New Breeders, Please Read

For many of us who have made the Rhodesian Ridgeback our personal passion, there is no greater reward than breeding. To take part in the stewardship of the breed, to leave a legacy of well-bred, well-loved Ridgebacks and, hopefully, to leave the breed stronger and healthier than when we found it is the aim of every reputable Ridgeback breeder.

At the same time, there is arguably no more daunting responsibility than to breed, and it is not an activity to be embarked upon lightly. Responsible breeding requires many things: a deep understanding of genetic principles and specific pedigrees; a well-honed appreciation for canine conformation and the nuances of the standard; and the emotional and financial wherewithal to withstand the disappointments and disasters that can befall you.

Breeding, after all, can be heartbreaking. Each and every time you breed your bitch, you put her life at risk. For this great sacrifice on her part, you owe her nothing short of the finest medical care available; state-of-the-art health screening to ensure that both parents are healthy; and the careful placement of puppies, including contracts with spay-neuter requirements for pet-quality dogs.

In breeding, as in all things, knowledge is key.

- Rhodesian Ridgebacks affected with a hereditary disease should not be bred. Such inherited conditions include those present at birth (such as dermoid sinus), as well as those that surface later, including hypothyroidism, eye disorders such as cataracts, or hip or elbow dysplasia. Surgical or pharmaceutical correction of a defect is irrelevant: Such dogs still carry a tremendous genetic propensity for passing on these conditions, and should not be bred.

- Ridgebacks without appropriate health screenings should not be bred. Dogs should have hip and elbow clearances from a reputable registry such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals before breeding. Breeders should also screen for thyroid and eyes, and those who choose to go the extra mile may also check hearing and hearts.

Breeding requires tough decisions, but these are not decisions that you need to make alone. This web site offers a wealth of in-depth information about health issues, genetic screenings and progressive tools for breeders, such as the health survey and DNA archiving. And the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States provides a wonderful resource for breeders to share ideas and concerns, and work together to protect the breed that we love.

To find out more about joining RRCUS, or to ask a general question about Ridgeback health and breeding issues, feel free to contact the RRCUS Health & Genetics Committee by clicking here.