Midlands and Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback Club

The First Rhodesian Ridgeback Club to Gain Championship Status in the UK

BREEDING AND PLACING YOUR PUPPIES

Why Breed

Before approaching the subject of placing your puppies, perhaps it would be a good idea to examine why one would want to breed at all.

The only reason for breeding is to improve the breed. The "Holy Grail" of all breeders is to breed the perfect specimen. The road to this perfect specimen is not paved with gold but is littered with pitfalls and uncertainty, even for established experienced breeders. It certainly isn't easy or something which should be embarked upon lightly.

While there are no perfect Ridgebacks, all breeding stock should conform closely to The Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed Standard as laid down by The Kennel Club. The breeder should also ensure that they can comply  in all respects, with the Midlands & Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback Club's Code of Ethics. Further, when it comes to considering prospective mates it is naturally advisable that they complement each other i.e. any weaknesses are not common to both.

There are increasing numbers of ridgeback puppies born every year. But are the number of suitable new owners increasing at the same rate? We believe the answer is no! It is getting harder to find acceptable homes for ridgeback puppies which after all mature into large and sensitive hounds. It is also the case that all ridgeback rescue organisations are seeing an increasing number of animals which need re-homing. While at the moment most are accommodated, some are destined to live in kennels for the rest of their lives.  Clearly this cannot go on ad infinitum, resources just will not allow it.

Placing Puppies

Hopefully,  prospective owners will have been sounded out and vetted before a litter is born. While it is the duty of individual breeders to establish the suitability of potential owners, the following points may help.

• It is important to develop a relationship with all potential puppy buyers before agreeing, or not, to sell a puppy. This is usually initially by telephone but visits to your home are essential
• Much can be learned from telephone conversations, do not be afraid to ask direct questions. Anyone who gets upset at this is probably not worthy of a puppy
• Insist that all members of a prospective family visit you at your home. Close observation will tell you if all are really interested in a puppy. Watch how each individual interacts with the adult dogs.
• If in any doubt, no matter how small, err on the side of caution - say no.

Outside of the above mentioned broad outlines, it is up to every individual to check out aspects of the potential owners daily lives to ascertain whether or not they can fit in with a puppies needs.

Registering Your Puppies

We would advise that puppies should be endorsed at time of KC registration to include the endorsements (Progeny not eligible for registration and Export Pedigree not allowed) this means they are not to be bred from or exported.

These KC endorsements must be explained to the purchaser at the point of sale and their agreement obtained. You must explain under what conditions you might lift the endorsements should the purchaser later wish to breed or move abroad.

A simple contract dated on the day of sale is the easiest way to ensure this and prevent any later misunderstandings.

PLEASE TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN PLACING PUPPIES, IT MAY NOT BE ONE OF YOUR PUPPIES ENDING UP ON RESCUE, BUT IT MAY BE ONE OF THEIR OFFSPRING