Do you own Sire and Dam of litter? 

A conscientious breeder will have put a great deal of effort in this litter and the best Sire may not necessarily belong to them nor even live in the same area.  Having a male dog in the house doesn’t make him a great stud dog. Make certain this was a planned breeding.

Yandisa Answer -  I do not own a stud dog so a lot of research is done prior to the breeding to find the correct match for my girls.  My goal is always to optimize my chances of improving each generation. 

 

Why was this Dog chosen for this female?  

There should be definite reasons for selecting a stud dog – compatible pedigree, compatible physical feature’s, great temperament, features that bring offspring closer to the breed standard, ect.

Yandisa Answer - An answer to this question is obviously specific to the breeding in question, but there will always be an answer…so be sure to ask!

Are both parents registered with the American kennel Club?  

The American Kennel Club is a registry for purebred dogs. Having AKC registered parents should ensure you are buying a purebred puppy but you should realize that the AKC does not generally police breeders and "AKC" should not be considered a recommendation of a breeder. Backyard breeders and puppy mills have AKC registered dogs. Be wary – ask questions

Yandisa Answer – All Yandisa Ridgebacks being used for breeding will have an AKC registration, even those imported from outside the U.S.

What is the temperament of mother? Father?  

This should be of utmost concern. Happy, well adjusted, Ridgebacks are a pleasure to own. The breeder should offer an explanation as to what they were looking for in temperament and why they believe this combination of parents would give them that end.  (Pup’s mother showing some slight nervousness or aggression can be expected when  strangers handle her pups.)

Yandisa Answer –   In my opinion, and one that is consistent with our breed standard, a Ridgeback should be confident, but not too pushy or aggressive; they should be reserved with strangers, but definitely not afraid of them.

 

Controlled behavioral studies have been done over the last 30 years to prove that “fear” issues are one of the most highly heritable traits that can be passed down from one generation to another.  This is the factor that contributes to most dog bites in both humans and dog-to-dog aggression and one that we, as breeders, have some control of. 

 

I attend behavioral seminars to ensure I keep abreast of all the latest research on canine behavior.  Additionally, for the first 8-9 weeks the puppies are in my care, they are encouraged through a rigorous socialization and environmental enrichment program to ensure they are as prepared as possible for their new homes. 

 

Have Sire and Dam been x-rayed free of hip and elbow dysplasia?   What were their ratings? May I have a copy of certificates?

Radiographs of hips and  elbows should have been taken anytime after 2 years of age and submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Hips can be rated as Dysplastic, Fair, Good or Excellent.  Of course, Dysplastic dogs should not be bred and common sense should be used in breeding Fairs. Elbows receive a pass or fail rating. Ask to see these certificates and if they have not been done walk away from this litter.

Yandisa Answer – Copies of OFA Certificates for Hip and Elbow ratings will be given to all puppy buyers in their puppy packet given to them when they take their puppies home.  This information is also available on the OFA website.  Additionally, a hip evaluation called PennHip can be done as early as 4 months that I have utilized as an additional evaluation for hips.

 

What other health or genetic testing/screening was done before breeding?  

A discussion with the breeder about problems in their bloodlines and steps they are taking to keep this breed genetically clean should ensure at this point.

Yandisa Answer - Testing for all the diseases dogs can inherit, just like humans, is never advocated by any renowned geneticist.  If there is a known problem in a particular breed, it would be prudent to test (if even possible) for those specific problems, (like hip displaysia), but many of these diseases have many inheritance factors too complex to figure out yet.  Luckily, as we find more DNA markers for these diseases, breeders will be better equipped to minimize their problems, but just as there are no perfect human bodies, the same is true for animals.  There are a few more tests I utilize to screen the dogs I plan on breeding.  I have a Board Certified Cardiologist perform a cardiac exam and an eye exam for cataracts or other eye disease called CERF.  Additionally, I perform an MSU thyroid exam.  All copies of results are given to the puppy buyer the day they take their puppy home.

Have Sire and Dam been show in conformation shows and achieved their Championship? 

It is not unusual for a well-bred litter to have championship parents, grandparents, great grandparents, great great grandparents, ect. A handful of champions a couple of generations back on a pedigree is really not impressive. If the dogs aren’t being evaluated by outside unbiased individuals, as in conformation showing, why are they being bred?

Yandisa Answer - I have always bred dogs after they have achieved their Championship and believe that is the way it should be done.  That said, however, competition has become so fierce and political in today’s Ridgeback show rings and professional handlers are becoming increasingly more common even in the puppy classes making it more difficult to achieve a Championship on a bitch or dog.  My objective is always to breed Ridgebacks that conform to the standard, are sound in temperament and body…a plan that should produce positive results in the show ring.  I do see a time in the future (hopefully distant) when it may become necessary to breed a dog or bitch prior to their Championship if they are getting older and are very close to their Championship.  I would always continue showing them to that end, however, after the breeding.  

 

How much do the Sire and Dam weigh?  

Bigger is NOT better. Ridgebacks should generally weigh between 65 and 95 pounds. More than this is incorrect and dangerous to the future of the breed. This dog was used for speed and agility – not for killing lions. 

Yandisa Answer - My goal is to breed dogs that conform to the Ridgeback breed standard.  While every effort is made to do so, there are times when old bloodlines will express themselves by producing dogs that were bred who were above the standard in size and weight.  It is important that my Ridgebacks are not so large that they cannot possess the natural abilities to perform the job they were bred for. 

How old is mother of this litter?  

Since hips and elbows can’t be certified by OFA until 24 months, she should not be bred until after 2 years of age. A litter from a bitch after 7 should be accompanied by a letter of clearance from a reproductive veterinarian. 

Yandisa Answer - There is another legitimate and valid evaluation for hips developed by the University of Pennsylvania called PennHip to accurately rate the hip joints in a puppy as young as 4 months old.  OFA is still the most widely recognized and utilized evaluation in the U.S.  I sometimes do both on any dogs I may potentially breed.  I have never bred a bitch under 2 years old and don't anticipate doing so in the future because I would also like to give her an opportunity to mature mentally as well as physically.  As far as breeding a btich over 7, unless there were extenuating circumstances and she was in great health, certified by a veterinarian, I would hesitate to consider breeding any bitch over 7 years old.

 

Is breeder a member in good standing of Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States  (RRCUS)?  

Is this breeder aware of the RRCUS Code of Ethics and does he/she agreed to uphold it? The breeder of a litter of Rhodesian Ridgebacks should be a member of RRCUS and be familiar with the Code of Ethics. This is a correct step in weeding out unethical breeders – it is no guarantee, but definitely a positive step.  Just make sure you are diligent in doing your homework by getting answers to all these questions whether a RRCUS breeder or not.

Yandisa Answer - I am a member in good standing of RRCUS and conform to the Code of Ethics for the club.  I am also a founding Board member and former President of The Chesapeake Bay Area Rhodesian Ridgeback Club that utilizes the same Code of Ethics.

Can breeder offer minimum of three references of past puppy buyers?  

If this information doesn’t come freely then beware. You should buy a puppy and hope to join a group of very happy past puppy buyers. You are encouraged to check these references – a responsible breeder should have nothing to hide. 

Yandisa Answer - This information is always provided to potential puppy buyers upon request.  I also encourage any prospective puppy buyers to come to dog shows where Yandisa puppies are being shown so they can meet previous Yandisa Ridgebacks and their owners.
 

Does breeder offer any health guarantee?  

When all good intentions fail and a puppy is genetically inferior, what guarantee with the breeder offer? Money returned, replacement puppy, ect.? Discuss this and make sure you are comfortable.

Yandisa Answer - I cannot guarantee that any of puppies will be free of any particular genetic disorders.  I can guarantee, however, that I was diligent in testing of the parents and researching their bloodlines to stack the odds against that happening.  Each health problem has its own specific issues to work through, so it would be hard to have a fast hard rule for how to handle genetic problems that may arise.  If a genetic problem arises, however, I can assure you I will be responsive and we will both decide the best course of action “together.”   Just saying I will replace a puppy isn’t always the answer a puppy buyer wants to hear.

 

Is breeder involved in purebred rescue?  

Is breeder willing to rescue his or her own produce – forever? This is a must! !! If a breeder is putting puppies in this over-crowded world, they should be making every effort to make certain all Ridgebacks have good homes. This should include his or her own puppies throughout the puppies’ life.

Yandisa Answer - I am very involved in rescuing Ridgebacks as one of the founding officers and former Vice President of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Inc., the official rescue program for RRCUS.  I take breeding Ridgebacks very seriously and since these puppies remain "Yandisa puppies" their entire life, that means I am responsible for them their entire life.
 

How many years experience does breeder have in conformation showing, lure coursing, obedience, agility, therapy, herding, breeding?  

It goes without saying, the more varied experience the more dog knowledge the   breeder should have.

Yandisa Answer - I got involved with owning and showing Ridgebacks in 1989, active in Ridgeback Rescue since 1997 and have been breeding Ridgebacks since 2001.   My experience with rescue and training was the groundwork for my decision to begin a Ridgeback breeding program.  I saw a lot of the problems our breed was experiencing because of poor breeding and rearing of puppies, both inside and outside the RRCUS breeder’s network.  I decided I wanted to have more of an impact on the breed than just rescuing them; I wanted to be a part of the solution by breeding responsibly and utilizing my canine behavioral knowledge in their rearing and training to ensure there are quality Ridgebacks available .  If we allow puppy mills and backyard breeders who only breed for money become the majority of Ridgeback breeders, our breed will suffer greatly.

Will breeder be available for questions and assistance throughout this dog’s life?  

At a minimum this should be required. You should also be purchasing the expertise of your breeder and should be able to have a lifetime source. Most reputable breeders will also be willing, if not require, that puppies be returned to them if for any reason the puppy can’t stay in it’s original home. For instance, the puppy has matured to a 6-year-old dog and he family goes through a medical crisis and can no longer give the dog a proper loving environment. A reputable breeder should take this dog, evaluate him, and place him in a new home. Does the breeder in questions have the willingness to make this commitment for the lifetime of the dog?

Yandisa Answer – I require all puppy buyers to sign a contract stipulating that the puppy or dog ALWAYS comes back to me, no matter what the issue.  This is an insurance policy for you and the dog that ensures your dog is always taken care of no matter what unforeseen circumstance in your life may come up.

 

Does breeder require spay/neuter agreements?  

In an effort to control pet over-population, a conscientious breeder should require spay/neuter agreements on puppies that don’t meet breeding criteria.

Yandisa Answer –  I choose a non-breeding clause in my contract vs. a spay/neuter clause.  It stipulates a $5,000 penalty if the dogs is bred outside the terms of the contract, with half the proceeds going to Ridgeback Rescue, Inc.  There are pros/cons to spaying/neutering at a young age, especially in males.  As a result, my contract stipulates that males will not be neutered prior to 15 mos old, and I leave the timeframe for spaying females up to the owner.  Click here for an article by a respected vet on this subject.

Does breeder make efforts to ensure good homes for puppies prior to breeding?  

A responsible breeder will only bring pups into the world if there are sufficient suitable homes for the litter. An ad placed in the newspaper after the litter is born shows a lack of judgment and planning. Most well bred litters are tentatively spoken for long before their 8-week birthday. You should also be asked numerous questions about your plans for the care of the puppy, fencing, indoor/outdoor plans, pets owned in the past, ect. The breeder should show as much interest in the type of home as you are showing in the puppy.

Yandisa Answer - See my the link to my "Puppy Questionnaire" at the end of these questions.  I will also request three references. 

 

Does breeder require a nominal refundable deposit?  

Discuss the terms of your breeder’s deposit if they do.  There are many reputable breeders who require deposits, but there are also many who will keep your money whether you get a dog from them or not.  Most importantly, if you are comfortable giving a deposit, only give a breeder a deposit AFTER you have contacted and interviewed enough other Ridgeback breeders to know for sure this is the breeder you want to purchase a puppy from. 

Yandisa Answer –   I do not accept deposits for puppies until I have completely qualified potential owners by developing a relationship with them and checking their references AND the puppies are at least 4-5 weeks old and I am certain (barring unforeseen circumstances) that I will have a puppy for them.  Once I make a commitment to a potential home that I will sell them a puppy, I then ask for a $500 deposit.   

 

How old are puppies and at what age can they leave home?

Puppies should be 8 weeks old when they leave home – not 6 weeks!   Most states have legislation that doesn’t allow breeders to place their puppies prior to 8 weeks old. 

Yandisa Answer – There are no exact studies that tell us the precise time puppies should be sent home with their new owners.  There is evidence, however, that puppies should stay with their littermates until they are 8 weeks old for socialization reasons.  This is why singleton puppies (a litter of only one puppy) can have behavioral issues.  My puppies go to their new homes between 8-9 weeks old, depending on the vaccine schedule.

Where were puppies raised?  

What efforts were made at socialization? Since this breed tends to be aloof, great efforts should be made by a breeder in the first 8 weeks to introduce puppies to as much as possible – dishwasher, TV vacuum cleaners, children, numerous people, cats, loud noise’s, ect. Being kept in an 8x10 run or in a garage does nothing for the temperament of your puppy.

Yandisa Answer – This is one of my hot buttons and an area I try to make a serious difference.  It is much easier to assist a somewhat shy puppy gain more confidence with early intervention.  Yandisa puppies are raised in the main living area of our home.  They are picked up and held in different ways numerous times each day (i.e. upside down, right side up, etc.), their feet have to touch a cold surface several times a day, a thin q-tip is placed gently between their toes, etc.  This has an impact on stimulating their little brains in very early development...a time most crucial in their lives.

 

Once they are 4 weeks old, the environmental enrichment becomes more serious; their pen includes a potty area.  Having this potty area clearly defined really enhances your success with potty training later.  Look at the pictures on my website of the puppy play areas developed just for them.  Additionally, “Yandisa Puppy Parties” are scheduled ongoing from the time they are 4 weeks until they leave.  These are regularly scheduled open houses open to anyone interested in playing with baby Ridgebacks.  By the time Yandisa puppies go to their new homes, they have already met at least 25 new people.  This gives you a real head-start in the socialization process…something you can never do too soon or enough of.

 

Have puppies been checked repeatedly for Dermoid Sinus?  

This is a problem in the breed and should be of utmost concern to a breeder. Make certain the breeder understands Dermoid Sinus and has been checking the puppies.

Yandisa Answer – I have been fortunate thus far to have only bred or co-bred one puppy with a dermoid.  I would not presume, however, that it would not happen and diligently check them on a daily basis. I also have other experienced Ridgeback breeders check them when possible.

 

How are Dermoid Sinus puppies dealt with?  

D.S. puppies should either be humanely euthanized or may possibly have D.S. surgically removed and be placed in a spay/neuter pet home.

Yandisa Answer – If I were to find a dermoid on a puppy I bred, I would keep the puppy until it is old enough for surgery (8-9 weeks) and have the surgery performed to remove the dermoid by a vet experienced with that type of surgery.  Since approx 98% of them are operable, the prospects are usually very good that it will be successful.  Dermoid surgery is now more commonly performed and accepted, making euthanasia not the only option as it once was.  When the puppy has recuperated, they will then be placed in a pet home.

 

Have puppies been checked for worms or been wormed?

Worms are common in puppies and control and eradication should be expected from a conscientious knowledgeable breeder.

Yandisa Answer – My litters are wormed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks old.

 

Have puppies had any inoculations?  

By 8 weeks pups should have had 1 or 2 of the puppy shots.

Yandisa Answer – There is a huge vaccination debate going on and there have been ongoing studies for over ten years, especially with the rabies vaccine. The veterinary community is now strongly supporting 3 yr rabies vaccines instead of every year as a result of these studies.  There is a lot of information on the internet regarding the overuse of vaccines so you should do your homework on this subject as well.  Jean Dodds is a veterinarian in CA who specializes in immune system health issues and I follow her vaccination protocol.  Yandisa puppies will receive one vaccination for parvo and one for distemper by the time they go to their new homes at 8-9 weeks.  You will be given all future puppy shot serum to take home with you when you pick up your puppy. 

 

The reason for this is that most veterinarians only carry a combination serum of at least five different vaccines, instead of the single doses of each vaccine.  It is now believed, even in the veterinarian community, that introducing all those vaccines to these young puppies is contributing to the growing number of immune diseases our dogs are developing.  You will also be expected to give your puppy homeopathic remedies to help counter the negative affects of these vaccinations when administered.

Will I be able to pick my puppy?  

Since the breeder has the luxury of watching these puppies interact with each other and humans on a day to day basis. A responsible breeder will have better idea of which puppy should work best in which home. You may have a choice between a couple of puppies but don’t expect a good breeder to allow you to come in and pick any puppy you want. For example, a bold and headstrong puppy should be a disaster in a home with a more retiring family.

Yandisa Answer – There’s not much more to add except to say that you will just have to trust that I have your puppy and your best interests in mind when I pick the puppy who I believe is right for you.