refer to as a “get off my front porch dog”), nor that of an overly frail Whippet-like build (or a “gone wrong Lab”), as many perceive them to be. Rather they should be an agile speedster with strength easily recognized as the Rhodesian Ridgeback, resembling no other.

Lack of unity in perception is the reason dogs differ in appearance from breeder to breeder, and show judge to show judge. This lack of unity ultimately affects the overall conformation excellence of a breed, causing confusion in its wake resulting in irreparable damage to type. It took one prolific over-advertised breeder of substandard poor quality type dogs that were well awarded by judges in the ring to negatively effect correct breed type in our modern time. Awards for such dogs would have been withheld back in the day.

Too often lately it has been said to me by long respected dog show judges that, “Your breed is in trouble.” Who is to blame? There is a great need for our parent club to concentrate education of judges as to the true purpose of this breed and the desired type to perform that function. In addition, the AKC needs to monitor judge’s choices as to correct type and conformation that would allow a dog to serve as he once did, in the bush.

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Coat and Pigment Color in the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Wheaten is the coat color of Rhodesian Ridgeback. All shades of wheaten are equally correct, from lighter golds to richer reds. Wheaten is a banded or variegated coat, not a solid color. The hair is lighter at the base and darker at the tip.

Dogs may have masks or be clean-faced. Both are equally correct. A darker mask is often accompanied by a darker ear. The mask should not extend above the eyes, as in a Great Dane.

The coat is short, dense, sleek, and glossy. It is neither woolly nor silky.

Black hair (or, in the case of brown noses, dark-brown hair) may be interspersed on the neck, head, and chest area, including in a “widow’s peak” or bibbing.

Excessive black, including saddles or sabling, is unacceptable.

Black hairs should not interfere with the overall wheaten impression of the dog.

Black and tan is a historically incorrect pattern. While it is unlikely that a dog with this pattern will enter your ring, it should never be awarded. Instead, it should be excused for lack of merit.

Small socks and white on the chest on an otherwise typey, sound dog should not eliminate it from consideration.

Some Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs exhibit a pattern of lighter cream-colored coat on the underpinnings, neck, and bottom of jaw. This is acceptable.

The correct, round and dark eye gives the breed its intelligent expression.

The color of the eyes should harmonize with the color of the dog: This is a reference to skin pigment, not coat color.

Black-nosed dogs should have a dark eye (as deep a shade of brown as possible). Yellow eyes are undesirable.

The Scale of Points allows 3 points out of 100 to Coat and Color. Emphasis should be placed on the general conformation.

The above was written and approved by our Education Committee to be used in our Judges’ Education Seminars.

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Interview with Karen Pipkin – Breeder of Graceridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Where did you grow up?

Karen Pipkin: I grew up in Houston and Beaumont, Texas.

Do you come from a doggie family? And if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin?

Karen Pipkin: I think my interest in purebred dogs simply originated with my love of animals, dogs and horses especially. We lived next door to a very successful horsewoman who rode Tennessee Walkers. I was fascinated that they were born with a specific kind of gait(s) and were a specific type of horse. I attended horse shows and loved the differences in breeds, and the beauty of each. I also studied purebred dogs as a child, and knew much about them individually and what the purpose of different breeds was in everyday life. I dreamed of owning different breeds for their different purposes, and loved that they could be beloved family pets as well. One such breed I was drawn to early on was the Border Collie. I watched them being used on ranches and loved how intelligent they were/are with their tasks. Another breed that I loved to watch move was the Afghan Hound. Their elegance was breathtaking. We had some in our neighborhood. I watched Westminster when it was televised and enjoyed watching the different breeds I had studied as a child. When I was in third or fourth grade, I organized my own neighborhood dog show and made ribbons out of fabric scraps. I held it in my backyard.

After rescuing and fostering dogs, either on my own or through Animal Care Services, I decided what I really wanted was to raise purebred dogs for the purpose of showing, and having family pets as well. I wanted to be part of a responsible community of dog owners. As I love all dogs, the problem of overpopulation of mixed breeds and purebred dogs (poor examples of their breeds, with no health testing done) was a problem I couldn’t fix. So, I wanted to own a well-bred, great example of a particular breed. I loved studying the Rhodesian Ridgeback after meeting one, and that became my breed of choice to transition into the show world. I also own two retired show Border Collies, my first purebred fascination.

The transition from owning rescue dogs to purebred dogs was gradual. As a child, I rescued or acquired a few from different sources… a neighbor, or my grandfather who found a dog during a hurricane, and others in the woods behind our house. In my twenties, I bought my first purebred English Springer Spaniel. Later, after having two children, I worked with Animal Care Services as a foster, rescued dogs from the street, and adopted from kill shelters and rehomed them. At the same time, I owned some purebred terriers. So, we had mixed breeds and purebred dogs at the same time, before I bought our first Rhodesian Ridgeback. Today, I enjoy working with Ridgeback Rescue in small ways.

Who have been your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence.

Karen Pipkin: My mentors in Ridgebacks have been Jill Davis, Dr. Christina Wistrom, and Jane Gentzen. I am thankful for each one of them in individual ways for helping me grow as a Ridgeback owner/breeder, and for giving me the opportunity to own their beautiful dogs. Handlers Antonio Vidmar, who is a Ridgeback owner himself, and Valerie Nunes-Atkinson have also been wonderful mentors in my journey. I am thankful for their help in countless ways.

How many dogs do you typically house? Tell us about your current facilities and how the dogs are maintained.

Karen Pipkin: Currently at home we have 10 Ridgebacks and two Border Collies. Our beautiful “Rhys” (bred by Jill Davis) is currently out being shown by Valerie and Antonio, and will come home soon. They all live in the house with us. We have 8.5 acres for them to run on and enjoy. Not all of our Ridgebacks are show dogs, and I evaluate which ones will be shown. Some love it and have that show spark and look; others don’t quite have it for one reason or another. I have done OFAs on all of them. I have bred three times, and will continue to do so if the genetics are right, the dogs are conformationally approved, and their health test results are good/passing. I will work with the breeders of each dog I co-own to make the best choices before breeding. This is what keeps a breeding program moving forward in preserving the important qualities and traits with great attention to the details. Conformation, health, temperament, and genetics are all to be considered when breeding.

As you attend dog shows, what do you think all-breed kennel clubs putting on shows could do to generate more interest in the sport, and increase spectator attendance?

Karen Pipkin: Keep up the engaging activities at dog shows. I have enjoyed the silent auctions and raffles. It is great to be able to shop and pick up extra slip leads and dog stuff while there. Having food available, and possibly even low-key entertainment (music of some kind) at the end of the day is a great idea also. Overall, kennel clubs put a lot of thought and time into their shows, and they’re doing a great job.

Rhodesian Ridgeback entries seem to be strong nationwide, both in terms of quality and numbers. What do you think might be some of the reasons that make Ridgebacks one of the strongest breeds in the Hound Group?

Karen Pipkin: I applaud our current Ridgeback breeders and owners. People are breeding beautiful dogs and are thoughtful in what they want to produce. The art of breeding is at work! Owners are mindful of diet, exercise, and the overall care of their beloved Ridgebacks. It is a joy to attend a show and see these beautiful dogs competing. We have every reason to be excited with what we are producing today in our breed.

What are your long-range plans for the Graceridge Ridgebacks in the next decade or two?

Karen Pipkin: I will take care of our current pack, and add additions with careful planning, always evaluating my goals of where I want to head. I will contact my co-breeders, Jill Davis and Tayler Suterko, and we’ll make these decisions together. We have a young one to train and show, and the future looks bright.

Finally, tell us a little about Karen outside of the dogs… your profession, your hobbies.

Karen Pipkin: I have always stayed busy. I taught elementary school and junior high before I had our sons. Then I became a full-time Mom, which I loved being able to do. My husband’s schedule was busy, so it was important for me to be at home and available. The boys grew up with family dogs and are wonderful with dogs today. I jog and exercise when I can to stay in shape. We love to ski as a family and travel to Colorado. Family time is a priority. I have led women and children in Bible Study for about 10 years. I am about to begin my Masters in theology, so that will keep me busy for the next several years.

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Facing the Ridgeback for the First Time in the Ring

First of all, before entering any ring, we should be thoroughly familiar with procedure. Once we have mastered that, we can concentrate on the specimen before us rather than being side-tracked by anything else.

So, we look at the outline first: balance, symmetry, moderate head—neither heavy and Mastiff-like nor narrow or Greyhound-like. Underjaw visible. Strong, long neck with smooth shoulders blending into body, level back continuing with a slight rise over the loin (which one should feel upon examination) falling gently away over the croup, ending with a well-set, tapering tail without kinks or excessive curl.

Underline is not exaggerated, herring-gutted or Greyhound-like, and the hindquarters should be rather broad and powerful (first and second thigh well developed).

As we examine our Ridgeback, remember to always approach from the front, not rear—after all, this is a sighthound. He is aloof with strangers and he must see you. We want to find intelligent expression—round, dark eyes harmonizing with the color of the pigment and overall dog. That means black-nosed dogs should have dark brown eyes and liver/brown-nosed dogs should have amber eyes, again harmonizing with pigmentation. Ears should frame the head. Black or dark brown muzzle in a liver/brown-nosed dog is equally acceptable and so are clear-faced dogs.

We want to look for that ever-eluding shoulder layback and shoulder, and return of upper arm being close to equal in length. The ideal ridge starts close behind the shoulder blades, contains two whorls opposite each other and tapers close to the pin bone. The thorax should be capacious, giving lung room and should have plenty of length before reaching a relatively short loin without cramping his hindquarters.

The dog should appear off-square—not rectangular (slightly longer than tall). The croup is moderate with a smooth tail insertion. The tail is tapered, without kinks or excessive curls, reaches to the hock and is never carried in a gay fashion while on the move.

Rear quarters are broad, strong, muscular, and the inner thigh is well-developed. The Ridgeback must possess good feet with thick pads, sloping, strong pasterns for shock absorbing—splayed or flat feet are taboo in this breed.

Color should be immaterial as long as it falls within the light wheaten to red wheaten color. While white should be kept to a minimum, white sox on an otherwise quality Ridgeback is a nonfunctional fault and is to be judged accordingly. The same goes for some occasional black bibbing. There should be no preference to overall color.

While there are no size disqualifications, we need to reward the dog that is close to the prescribed standard.

The gait needs to be smooth and effortless, exhibiting power, strength coupled with agility and covering ground efficiently. Topline must remain constant, while legs converge toward
single-tracking at a fast trot. True breed type demonstrates an effortless stride, enabling the dog to go all day.

We must try to put emphasis on the positive points rather than fault judge and not dwell on the shortcomings. The Breed Standard is the blueprint, the breeder is the builder, and the judge is the building inspector. We must also recognize that success in the breed depends to a large extent on proportion, balance symmetry coupled with motivation, temperament, character, and showmanship.

Ridgebacks were not bred to kill lions but, rather, to have them track them, keep them at bay, and wait for the hunter to come and do his job. Today he is a loyal companion to the family. The gait of the Ridgeback is methodical, smooth, never cumbersome or racy. He is confident, alert, proud, maintaining an enthusiastic attitude without being exaggerated in body or obnoxious in spirit.

The winning combination is a team between dog and handler. The outstanding Ridgeback in the show ring possesses all of the above-mentioned attributes, including mental and physical soundness as well as character and showmanship.

An untypical Ridgeback that is sound is useless. A typical Ridgeback that is sound is priceless!

The post Facing the Ridgeback appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Why Own A Ridgeback?

Be it by coincidence or design, the power, strength, and feline agility of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is evident the moment he takes his first steps.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback owes his heritage to Dutch Boers who began settling in Colonial Southern Africa. A number of different breeds contributed to the gene pool of the Ridgeback. Among them were Greyhound, Bloodhound, various Mastiff types, Airedale, and Africa’s Hottentot Dog and others. By the 1900s, a type had been successfully set, part by accident, part by design, and entirely out of need. The European settlers needed a multi-purpose dog, a truly fearless hunting hound, on the African veldt, a watch dog on the farm, and a gentle companion in the home… but, he is most famous for being used to track and hold the lion at bay, waiting for the hunter.

This required amazing courage, agility, tenacity, and endurance. He is the only breed of dog that can hold the lion at bay, yet stay out of harm’s way. His color—all different shades of wheaten—was chosen to blend in with the surrounding grass and bush of the veldt. His coat is short and sleek, so as to not become entangled and to allow for easy maintenance and parasite removal. He is neither too big to be clumsy nor too small to render him unproductive in hunting large game.

He is a swift runner, able to run at thirty miles an hour! With all of his athletic ability and functional purpose, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is also beautiful to look at; graceful, regal, and fearless in appearance. The hallmark of this breed is the ridge of hair which runs, backwards, along his spine; a cowlick that has two whorls (crowns) opposite each other in the upper third of this ridge.

In 1924, the South African Kennel Union registered the first Rhodesian Ridgeback. In November 1955, the American Kennel Club admitted the Rhodesian Ridgeback to its Stud Book as the 112th breed to be accorded AKC registration facilities. The Ridgeback Standard describes a dog that stands between 25 and 27 inches at the withers and weighs around 85 pounds. Females should be 24-26 inches at their withers and weigh about 70 pounds.

The Ridgeback is a wonderful breed of dog; however, not the best choice for all families. Asked if this dog can sleep in a doghouse in the yard, my answer is: “Yes, if you are sleeping there too.”

When you tell me you have a two-acre fenced-in backyard, I will warn you that your Ridgeback will most likely scratch the siding off your house, trying to get back into the house to be with you, or bark at the door, annoying neighbors, or dig out under the fence or leap over it (without a running start, this athlete can clear a six-foot high fence) and knock down every trash can in the neighborhood, if it does not first get killed in traffic (they are not bright about the dangers of the streets). And being a territorial breed, he will bark at every dog that approaches his territory and note that his territory includes everywhere his eyes can see.

Your dinner is no longer safe, unless you lock him out of the dining room during meals. And your microwave has become your bread box. And you follow the rule that all defosting of meat is done in the refrigerator. And if allowed to sleep on your bed, be warned that the cute little puppy will one day become an 85-pound bed hog.

The Ridgeback is strong-willed, sensitive, and independent. This stems from his ability to hunt independently of human direction; a trait that was very valuable in his native land.

By now you are probably wondering why anybody would want to live with a Ridgeback.

If you admire the beauty of the breed, and appreciate an independent spirit, the Ridgeback may be for you. Some people mistake the Ridgeback’s headstrong independence for a lack of intelligence, but he is, indeed, a very clever dog who is sensitive to his owner’s moods and emotions.

The Ridgeback is a “People Dog” and wants to be at his owner’s side. He is often called a “Velcro dog.” He’s an affectionate dog who needs the human companionship of his owner, yet is quite aloof with strangers. He responds to positive training methods. Harsh treatment does not work with this breed. This is a hound and he possesses many of the typical hound characteristics.

The Ridgeback has a quiet, gentle temperament, rarely barking. He enjoys spending the day with his owner, lounging in front of the fire or curled up in the corner. However, when alerted and in action, he can quickly become a graceful and powerful hunter or guard dog. As a guard dog he is protective of his family and is every bit as intimidating as dogs that are known to be fierce watchdogs.

He tends to bond with one person; however, he will extend his affection to other loving and caring family members who treat him well. He will be devoted to his own family and friends, but aloof and dignified with strangers (although temperaments can range from quiet to clownish). Early, positive socialization is an important part of developing a healthy and stable temperament.

He has an innate love for children—if they have been taught how to behave around dogs. His love will extend to every family member who treats him well. This is a hound and he possesses many of the typical hound characteristics. The adult Ridgeback has a quiet, laid-back temperament and rarely barks.

He is a dog for all reasons. He can successfully chase the lure and he excel at Obedience Trials. During Obedience training, the Ridgeback can become bored with constant repetition and tends to “tune out” when he has had enough. Exercises must be kept short, fresh, and interesting, and should always be ended on a high note. Many patient owners have been rewarded with advanced Obedience titles, dispelling the myth that a hound will not do Obedience. The breed also does well in Agility, and if Conformation is where your interest lies, an owner can still handle his own dog to a championship in the Ridgeback ring.

Another plus is there is minimal grooming for the Ridgeback. These dogs have a dirt-resistant coat, and frequent bathing is unnecessary. Using a hound brush on them, regularly, should keep them clean and odor-free.

But watch out, they are like eating potato chips. You can’t stop with just one.

The post Why Own A Ridgeback? appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Robert Russell, Breeder of Parnassus Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Robert Russell: I currently live in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. I acquired my foundation Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch, CH Penelope II, ROM in 1990, and had my first litter in 1995. She was selected by the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States to represent the breed in the 2006 edition of AKC’s The Complete Dog Book, and in 2023, as one of the Distinguished Dams of the Breed.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Robert Russell: My kennel name is Parnassus, named after Mount Parnassus, the home of the muses in Greek mythology. I currently have four active show dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Noteworthy winners include:

• CH Penelope II, ROM – Multiple AOW at National Specialties, Multiple Best Veteran in National and Regional shows, No. 1 Brood Bitch at National Specialty, BOS at Westminster
• 2004 BISS CH Helios of Parnassus, a Group-winning liver nose
• CH Isis of Parnassus – Multiple AOMs at Nationals, First Place Bred-By at Eukanuba and BOS, in top rankings of RR bitches two years in row
• Australian and American CH Hercules of Parnassus – Multiple Group Placements, Multiple Best Stud Dog in Australian National and Regional shows
• Canadian and American CH Utopia of Parnassus. No. 1 ranked Canadian Ridgeback Bitch in 2005, No. 1 Brood Bitch at 2009 Canadian National Specialty
• CH Luvakis Ekundu of Parnassus – In Top 10 US RR Bitches 2006 and 2007, BISS Brace
• International Champion of Beauty BISS Jupiter of Parnassus – Multiple Group-Placing, Multiple Best Veteran, Multiple No. 1 Stud Dog in Polish National and Regional shows
• BISS Boccaccio of Parnassus – Group-winning Top 20 RR, Best Bred-By and Select Dog at Royal Canin and AKC National 2021

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Robert Russell: CH Penelope II, ROM – RRCUS Designated Distinguished Dam and CH Kwetu’s Boomerang, ROM – RRCUS Designated Significant Sire.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Robert Russell: I am a hobby breeder. My dogs share my home and a small indoor/outdoor kennel. All puppies are whelped indoors in a convenient room off the kitchen or living room. They are raised in my home and fenced yard.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Robert Russell: I begin to evaluate puppies at birth and the process continues to 8 or 9 weeks. Starting at about week five, I take stacked shots and observe their movement. I am especially interested in evaluating their skeletal structure for promise in developing properly angulated fronts and rears.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Robert Russell: No and no. Several of the pups I have placed in show homes, however, do compete with winning results.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Robert Russell: Not in terms of the AKC events, but in terms of performing in free-play in open spaces, I can evaluate all aspects of their movement and agility.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Robert Russell: I have been lucky that in my line, the musculature needs little systematic conditioning in order to be and appear fit. A good dose of free-play exercise each day, in a space that is amenable to full-speed chases, is all the typical Ridgeback needs.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Robert Russell: As a breed club, we have taken many health initiatives to address dysplasia, dermoid sinus, DM, Hyper/hypothyroidism, EOAD, and cardiomyopathies of various sorts.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Robert Russell: I am concerned at the moment that the pursuit of various kennels to define their style of Ridgeback is undermining the preservation of classic breed type, as depicted by our Standard.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Robert Russell: Ridgebacks are great family dogs when acquired as a pup by owners who enroll in Obedience training. Families that are active and have fenced space for the dog to exercise are preferred.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Robert Russell: These dogs were bred to neither take down a lion nor chase down rabbits. They were meant to have a fair amount of speed, to have enough bone and brawn to take down a family meal (African deer-sized prey), to have the endurance to trot for hours, and to have the agility and courage to bay big cats. They were formidable in packs.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

From our Breed Standard: strong, powerful, muscular, handsome, athletic (of overall appearance); fairly strong (of the neck); very deep and capacious (of the chest); powerful and firm (of the back); strong and muscular (of the loins); slightly longer than tall (of critical proportions); sloping, clean, muscular (of the shoulders); straight, strong and heavy in bone (of the forelegs); clean and well-defined (of muscling in the hindquarters).

REFINED does not appear in our Standard. Excessive length-to-height proportion is incorrect, even if eye-catching on the go-around.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Robert Russell: Carefully study the Standard and pedigrees, and seek out honest, critical feedback about your pairings and their results.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Robert Russell: I always get a kick out of my RRs when they encircle the TV to bay the lion on the screen.

Are you looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed with articles and information in our Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Parnassus Rhodesian Ridgebacks | Robert Russell appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Tammy Lynch, Breeder of Adili Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

My name is Tammy Lynch. I am 2nd Vice President of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the US. I have been involved with Ridgebacks for 53 years. My parents bred under the prefix of Amberidge and produced the third Ridgeback to ever win a Best in Show. He was also a National Specialty winner and only the third Ridgeback to ever win a BIS and a BISS.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

I have been using the Adili kennel name since 1996. Kiki Courtelis and I registered the prefix in 2022 and we are currently the only AKC Breeder of Merit Gold Level Breeders of Ridgebacks.

We have a small number of dogs (nine between our two households). Our dogs are our pets for life, so we have a lot of older, non-breeding animals at present. We are very lucky to have some very special co-owners/co-breeders who have some of our breeding girls.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

We have produced multiple Best in Show and Owner-Handled Best in Show winners, Reserve Best in Show and NOHS RBIS winners, Top 10 Hounds, and National and Regional Specialty winners.

Some of our dogs of note are:

NSBISS MBIS MBISS GCH Adili’s American Idol JC CGC ROM, “Spirit,” a 2x Top 10 Hound who retired in 2009 but came out in 2011 for the “new” Grand Champion title—which led to his winning our National Specialty (the first time for a Breeder/Owner-Handled National Specialty winner in 20-plus years in our breed) and another Top 10 ranking for him in just 11 shows that year.

NSBVISS BISS GCHG Mystiko & Adili’s Unstoppable Reign CGC ROM, “Vomba,” our 2x Top 10 Bitch just won SB/Best Veteran at our National Specialty show at 9-1/2 years of age.

We are now showing RBIS Best in Hound Show GCHG Adili & Ida B’s Reign On Zambezi, “Zambezi,” who is last year’s No. 2 Ridgeback and is currently a Top 10 Hound.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Our most influential dams have been:

• Ch Adili’s Serengeti StarLight SC CGC ROM, “Sera”, who produced Spirit and J Lo, along with Dual Champions and Best Bred-By Exhibitor in Show winners;
• BPISS GCH Adili’s Made To Perfection JC CGC ROM, “J Lo,” and her daughter, “Vomba” who, besides being a big winner herself, is the proud mother of “Zambezi” and six Champions out of 11 puppies born to her.

As for sires, Spirit stands out as one of the Top Sires in our Breed, with over 50 Champions, many of whom were top-ranked and were top producers and sires themselves. Spirit was the No. 1 Stud Dog in 2015 and was a Top Producing Sire for nine years.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Our puppies are born and raised in our home, where we have a specially designed kennel, whelping room, and puppy sunroom, all with heated floors, where they are raised with 24/7 care for the first three weeks. When they graduate to pan feeding, they are still under 24/7 surveillance and are introduced to a litterbox and doggie doors. Because of this, by the time they go home, many are 100 percent accident-free in their new homes.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

We use the Early Neurological Stimulation program created by Dr. Carmen Battaglia and we carefully evaluate both conformation and temperament before choosing where a puppy will be placed.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Our dogs have succeeded in many venues, as well as simply being companion dogs. We have had AKC Dual Champions as well as Registered Therapy Dogs.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Performance is part of our decision-making when planning a breeding because we sincerely believe in form following function. A Ridgeback must be of sound mind and body to do the job it was designed to do. Our Breed Standard calls for a “handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed.”

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

If a dog is to be functional according to our Standard, they MUST be in shape. Our dogs mostly “self” condition through free-play and running. If a dog (over two) needs conditioning, we will roadwork them 1/2-1 mile at a trot with our golf cart.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

There are several health concerns in our breed; hip and elbow dysplasia, some cardiac issues, and a relatively recent issue with a breed-specific arrhythmia (RRIVA). Thyroid can be a problem too. As far as special nutritional needs, we believe in feeding a good all life stages food, rather than a puppy food, to promote slow and steady growth. If there is too high a protein level, you can run into “pano” issues (panosteitis).

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

I don’t know if our breed is supported by enough preservation breeders. It seems that no one wants to be mentored. People get a dog, make it a champion, and “have to” breed it. Many have never even read the Standard. It’s hard to explain to someone who has a champion that not ALL dogs need to procreate. We live in a society where people want instant gratification and feel like they’ve invested in their dog and now it should “pay them back.” It is frustrating to those who are trying to do the right thing by our breed.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

I have had Ridgebacks since I was a child. Our boys were raised with them and now our grandchildren are being raised with them. Properly bred and socialized Ridgebacks make wonderful family pets, as long as they are exercised and trained properly. It is important to understand that they are an intelligent and active breed, and if they are left alone for too long, they WILL get into trouble. They fit best into a family that is active and is willing to spend time teaching/training their dogs and who will be consistent with them. (Never let them on the furniture—even as a puppy—if you don’t want an 85-plus lb. lapdog!)

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

The biggest misconception about our breed is that they were meant to take down lions—that is a physical impossibility. The Ridgeback needs “courage, agility, endurance, and instincts” to bay the prey and to let the hunters get their shot.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

I would like to ask judges to keep this in mind when judging and to remember to judge our breed on the move. Watch the toplines. Don’t reward dogs that run downhill, pound in the front, or don’t drive off their rears. Look for the “maximum reach and drive with the minimal amount of effort” that our Standard calls for. A dog that can’t go all day wouldn’t survive in Africa.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

I encourage newer breeders to study the Standard, to reach out to our many Breed Mentors, to attend the Educational Seminars, and to learn to “judge” their own dogs. If you don’t know/believe that your dog has faults, how can you strive to improve them or to help preserve our breed?

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

The most amusing story I have is about Spirit. When he came home from campaigning, we had some guests over for a steak dinner. A guest unwittingly let Spirit into the kitchen where he promptly grabbed and tried to swallow a one-pound boneless steak. I reached down his throat and retrieved MY steak, rinsed it off, and put it on the grill. My friends laughed when I marked that steak as “mine.”

Are you looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog breed with articles and information in our Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Adili Rhodesian Ridgebacks | Tammy Lynch appeared first on Showsight Magazine.