The first thing you should do when looking for a Ridgeback puppy is to go
to the website of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the US (RRCUS) at www.rrcus.org and click on the "Breeder's List" link. While I would not
personally recommend every breeder listed in that directory, it is a great place to start. There are many things a dog breeder
does that differentiates one from another. Remember, you are expecting to spend the next 10-15 years with this new puppy
you are buying and your experience with your new puppy can be greatly influenced by its breeder in many ways.
Genetics
- Did the breeder require the appropriate testing for genetic diseases on both the father and mother, as well as earlier generations?
Hip displaysia, elbow displaysia, thyroid problems, heart disease, and blindness are all genetic issues that Ridgebacks can
be tested for. While testing never guarantees there won't be a problem, it certainly helps minimize the possibilities.
Temperament
- Genetics do play a part in temperament, so it is important that both parents have sound temperaments.
After genetics, early nuerological development is one of the most important aspects of qualifying the breeder of your new
puppy. What the breeder does...or doesn't do...
in the first 8-9 weeks of your puppy's life can determine the rest of that puppy's life...even more than genetics. Studies on performance horses
have proven that about 30% of their abilities are from genetics...the rest is environment and training.
A responsible breeder
should be educated about behavioral issues because they are just as important as health and conformation. Click "HERE"
for an article written by Karen L. Overall, VMD, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVB, for DVM Newsmagazine that describes an example of a Ridgeback breeder who
does our breed, and the general public, a disservice by not educating themselves about behavioral issues.
Early nuerological
stimulation has been proven to have a significant impact on the rest of the dog's
life. Socialization and environmental enrichment programs should be part of the breeder's regular protocol for raising
these puppies. We now have significant proof of the impact of social and environmental deprivation in human children.
Apply that knowledge to dogs and you can make similar parallels. Here are three examples of how puppies are raised prior
to you taking them home. You decide which puppy you believe would make the best companion for you and your family.
Example 1: Do
Not Buy a Puppy from this Breeder The puppies are raised in concrete pens and the only interaction with
people is when they are fed and the pen is cleaned (most of the time the puppies are hosed along with the kennel run).
If sold to pet stores, they are taken away from their mother and siblings at 4 weeks old and shipped in boxes (3-4 to a box
depending on their size) to a holding facility for health checkups until they can be shipped to pet shops all over the U.S.
at 8 weeks old. If sold directly to homes, most state laws mandate that puppies cannot be sold prior
to 8 weeks and are kept in cages until that time. They can be shipped to you anywhere in the world.
Example 2:
Typical Reputable Breeder The puppies are lovingly raised in a home with some interaction with the family
( if available). They are somewhat isolated for fear of exposure to viruses. They are kept in an 8x8 exercise
pen most of the time where they must play and poop in the same place (making house training more of a challenge.) They have
plenty of good food and toys and are exposed to normal sounds in the home. The are lovingly raised, but had minimal
socialization. Homes are appropriately screened and puppies are placed with spay/neuter contracts.
Example 3:
The Breeder Who Goes The Extra Mile - .During the first four weeks, the puppies are put through early neurological stimulation exercises, with tons of handling by the breeder and others. At four weeks
of age, they are raised in an environment where they have a separate potty area to use. They have an environmental
enrichment area with elevated climbing toys, tunnels and sounds, to give them early exposure to all kinds of objects,
surfaces, textures and sounds. Starting at 4 weeks old, the breeder schedules at least weekly puppy open houses
for people to stop by and just play with puppies. This provides the opportunity for the puppies to meet all kinds of
people, all sizes, cultures and ages. By the time they are ready to go their new homes at 8-9 weeks of age, they
have already met at least 25 new people (including children) who have handled them extensively. The third example of how
a puppy is raised is obviously the optimum to ensure your puppy gets the best start possible; however, it will not guarantee
you will not have temperament issues. Many times, the breeder doesn't realize the puppy may have a "fear"
issue...something very prevalent in Ridgebacks these days...and the puppies were not socialized during their first 8-9 weeks.
If you, as that puppy's new owner, are not prepared to try to make up for this lack of socialization during
the first month you own the puppy...or just plain don't know about it or understand the importance of it..you could have
a real problem with a dog with fear issues that can, and do, lead to biting problems.
It is just plain common sense that a puppy
who is exposed to as many different stimuli as possible during its first 8-9 weeks of life will be better equipped to deal
with all the new things they will be exposed to in their new homes than ones who are not.
Additionally, any breeder who raises
their puppies like the third example are also probably better equipped to help you with any temperament issues you encounter
during the dog's life. They have probably taken canine behavioral seminars, breeding seminars, and have had experience
working through these issues with their puppy buyers.
Bottom line, breeding dogs is a crap shoot at best when it comes to the genetic portion.
But we, as breeders, can stack the odds in your favor on temperament issues by working a little harder during our puppies'
first 8-9 weeks of life. So do your homework, and
make sure your breeder has done theirs.
