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 neurological 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 more than likely 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.
