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We bought our first Ridgeback 21 years ago. We wanted a family dog and my father suggested a Ridgeback. We were looking for a dog that could be trusted with children, be lo
yal to our family, be clean in the house and big enough to scare intruders. Ouite a tall order …. but then we found “Jenna” (Siaram Jalla of Kulima), and, as a bonus, she was handsome as well. Our dear friends, Rob and Marlene Shepherd (Foldsworth Kennel) introduced us to showing and breeding. Eversince, we have never been without our Ridgebacks.
After so many years of living with Ridgebacks, we are still learning from them, and about them everyday. Our lives with them have always been exciting, whilst discovering the mysteries of this breed:- stubborn and strongwilled, but also intelligent and loyal, showing total devotion to the family. They are kind to our children and friends, but protect our family very effectively against unwelcome intruders.
The Karoo makes for harsh living conditions; very cold in winter and very hot in summer. We have realized over the years that the Ridgeback adapts well to these extremes, probably because of being indigenous to this country. The dogs enjoy a walk in the veldt, chasing rabbits and meerkat. It is quite awesome watching them in chase or nose down, picking up a scent in the red ground, excited by being in their natural environment. It gives us great pleasure watching them racing through the veldt grass, muscles rippling under their short red coats. Or, once back home, watching the pack on the green lawn, playing, teasing each other, or quietly lazing in the hot sun.
We only show our dogs about 3-4 times a year, as the various responsibilities of farmlife do not allow for frequent trips away from home. Our breeding programme includes black and liver-nosed dogs. Our friend and mentor, Janet Wang (Nomvuyo Kennel), takes all the credit for her encouragement over the years. There has been exciting and wonderful moments, but breeding and showing is also never without its disappointments. Even so, we shall continue in our strive to breed a better quality dog and to promote this wonderful breed to friends in South Africa and all over the world.
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indigenous to Southern Africa. These hounds originated in the old Cape Colony of South Africa by crossing the European settler’s dogs with the indigenous ridged African hunting dogs of the Hottentots. The dogs were used to track game, especially lion, and with its great agility, keep it at bay until the arrival of the hunter. The uniqueness of this breed is the ridge on the back, formed by hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.
