Q&A Shelf
Why are you dogs registered with AKC and UKC?
Do Ridgebacks shed?
Why Must a Ridgeback from OTR sleep in your house?
Can I own a Ridgeback if I don't have a fenced yard?
Is it possible for a Ridgeback to get along with my cat?
What sort of training will my Ridgeback need?
What kind of parasite and shots do you give your dog?
Do you do any genetic screening on the dogs you breed?
After whelping do you move your puppies outdoors?
Do the puppies get outdoors at all?
Can I visit the litter while I'm waiting to bring my puppy home?
Can I spend time with your adult dogs?
How can you tell one puppy from another?
Do you have any specific requirements for prospective owners?
How much do your puppies cost?
Do you offer any kind of guarantee on the puppies you produce?
Do you cull puppies?
What about after buying the pup — can we still contact you for advice?
What should I look for in choosing a breeder?
Why are your dogs registered with AKC and UKC?
Our dogs are registered with AKC at the minimum with most litters also registered with UKC...
The main reason I decided to register my dogs with UKC (United Kennel Club) was because I really enjoy what UKC has to offer. They have some events you can't find with AKC. They are a really great organization overall. However in saying that, there is only a select few UKC registered males I would breed one of my girls to so looking for a UKC registered male is not on my priority list. If you are looking for a puppy you can register with UKC, please let me know so I can make every effort to insure you'll have the opportunity to when you bring your puppy home.
PLEASE NOTE: Every dog we sell will be registered with AKC. We still feel that AKC is the standard for Ridgebacks and there is no reason why an American breeder's Ridgebacks are not registered with the American Kennel Club. If you are even thinking about breeding the puppy you get from us competing in AKC events is going to be a requirement, so make sure you are prepared to fulfill that obligation.
Do ridgebacks shed?
Yes, be prepared to find hair all over the place. Thankfully they do not have long coats so it's not as noticeable around the house. Feeding a high quality diet along with 10-15 min. of brushing once a week will help reduce the amount of unwanted hair you find around the house.
Why must a Ridgeback from OTR sleep in your house?
We believe it is essential for a Ridgeback to be apart of their family. Being close to their family helps them build a strong bond and actually makes a stable well rounded dog. Being around the constant commotion in the house is a great tool for socializing. At the very minimum your dog MUST sleep inside the house.
Can I own a ridgeback if I don't have a fenced yard?
It is possible to own a ridgeback without owning a yard, but you are going to have your work cut out for you. Ridgebacks are extremely intelligent and will find ways to use their brain. If you aren't giving them the mental stimulation they need, you better believe you will find damaged items around the house. If you do not have a yard you can expect to take your dogs on controlled walks/runs for 30 mins. to an hour a day. Also, make sure you have them enrolled in obedience classes.
Is it possible for a Ridgeback to get along with my cat?
We currently have an indoor cat, whom my dogs get along fine with. I believe any dog can get along with any kind of animal if you work at teaching them what is and isn't acceptable behavior.
What sort of training will my ridgeback need?
You will be surprised how much you can teach your Ridgeback. As long as you use a positive reinforcement training method I believe you can train your dog to do just about anything! However, because of a Ridgeback's personality if you don't keep the training session fun and positive your Ridgeback will get very bored and quit.
What kind of parasite control and shots do you give your dogs?
My dogs are given Heartgard and Advantix monthly. I also, follow my vet's recommendations on our vaccine schedule. We recommend you do the same. Also, ask your vet what preventative products you should use on your dog. I can tell you I had NEVER seen a flea until moving to Virginia. I grew up in Central Oregon and because of long cold winters, fleas weren't something we came across, therefore didn't feel using the product was necessary. When it comes down to it ask your vet! They know best!
Do you do any genetic screening on the dogs you breed?
Of course!!! Before breeding any of our dogs, they undergo genetic screening according to the guidelines of the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). They are all tested for the following:
Can I visit the litter while I wait to bring my puppy home?
YES!!! Please do... The more visitors the better. When you come, bring your family & friends. Just remember the puppies have to be 3 weeks before kids are allowed to come visit. Also, please note if you come before the puppy is 3 weeks old you really will be petting and admiring... They don't really do much but eat and sleep the first couple weeks. But we'd still love to see you.
Can I spend time with your adult dogs?
Yes, they love attention. They'd like it even more if you took them for a walk, fed them treats and just love on them. Plus how will you know what your puppy will be like if you don't meet their parents. Any breeder who will not let you meet the parents is NOT someone I would get a puppy from. Please note though, it isn't always possible to meet the father of the litter as sometimes I feel the best match for my girls is a male who's a long distance away!
How can you tell one puppy from another?
When they are born I fill out a detailed puppy record that describes each puppy. They will also have puppy collars on to help you tell each one apart.
Do you have any specific requirements for prospective owners?
Please see our Expectations page to see everything we require of our puppy buyers!
How much do your puppies cost?
Our prices are dependent on the "type" of puppy... pet, fancy pet, or show quality. I have provided an explanation of the differences below. All puppies come with the SAME health guarantee which basically states that we will replace your puppy if there is any life threatening genetic problems discovered in the first 27 months od life. A $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will hold a puppy until 9 weeks of age. Your deposit is applied to the total cost of your puppy.
Pick of the Litter, $3500 - After careful evaluation puppies in this catagory are the best and currently the most correct structured puppies. Generally there is only one puppy I would consider pick, however it is possible I might select one male and one female "pick." The pick puppy is generally the puppy that goes to the stud owner or one I keep for myself, however, if you are interested in the pick puppy, please contact me so we can talk. This puppy will only go to a serious show home who is willing to co-own the puppy. Sold with *FULL registration and requires a co-ownership agreement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show Potential, $2000.00-$3000.00 - Puppies that are capable of participating in confomation events. Puppy should mature into a competitive show dog. Sold with *FULL registration and no co-ownership agreement. If you are interested in a co-ownership let me know so we can work something out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premium Pet, $1800 - Puppies may have no cosmetic flaws (perfect pet) or may have minor cosmetic flaws or too much white. These puppies may even be show potential quality but are going to pet homes and will ONLY come with limited papers. If the owner later changes their mind and wants to show they will be responsible for paying the difference between pet and show. ***limited registration, a spay/neuter contract and no co-ownership.
Do you offer any kind of guarantee on the puppies you produce?
Yes all of our puppies come with a "guarantee."
Return: You may return the pup for any reason within 2 weeks of purchase, and get your money back minus the $500 deposit. In order to be allowed to return the puppy, he/she must be seen by a vet within 48 hours of arrival to you and also prior to return if you've had the puppy longer than one week, to ensure the puppy is healthy. This guarantee is void if there is evidence the pup has been abused. If at a later time you decide to get another puppy the $500 will go toward that puppy.
Genetic defects: We give your money back or send you another puppy if the dog develops any of the major recognized genetic defects of the breed within 27 months. You do not have to return the dog in order to get the refund. The major genetic problems can usually be detected in the OFA screening tests, which are generally run between the ages of 2 and 3. The only genetic defects that are not covered is a DS which was addressed and corrected before you brought your puppy home, and Cancer. We cannot cover cancer because of all of the environment causes. However, if you dog dies before age 4 from cancer we will replace him/her with another puppy, when you feel you are ready for new family member for our cost into that particular puppy.
Also, please note if you are purchasing a dog with limited papers make sure you follow our contract on spaying and neutering. If you alter your dog prior to the age given in the contract ALL guarantees are VOID. Your puppy needs time to go and develop. We feel early spaying/neutering does not allow them to grow correctly.
Do you cull puppies?
We will NEVER cull (kill) a healthy puppy or any puppy that has an ailment which can be cured or fixed with medical attention. We will NEVER cull a ridgeless puppy or pups one with a dermoid sinus. Puppies with a dermoid sinus would have the sinus removed and then they would be placed for the cost of the operation. Ridgeless pups are placed at costs to raise said puppy.
What about after buying the pup — can we still contact you for advice?
We expect you to keep in contact with us for your dogs entire life. So you better come to me with problems or advice! ;)
What should I look for in choosing a breeder?
One thing I've learned about respectable Ridgeback breeders is we all generally have a few things in common. Some things you should look at are:
Check to see if they are involved in different dog clubs. It doesn't just mean they are a member of their parent club. I know many wonderful breeders who are not members of RRCUS and I trust their opinion greatly. On that same note, make sure they are actively involved with some sort of club. This can be the local kennel club or specialty club (agility, lure coursing, etc). You want to make sure your breeder is not just saying they are trying to improve the breed but are making an effort to actively promote their breed in a positive manner.
Make sure you go with a breeder who is actively involved with their own dogs lives. Someone who doesn't take the time to utilize their dogs strengths (whether that be hunting, taking them to lure coursing events, participating in agility, etc) isn't really someone I would think takes pride in what the breed was originally bred for. Conformation titles are great. It proves your dog looks and is built like a ridgeback but part of really owning a Ridgeback is being able to take advantage of the versatility the breed has to offer.
And last, but most importantly, make sure your breeder is truly concerned with where the puppy going. Your breeder should have more questions about you and your life then you do for them. This not only allows them to match the "perfect" puppy for each owner, but also, helps give them an idea if your lifestyle is acceptable for their line. Don't get discouraged if a breeder tells you they don't think their dog would be a good fit for your family. I know some Ridgeback lines that are very active while others tend to produce dogs that would rather sleep on the couch instead of spending hours chasing small critters. Even if we aren't a match, please don't take personality. It by no means, says I would never sell a puppy to you, just that at the present don't feel one of my puppies would be a good match to your family. My responsibility is to the puppies I produce... I want to ensure their first home is their FOREVER home! :)
Do Ridgebacks shed?
Why Must a Ridgeback from OTR sleep in your house?
Can I own a Ridgeback if I don't have a fenced yard?
Is it possible for a Ridgeback to get along with my cat?
What sort of training will my Ridgeback need?
What kind of parasite and shots do you give your dog?
Do you do any genetic screening on the dogs you breed?
After whelping do you move your puppies outdoors?
Do the puppies get outdoors at all?
Can I visit the litter while I'm waiting to bring my puppy home?
Can I spend time with your adult dogs?
How can you tell one puppy from another?
Do you have any specific requirements for prospective owners?
How much do your puppies cost?
Do you offer any kind of guarantee on the puppies you produce?
Do you cull puppies?
What about after buying the pup — can we still contact you for advice?
What should I look for in choosing a breeder?
Why are your dogs registered with AKC and UKC?
Our dogs are registered with AKC at the minimum with most litters also registered with UKC...
The main reason I decided to register my dogs with UKC (United Kennel Club) was because I really enjoy what UKC has to offer. They have some events you can't find with AKC. They are a really great organization overall. However in saying that, there is only a select few UKC registered males I would breed one of my girls to so looking for a UKC registered male is not on my priority list. If you are looking for a puppy you can register with UKC, please let me know so I can make every effort to insure you'll have the opportunity to when you bring your puppy home.
PLEASE NOTE: Every dog we sell will be registered with AKC. We still feel that AKC is the standard for Ridgebacks and there is no reason why an American breeder's Ridgebacks are not registered with the American Kennel Club. If you are even thinking about breeding the puppy you get from us competing in AKC events is going to be a requirement, so make sure you are prepared to fulfill that obligation.
Do ridgebacks shed?
Yes, be prepared to find hair all over the place. Thankfully they do not have long coats so it's not as noticeable around the house. Feeding a high quality diet along with 10-15 min. of brushing once a week will help reduce the amount of unwanted hair you find around the house.
Why must a Ridgeback from OTR sleep in your house?
We believe it is essential for a Ridgeback to be apart of their family. Being close to their family helps them build a strong bond and actually makes a stable well rounded dog. Being around the constant commotion in the house is a great tool for socializing. At the very minimum your dog MUST sleep inside the house.
Can I own a ridgeback if I don't have a fenced yard?
It is possible to own a ridgeback without owning a yard, but you are going to have your work cut out for you. Ridgebacks are extremely intelligent and will find ways to use their brain. If you aren't giving them the mental stimulation they need, you better believe you will find damaged items around the house. If you do not have a yard you can expect to take your dogs on controlled walks/runs for 30 mins. to an hour a day. Also, make sure you have them enrolled in obedience classes.
Is it possible for a Ridgeback to get along with my cat?
We currently have an indoor cat, whom my dogs get along fine with. I believe any dog can get along with any kind of animal if you work at teaching them what is and isn't acceptable behavior.
What sort of training will my ridgeback need?
You will be surprised how much you can teach your Ridgeback. As long as you use a positive reinforcement training method I believe you can train your dog to do just about anything! However, because of a Ridgeback's personality if you don't keep the training session fun and positive your Ridgeback will get very bored and quit.
What kind of parasite control and shots do you give your dogs?
My dogs are given Heartgard and Advantix monthly. I also, follow my vet's recommendations on our vaccine schedule. We recommend you do the same. Also, ask your vet what preventative products you should use on your dog. I can tell you I had NEVER seen a flea until moving to Virginia. I grew up in Central Oregon and because of long cold winters, fleas weren't something we came across, therefore didn't feel using the product was necessary. When it comes down to it ask your vet! They know best!
Do you do any genetic screening on the dogs you breed?
Of course!!! Before breeding any of our dogs, they undergo genetic screening according to the guidelines of the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). They are all tested for the following:
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Thyroid
CERF/CAER (eyes)
Cardiac
Elbow Dysplasia
Thyroid
CERF/CAER (eyes)
Cardiac
After whelping, do you move your puppies outdoors?
The puppies will spend the entire 8 weeks living in our house. By keeping them in the house they will get that much more socialization. My goal is to make the transition from my house to yours as smoothly as possible. Plus, how could I ask you keep your dog in the house if I didn't do the same.
The puppies will spend the entire 8 weeks living in our house. By keeping them in the house they will get that much more socialization. My goal is to make the transition from my house to yours as smoothly as possible. Plus, how could I ask you keep your dog in the house if I didn't do the same.
Do the pups get outdoors at all?
Weather permitting, I try to give them at least an hour of supervised playtime, twice a day, starting at 3-4 weeks (once they can regulate their own temperature and can move around well enough to run around the grass.) They will spend the first week or so's outdoor sessions in the safety of the puppy pen. Then will be allowed to explore the backyard after that!
Weather permitting, I try to give them at least an hour of supervised playtime, twice a day, starting at 3-4 weeks (once they can regulate their own temperature and can move around well enough to run around the grass.) They will spend the first week or so's outdoor sessions in the safety of the puppy pen. Then will be allowed to explore the backyard after that!
Can I visit the litter while I wait to bring my puppy home?
YES!!! Please do... The more visitors the better. When you come, bring your family & friends. Just remember the puppies have to be 3 weeks before kids are allowed to come visit. Also, please note if you come before the puppy is 3 weeks old you really will be petting and admiring... They don't really do much but eat and sleep the first couple weeks. But we'd still love to see you.
Can I spend time with your adult dogs?
Yes, they love attention. They'd like it even more if you took them for a walk, fed them treats and just love on them. Plus how will you know what your puppy will be like if you don't meet their parents. Any breeder who will not let you meet the parents is NOT someone I would get a puppy from. Please note though, it isn't always possible to meet the father of the litter as sometimes I feel the best match for my girls is a male who's a long distance away!
How can you tell one puppy from another?
When they are born I fill out a detailed puppy record that describes each puppy. They will also have puppy collars on to help you tell each one apart.
Do you have any specific requirements for prospective owners?
Please see our Expectations page to see everything we require of our puppy buyers!
How much do your puppies cost?
Our prices are dependent on the "type" of puppy... pet, fancy pet, or show quality. I have provided an explanation of the differences below. All puppies come with the SAME health guarantee which basically states that we will replace your puppy if there is any life threatening genetic problems discovered in the first 27 months od life. A $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will hold a puppy until 9 weeks of age. Your deposit is applied to the total cost of your puppy.
Pick of the Litter, $3500 - After careful evaluation puppies in this catagory are the best and currently the most correct structured puppies. Generally there is only one puppy I would consider pick, however it is possible I might select one male and one female "pick." The pick puppy is generally the puppy that goes to the stud owner or one I keep for myself, however, if you are interested in the pick puppy, please contact me so we can talk. This puppy will only go to a serious show home who is willing to co-own the puppy. Sold with *FULL registration and requires a co-ownership agreement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Show Potential, $2000.00-$3000.00 - Puppies that are capable of participating in confomation events. Puppy should mature into a competitive show dog. Sold with *FULL registration and no co-ownership agreement. If you are interested in a co-ownership let me know so we can work something out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premium Pet, $1800 - Puppies may have no cosmetic flaws (perfect pet) or may have minor cosmetic flaws or too much white. These puppies may even be show potential quality but are going to pet homes and will ONLY come with limited papers. If the owner later changes their mind and wants to show they will be responsible for paying the difference between pet and show. ***limited registration, a spay/neuter contract and no co-ownership.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Pet, $1550 - These puppies may have a "crazy" ridge or kinked tail, etc. These puppies might also have been born with a DS. If that is the case they will have had the surgary PRIOR to leaving to their forever homes. These puppies are completely healthy and are still a Ridgeback, they just have a cosmetic flaw Sold with ***LIMITED registration (no co-ownership) and spay/neuter contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Ridgeless, $1000-$1200 - Puppies with no ridge but are completely healthy and have that same Ridgeback personality! Sold with ***LIMITED registration (no co-ownership) and spay/neuter contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** We do not have many $1550 pets or ridgeless puppies, so we do not guarantee availability and do not take deposits on "$1550 puppies", ridgeless or DS puppies. If you place a deposit on a premium pet puppy, but may be interested in a pet or ridgeless puppy, just include it on your deposit survey. Then if one is available that matches your looks and personality description, we will let you know.
Again, we do not guarantee availability of pet, ridgeless or DS puppies.
*Full Registration – Dogs that have Full Registration AKC papers may be shown in all AKC recognized events. These dogs may also be bred and the puppies can be registered with AKC. These dogs are typically sold on a co-ownership agreement unless other arrangements are made and agreed to by both parties.
***Limited Registration – These dogs can be shown in MOST AKC recognized events, but can not be shown in conformation shows (dog shows). These dogs can NOT be bred. If they are bred on accident (or on purpose) the puppies can NOT be registered. (The only exception is that Ridgeless puppies can NOT compete in Lure Coursing events.)
If you do not understand the difference between Full and Limited registration,
please ask prior to placing your deposit.
** Pet, $1550 - These puppies may have a "crazy" ridge or kinked tail, etc. These puppies might also have been born with a DS. If that is the case they will have had the surgary PRIOR to leaving to their forever homes. These puppies are completely healthy and are still a Ridgeback, they just have a cosmetic flaw Sold with ***LIMITED registration (no co-ownership) and spay/neuter contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Ridgeless, $1000-$1200 - Puppies with no ridge but are completely healthy and have that same Ridgeback personality! Sold with ***LIMITED registration (no co-ownership) and spay/neuter contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** We do not have many $1550 pets or ridgeless puppies, so we do not guarantee availability and do not take deposits on "$1550 puppies", ridgeless or DS puppies. If you place a deposit on a premium pet puppy, but may be interested in a pet or ridgeless puppy, just include it on your deposit survey. Then if one is available that matches your looks and personality description, we will let you know.
Again, we do not guarantee availability of pet, ridgeless or DS puppies.
*Full Registration – Dogs that have Full Registration AKC papers may be shown in all AKC recognized events. These dogs may also be bred and the puppies can be registered with AKC. These dogs are typically sold on a co-ownership agreement unless other arrangements are made and agreed to by both parties.
***Limited Registration – These dogs can be shown in MOST AKC recognized events, but can not be shown in conformation shows (dog shows). These dogs can NOT be bred. If they are bred on accident (or on purpose) the puppies can NOT be registered. (The only exception is that Ridgeless puppies can NOT compete in Lure Coursing events.)
If you do not understand the difference between Full and Limited registration,
please ask prior to placing your deposit.
Do you offer any kind of guarantee on the puppies you produce?
Yes all of our puppies come with a "guarantee."
Return: You may return the pup for any reason within 2 weeks of purchase, and get your money back minus the $500 deposit. In order to be allowed to return the puppy, he/she must be seen by a vet within 48 hours of arrival to you and also prior to return if you've had the puppy longer than one week, to ensure the puppy is healthy. This guarantee is void if there is evidence the pup has been abused. If at a later time you decide to get another puppy the $500 will go toward that puppy.
Genetic defects: We give your money back or send you another puppy if the dog develops any of the major recognized genetic defects of the breed within 27 months. You do not have to return the dog in order to get the refund. The major genetic problems can usually be detected in the OFA screening tests, which are generally run between the ages of 2 and 3. The only genetic defects that are not covered is a DS which was addressed and corrected before you brought your puppy home, and Cancer. We cannot cover cancer because of all of the environment causes. However, if you dog dies before age 4 from cancer we will replace him/her with another puppy, when you feel you are ready for new family member for our cost into that particular puppy.
Also, please note if you are purchasing a dog with limited papers make sure you follow our contract on spaying and neutering. If you alter your dog prior to the age given in the contract ALL guarantees are VOID. Your puppy needs time to go and develop. We feel early spaying/neutering does not allow them to grow correctly.
Do you cull puppies?
We will NEVER cull (kill) a healthy puppy or any puppy that has an ailment which can be cured or fixed with medical attention. We will NEVER cull a ridgeless puppy or pups one with a dermoid sinus. Puppies with a dermoid sinus would have the sinus removed and then they would be placed for the cost of the operation. Ridgeless pups are placed at costs to raise said puppy.
What about after buying the pup — can we still contact you for advice?
We expect you to keep in contact with us for your dogs entire life. So you better come to me with problems or advice! ;)
What should I look for in choosing a breeder?
One thing I've learned about respectable Ridgeback breeders is we all generally have a few things in common. Some things you should look at are:
Check to see if they are involved in different dog clubs. It doesn't just mean they are a member of their parent club. I know many wonderful breeders who are not members of RRCUS and I trust their opinion greatly. On that same note, make sure they are actively involved with some sort of club. This can be the local kennel club or specialty club (agility, lure coursing, etc). You want to make sure your breeder is not just saying they are trying to improve the breed but are making an effort to actively promote their breed in a positive manner.
Make sure you go with a breeder who is actively involved with their own dogs lives. Someone who doesn't take the time to utilize their dogs strengths (whether that be hunting, taking them to lure coursing events, participating in agility, etc) isn't really someone I would think takes pride in what the breed was originally bred for. Conformation titles are great. It proves your dog looks and is built like a ridgeback but part of really owning a Ridgeback is being able to take advantage of the versatility the breed has to offer.
And last, but most importantly, make sure your breeder is truly concerned with where the puppy going. Your breeder should have more questions about you and your life then you do for them. This not only allows them to match the "perfect" puppy for each owner, but also, helps give them an idea if your lifestyle is acceptable for their line. Don't get discouraged if a breeder tells you they don't think their dog would be a good fit for your family. I know some Ridgeback lines that are very active while others tend to produce dogs that would rather sleep on the couch instead of spending hours chasing small critters. Even if we aren't a match, please don't take personality. It by no means, says I would never sell a puppy to you, just that at the present don't feel one of my puppies would be a good match to your family. My responsibility is to the puppies I produce... I want to ensure their first home is their FOREVER home! :)