The act of choosing a puppy begins long before the litter is born, and each potential puppy buyer should do their own research - initially on the breed itself, to ensure that a large and sensitive hound, that a ridgeback is, is for them. Should you decide that a Ridgeback is right for you, the next step is to make contact with some reputable breeders.

M&NRRC has a dedicated Puppy Coordinator, Alison Wigglesworth, who will be delighted to help you in your search for your new family member. She keeps a list of responsible breeders with litter plans or available puppies, and can help match you with a breeder. You can contact Alison by email here.

Puppy Coordinator Testimonial

 Alison has many years’ experience in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and will be familiar to many of you, but for those who might not know her, below is a little information on her background, in Alison’s own words.

“This year we celebrate 40 years of Ridgeback ownership. Kinza Cleo was our first, and our three children grew up with her here in West Yorkshire. The day after she died, aged 11, we started looking for another – this was definitely the breed we couldn’t resist. We’re now loving life with our 8th Ridgeback, along with his mum and another mother and son pair. Both girls have had litters of fabulous pups and I’ve absolutely loved the whole experience of breeding our five litters and being a KC Assured Breeder (well, I’m forgetting the sleepless nights, worries and endless paperwork!) We have made some wonderful friendships through homing our pups with their new families, and have learned so much about the breed. Hip scores weren’t even mentioned when we bought Cleo!

Some of the best days with our dogs have been when I visit a women’s prison, local hospital and dementia café, with Stella and Yogi in their roles as Therapy Dogs. These visits bring huge pleasure to residents, patients and the hounds, and the dogs are wonderful ambassadors for our breed. I enjoy showing the dogs too, and being among fellow Ridgeback owners. My dream, as a complete novice, of taking a dog to Crufts came true in 2000, when Roo (Sofala Sembe) and I were judged by the late, great Jack Selby. Since then, we have enjoyed strutting our stuff on the green carpet with her granddaughter, niece and great-grandson, and we are proud of the cards won there, but treasure even more the Gold and Silver Good Citizen Awards won by Bronte and Yogi.

I look forward to taking on the role of Puppy Coordinator and helping to introduce new owners to trusted breeders – matches made in heaven, we hope!”

Alison Wigglesworth

December 2020

M&NRRC have compiled a puppy buying flowchart to help guide you through the first stages on your journey finding the right breeder and puppy which you can find below:

So, you've confirmed that your home and lifestyle are suited to owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Contact our Puppy Co-ordinator for information of reputable breeders and news of any recently born litters.