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So you want a Ridgeback from Kwetu?
If you have read this far, by now you will understand my philosophy of breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks. My husband, Art Brown, and I, and my friend and co-owner of many of my dogs, Scott Shoemaker, all believe that Rhodesian Ridgebacks should be bred only if their progeny will be a betterment to the breed. We rarely breed, and when we do, there is often a waiting list for those puppies. But this doesn't mean that you should give up on owning a RR from Kwetu. First and foremost, we want the puppies that we breed to be placed in loving homes. We want these puppies to have happy, long and healthy lives with people or families who will love them. If you can provide this kind of home for a Ridgeback, we would welcome the opportunity to talk to you!
All ethical breeders carefully screen homes. I have, on occasion, been described as worse than an IRS audit. I'm not being nosy or difficult, but I have spent a great deal of time and money planning a breeding, taking care of the bitch while she is pregnant, helping her whelp, and caring for the puppies (a 24 hour a day, seven day a week job!), so I have a huge emotional investment in each and every puppy that Kwetu has ever produced. It is my duty to make sure that each puppy is carefully placed in a home. Buying any puppy should never be a spur of the moment decision--it is an addition to your family and lifestyle, and I hope that my questions will help you decide if a RR is right for you.
When you decide to own a Ridgeback from Kwetu, you are not just getting a puppy. You are also "buying" a breeder--my years of experience, my knowledge of the breed, my love of the dogs, and my passion for the Kwetu line. Over 30 years of experience is always available for my puppy buyers, even at 3:00 a.m. on a weekend. I do not breed RRs for the sake of making puppies, or to suit another breeder or judge's tastes. My line is based solely on the Standard and what I believe are the best examples the breed has to offer.
You have the right to buy a happy, healthy puppy.
You have the right to help, care, and support from Kwetu throughout the life of your RR.
You have the right to believe every sentence in the contract that you will sign when you buy a puppy will be upheld.
You have the right to return this puppy at any time throughout its life if you decide you no longer want it, no matter when, no matter what the circumstances.
"Pet" vs. "Show" Puppies
So, a "show" puppy must be better than a "pet" puppy, because they cost more, right? Wrong. In fact, I'd say most of the people in the world couldn't tell the difference between the pick of the litter puppy and another puppy in the litter! As a breeder, I look for some very slight and rather subtle differences between puppies. These differences don't make one puppy better than another as a loving companion and addition to your family.
What are the differences between "pet" and "show" puppies? Some puppies have more white on their feet and chest than other puppies, so these puppies wouldn't do well in the show ring. Does that mean that they are second rate and won't be a wonderful family member? NO! If a puppy is born with a kinked tail, or its ridge is a little too short, or has more (or less) than two crowns, it is still a Rhodesian Ridgeback that will become a beloved family member and companion. But it is not a RR destined for the show ring.
And some Rhodesian Ridgebacks are born without that ridge down their back. In the early history of the breed, these puppies were destroyed immediately after birth, because ridgeless puppies were not wanted. As a breed, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is relatively new, and the founders of the breed had to choose carefully when they were first forming and setting the type for this breed. Today some breeders will sell ridgeless RRs on limited registrations, and only when they are spayed or neutered. Other breeders still cull ridgeless puppies at birth. Some breed clubs around the world demand that ridgeless puppies be culled, if you are to be a member of that club. Others say that ridgeless puppies can be placed as pets, but only if they are fixed so that they cannot be bred. Culling vs. keeping ridgeless puppies is a very controversial and explosive topic in the Ridgeback world. All I can say is that each breeder must follow his or her own conscience when it comes to ridgeless puppies. My line does not produce many ridgeless puppies, but when one is born, I work very hard to find it a home, and place it, spayed or neutered, under limited registration from AKC.
So what is a "show" puppy? It is the puppy that I, as a breeder, believe will most closely approach the Standard, will carry on the best traits of my line, and will be the puppy that will show to its championship, test, and then possibly someday breed. These puppies are sold to homes that want a companion and family member, and want to be involved in the sport of dog shows. I place these puppies just as carefully as I place puppies that will never see a show ring. To me, my RRs are first and foremost members of my family, beloved companions and, yes, my best friends, and secondly, they are champion show dogs with fancy titles, and I want that for their puppies also.
If you are interested in being owned by a Ridgeback from Kwetu, please email me. I enjoy hearing from people who interested in the breed, and will answer as many of your questions as I can.
