Name of Kennel / Prefix / Affix:
Rocksham
What age were you and how did you become involved in the world of Dogs?
Came into the ‘World of Dogs’ in our late twenties but have had dogs at home all our lives.
What Breeds of Dogs have you had over the years?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Basenjis, Tibetan Spaniels, Cirneco Del Etnas and Miniature Long Dachshund
What Breeds of Dogs have you got now ?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Basenjis, Cirneco Del Etnas
What would you consider to be your main Breed and the one people associate you with?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
What attracted you to this breed ?
Seeking out a large breed of dog to help with getting back into exercise after illness, which had halted my time as an International Athlete, I by chance came across this breed of ‘Red Dog’ and it ticked all the boxes from the point of view of looks etc, having lived with this breed for now coming on 30 years we have found it to have so much more than just looks. It is the most rewarding of breeds and is always there willing to please. Always wanting to be part of the ‘Human Pack’ it can fit in with most families who have the time and commitment to offer a life time at their home.
What advice would you offer to anybody that is interested in becoming an owner of this Breed ?
As with any breed, should it be big or little, living in the town or country, the advice should be the same ‘do your research’. Find and visit breeders, so that you can go and see their dogs in the home. Take the whole family with you when you go to visit, as it should be only when all in the family are happy with the choice of breed that a purchase is made. Remember its a life time of commitment to this puppy and hopefully it will be a long and happy one. So ask the questions, take your time in deciding and don’t be afraid, no matter how cute the puppies look, to say no to one litter and wait on another. There is nothing more heart breaking for any family to discover that a few weeks in they have made a mistake in their choice of breed and have to return the pup to its breeder.
Does the Breed have any specific requirements by way of exercise & grooming ?
With this breed grooming is easy, in respect of the exercise; this is a breed that, when mature, will go for miles when out but you will never find him/her waiting at the door to go out, as their favourite place is in front of the fire or soaking up the rays coming in the window.
Does the Breed have any specific health tests that should be done before a Dog or bitch is used at stud or bred from ?
Thankfully Ridgebacks are a fairly healthy breed with very few inherent health problems, that said we can never predict what mother nature has install for any of our pups but it is always hoped that any pup leaving to go to its new home is well bred and a healthy individual who will have a long and healthy life. The life expectancy for Ridgebacks can be anything from 10 years up to 14 or 15 years. Within all Ridgeback Breed Clubs Codes of Ethics it is a recommendation that breeding stock are Hip Scored but this is up to the individual breeder to decide. There are no mandatory health tests to be carried-out on Ridgebacks but it is recommended that we do not breed from stock that are Ridgeless (these are Ridgebacks that have been born without ridges, only seen in a very few litters nowadays and in very few numbers) or from any that have been born with a Demoid Sinus (again Dermoid Sinus is seen in very few pups and it is hoped that it would be found by experienced breeds shortly after birth or within a few days of birth).
Finally, how would you sum up the characteristics of this breed and what type of household would they best be suited too?
This breed can fit in with most households that are willing to offer a happy caring home. It has few demands but like to be part of the pack/family. As I have said before this is a breed that is always willing to please and will give so much to any family that are lucky enough to be entrusted to be part of any Ridgebacks life. It should be looked upon as an honour and a privilege to be the owner of a Rhodesian Ridgeback and we should be as proud of our hounds as much as they are as proud of themselves. The winning in the ‘Show Ring’ is nice, when it happens, but more importantly it should be the lifestyle and the bond that we have with our ‘Red Dogs’.
Eddie & Gail are returning to The Dog breed Village at this years Pet Expo, this being there third time to represent this magnificent breed of dog.
Check out Eddie & Gail’s Rhodesian Ridgeback Web site for lots more information on this breed of dog as well as contact details should you wish to learn more from one of the most experienced Ridgeback kennels in Ireland.
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