A Vague Chronicle of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Condition...

Rhodesian Ridgeback World Congress Day 2

2012-08-24T08:30:00.001-05:00

As I said in the previous post, Thursday's session of the World Congress seemed predominately focused on Health and Medicine. It did not disappoint.

First up in the morning was a TBD block of presentation from Royal Canin, one of the sponsors of this years Congress. Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, formerly of France, was the chosen speaker and Dr. Fontaine put on a wonderful presentation on the advancements of the specialization of reproduction in veterinary medicine. While his accent at times grew a bit thick, the presentation itself was still an enjoyable one. Then again, as a medic myself, I'm sort of into those kinds of things.

Following the reproduction presentation was the representative from Germany, who provided us with a profile on Ridgebacks in Germany. Following the Germany Profile was a similar presentation on the Ridgebacks in the UK. It has been pretty enlightening to see how the structure of dog enthusiasm is forced to differ depending on the laws and governing bodies of the home countries. How the importance of the regional, and then national clubs takes on or loses significant importance depending on the countries Kennel Clubs and other ruling bodies.

The last lecture before lunch was presented by Dr. Stephanie Reid, a board certified Veterinarian and Acupuncturist. She gave a very informative, if a bit lengthy, presentation on what Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is, how it works, and how it can be used as an alternative to, or in cooperation with traditional vet medicine to help our four leggeds be whole again. Strong emphasis on herbal and acupuncture treatments as a supplement to current traditional practices opened my view on the topic, and will certainly prompt more research, as I am informed that at least one of the vets at our clinic back home is also a certified acupuncturist.

Following Dr. Reid were the country profiles for both Australia, and then Russia. Victoria Moritz, who I mentioned in my last blog post as the owner of Ujamaa Ridgebacks, gave the profile for Australia. I'm afraid I do not remember the Russian blokes name, but his presentation was very well done. Considering the short amount of time that Ridgebacks have called Russia home, (1993), the country has produced a significant amount of history, and enthusiasts of the breed. Perhaps, even guardians. As he outlined that currently the national RR club has been suspended due to the ever changing government, politics and social turmoil, a Kennel Union protecting some of the top 15 RR Kennels in the country has stepped forward and is currently informally acting to the best of its ability as a preserver and guardian for the breed. Commendable, to say the least.

After the lunch break, we returned for a rousing, energetic and fairly humorous presentation on Allergies in dogs by Dr. Stephen Waisglas. Much like Dr. Zink the day before, Dr. Waisglas knew how to work a crowd, and presented his material in an easy to understand, easy to follow fashion. Allergies are a small concern in the Ridgeback, but also a concern that seems to be steadily growing, and it was valuable information to be sure.

Following the Allergy presentation, Denise Flaim took the stage to broach a rather somber, and even taboo topic. Deafness in the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Having already read her article earlier this year in The Ridgeback Register (a quarterly magazine) I was familiar with much of the subject matter of her slides. Though I was shocked to see how many of the attendees at the congress had not been aware of the simple recessive trait in our breed that carries a still as of yet unidentified deafness gene. This, as I said, was not a very joyous presentation, but it was absolutely necessary.

Some levity was required, due to the subject matter.

Unfortunately due to time constraints, the presentation Bekah had been looking forward to all day by Lauren Meadows regarding Degenerative Myelopathy was bumped from the schedule entirely. Instead we pushed on through the USA country profile, which did more to plug a current study on proper testing for Elbow Dysplasia than it did at profiling the Ridgeback in the US, and then pressed straight into the final event of the day, a Health Panel made up of Victoria Moritz, Denise Flaim, a gal from Scandinavia and another gal that I didn't catch the name or nation of origin of.

This panel began as a 'To test, or not to test." discussion based on the hereditary conditions known to the breed. It ballooned, alarmingly quickly, into an open forum on all things from DM, Deafness, and Displaysia, all the way through the gambit to irresponsible breeding. In the end, Diana Pethick, the Chairperson, reined in the discussion and it was practically unanimously voted on that there be created a World Congress Health Panel, charged with spending the next four years between this and the next congress researching a list of conditions and topics that were put forth in the form of shouts from those gathered and recorded for posterity.

All in all, it was a very full day. Productive, informative, necessary, but full. Friday there will be a Rally Competition, Obedience Competition, then Conformation. After all of those shows, the Banquet and Closing Ceremonies will commence. Friday promises to be even more full than Thursday.... At least there should be more Ridgebacks around than there have been the past few days :)

-Vague

Rhodesian Ridgeback World Congress Day 1

2012-08-23T12:59:00.003-05:00

Our first day of World Congress felt very much like the first day of any level of schooling I've ever undertaken. Despite the fact that we'd met a few fellow Ridgeback folk the night prior at the optional 'Ice Breaker' out in the courtyard. A lovely Australian couple Vicki Maritz and Russel Glenn of Ujamaa Ridgebacks, also Rens Trappel of Vizara Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and another couple from the UK whose names elude me (despite the neat little badges we were all provided). It was with great anticipation, and a healthy dose of unsureness that we made our way downstairs and into the sizable conference center.

The tables filled with blankets, quilts, shirts, books, and cups were an expected site, and helped to ease the nerves a bit. We waded through the growing crowd, window shopping as it were, before heading inside and finding some seats.

First up, were Olive Taylor, the President of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada, and Diana Pethick, the Chair of the Organizing Committee with the opening remarks. Welcoming us to this the eighth World Congress and laying down the groundwork for how the rest of the day was expected to go.

Next was Jo Dunn, who did a marvelous job at regaling us in the history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback here in Canada. All the way from Ridgie, the very first Ridgeback in Canada, through the establishment of the various clubs, the acceptance of the Breed in the Kennel Club, and into today. This was of particular interest to me, given that I've recently done quite a bit of research in this regard, only with the history of how the Ridgeback came to the USA.

Next on the Agenda, was, quite possibly, the most controversial topic of the entire Congress. (Of course I say that now, having not even gone through day 2 yet..) Liz Megginson bravely and stalwartly led and facilitated a discussion on reaching a worldwide consensus on the Breed Standard. This topic quickly became one of much contention, as you might be able to manage. Change is something not a lot of people welcome in life, your Author being one of those people. Near as I can tell, this debate was brought about by an entity known as the FCI. From what I gather, the FCI is not currently satisfied with the state of our Ridgeback Breed Standard, and has requested that it be expanded upon and made more specific. Resistance from the crowd was met at most of the proposed changes. The mantra "Change for the sake of Change" was tossed out on a number of times, while others felt it best to simply 'Educate the Judges' rather than to change the standard. All in all, the segment ran long, and I think, accomplished little.

A much needed coffee break followed, and then Linda Costa took the stage. She wasn't introduced as such, but she might as well have been called the RR Historian. Perhaps the 'Dogfather' of the Ridgeback. Her segment was rife with information on the history and foundation of the Breed. From its origins in Southern Africa all the way through its migrations to Europe and the Americas. Some of it I was aware of from my previous research, much of it was completely new information. I think my furious note-taking awarded me some sidelong glances, but this was why I came here. To learn about Ridgebacks, from the people who have devoted their lives to Ridgebacks. I was disappointed when Linda's segment was over. It's been said that copies of her book 'Rhodesian Ridgeback Pioneers' are being sold here. I'm mulling over the notion.

Before we broke for lunch, we were treated with a Showcase of this years Top Canadian Champions. And while it was fun to watch the gorgeous Ridgebacks parade around the center and stack in a line for photographs, I must admit I hadn't planned on paying too much attention. Until number two, BPIS Can. Ch. Charisma's Mischief Managed w/ Coso was read off. I heard one word garbled through the microphone and not drowned out by the music, and that was Invictus. I said in my head, (I know Invictus dogs! and started snapping photos. Evidence below:) After the showcase and before we broke for lunch, we stopped by to speak with Atlas' handler and to meet the #1 Ridgeback Puppy in all of Canada. An honor for sure.

After lunch, we returned and settled in for a two part presentation by Orit Nevo. First up was the great Sight Vs Scent debate. Followed by a profile of Ridgebacks in her home country of Israel. After that, Dr. Chris Zink stole the show with her presentation titled : Peak performance: Canine Athlete. Not only was Dr. Zink an eloquent public speaker, but she was incredibly knowledgeable in her field and very well prepared. She held the audience easily as she presented her points in as close to laypersons terms as one could ask for and dribbled in enough humor to soften the edges of some of her more controversial points.The largest of which being the health concerns of spaying and neutering our pets. Most specifically the outdated practices that continue for no other reason than this is what we've always done. She presented statistics, studies and information that will cause Bekah and I to take a long hard look at how we will want to proceed with our pets in the future. Certainly a conversation with our Vet Clinic is in order.

We opted to skip Dr. Corey Orava's presentation on Stem Cell research, it had been a long day. Though for what I've gathered it was quite good as well. Later that evening there was a buffet dinner, where we met another two Aussie couples and a couple from Canada. I remember none of their names. (must get better at that).

Anyway, tomorrow promises to be filled with a more medical, health oriented slate of lectures, and we're greatly looking forward to the exposure!

Teaser

2012-08-21T16:30:00.001-05:00

Go ahead, guess where I'm at right now?

Well, we've checked into our room up here in Canada, and promptly ordered some Chinese for dinner. The introductory Icebreaker will be held promptly at 7PM tonight. I am making a loose pledge here, and please don't flay me if I don't come through... but I am going to aspire to have an update each night this week, as we make our way through the Rhodesian Ridgeback World Congress 2012.

So long as the wireless in our room holds out, that is.

And as a bit of a teaser for an update coming out once we've returned home from Canada...

Say hello to Cortana! That's right, I made my final decision this past weekend, and we will be bringing Lyra, the dark pink collared puppy home on the 30th of August!

-Vague

Fun in the Sun

2012-08-07T09:42:00.002-05:00

Puppy napping is a very serious and very dangerous phenomenon sweeping through our great nati- Oh who am I kidding? No one can resist the puppy nap!

As is obvious from the above pick, jam packed with seven sickeningly adorable puppies, another visit was made this past weekend. I believe between the almost 3 hours we stuck around in the RStar back yard, the litter went through about 4 or 5 play and rest cycles. An admirable effort, to be sure. Pups are approx. 5 weeks old in these pictures. Eyes are fully open and functional. They've also started in on some dry food to spell Mommy Saba when they get too frisky with those puppy teeth!

They were investigating the usage of this strange structure in committee when we arrived on the scene...

And quickly lost interest in the thing. There was something else in the yard, flashing...

And it seemed to be attached to one of the food-bringers...

Who, despite what she may have been told, isn't actually *made* of food as well.

Why So Curious?

Escape artists in the making. Frightening part, there are only 3 females in this litter, and your looking at two of them.

Here is the third, egging one of her brothers on as he unties Bekah's shoe.

Yawn or growl? You be the judge.

Wasssssaaaapaaaa?

Someone got caught mid-breakout... Timeout for Carina.

Ever wonder how a pack of puppies subdue a food-bringer...

...It goes a little something like that.

MUGSHOTS:

PAVO

ZUEBEN

CARINA

VEGA

HERCULES

ORION

LYRA

Quick burst of energy...

And the resulting crash...

Some curiosity...

Roughhousing...

And of course, no one wanted us to go home...

Some made a stronger case than others. Boy Hercules is going to be a heart breaker, if this expression has anything to say about it.

The rest of the photos that I haven't uploaded on the blog can be found here.

The next few weeks are promising to be busy, but I'm hoping to have a few more posts up in the coming days.

'Big' Brother

2012-08-03T09:32:00.001-05:00

Copper Hill’s Sardonyx of Kyler’s Atticus out of Copper Hill’s Shalimar... But you can call me Dill.

Now that we've established some sort of a baseline here on the blog, I think it's safe to bring in some outside breed perspective. Pictured above, is Dill, in all his glory. He is a recently turned two year old Boxer, Brindle in color with white markings. And no brain. Why, you may ask, is he now prominently featured on this, a blog of Ridges? Well because this dazzling specimen happens to be the future Cortana's big brother.

I assure you, the novelty of this... Sibling concept... will be absolutely lost on him.

Since Dill projects as being a significant contributor to Cortana's progress once she comes home, I felt it was time to introduce him here onto the blog and to brief you, the readers, on his particulars...

I almost said 'on what makes him tick'... Can you believe that? Surely one look at the photo above and you can safely assume that there is no ticking what-so-ever going on in that thick skull of his.

Dill carries with him some European blood from his Sire, but he hails from far-away Alaska and we do our best not to hold that against him. He is every bit the Better Half's puppy, and falls to pieces faster that a celebrity diva when she leaves the house. I suppose that adoration is to be commended, though. He *is* a Boxer after all. Here's a couple shots of the two of them:

Here we are on our way home from a vacation out east. This particular stop found Dill facing down his first elevator ride... Ironically, it was also his Birthday and he was introduced to the wonders of room service leftovers as a special treat!

No one is quite sure how this particular injury occurred, but during a playdate with one of his best buds, the uber-beta Boxer known formally as Phineas, he somehow lost a bit of skin on his back paw. Courteous as always, he had no intention of breaking up our friendly bar-b-que by letting anyone know there was a problem, instead opting to leave blood stained paw prints wherever his carefree romp took him until someone called for the two medics enjoying their brew downstairs.

While we do have a running gag about his lack of a brain, Dill did just turn two, and lately he has been showing signs of finally starting to grasp some concepts that have been consistently eluded him most of his brief puppy life. Problem solving skills flash and disappear more elusively than comets, but we are working on that.

One issue we've spent some considerable amount of time on is a mysterious, late developing form of Leash Aggression. We aren't at all sure what brought this on. (there is some suspicion that perhaps while he was still showing and with his handler, that maybe he was set upon by another dog while on leash and was unable to get away/properly respond) For all intents and purposes, Dill is an absolute Beta of a dog. He and Phineas often have little sub-fights about who is the biggest wuss before they start playing, because neither of them wants to take charge. Dill is a lover, not a fighter and if he is off of his lead he has no issues or qualms about much of anything...

(Except the wind, of course, his mortal enemy, the wind monster, is always one step behind him... with the blowing, and gusting, and whistling, and taunting.... Above you can see me, the author, attempting to console him while he is coming under attack from said monster.)

So yeah... that's pretty much Dill, in all his glory and none of his decency. We're all looking forward to watching what happens when Cortana arrives and begins developing. Dill has shown that he is very good with puppies, but what we're most curious about is whether Cortana, or Dill will become the Padawan...

To be revisited...

-Vague

Invictus

2012-07-30T12:46:00.001-05:00

Passion and Eloquence.... It sounds like an advert for some fancy diamond necklace at your local jeweler, right? Well don't worry, I'm not about to try and sell you an over priced rock that you're told is a symbol for something greater. Nope.

Passion and Eloquence are the two words I think best describe what you will find after this jump. If you want trouble... It's the title of a blog, written from the perspective of a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder up in Canada. The blog follows her, her pets, and the kennel, Invictus Hounds. It's unfortunate to note, that shortly before I started this blog, she finished hers. Choosing instead to continue her own personal blog here, and to simply include some of the dog escapades there when it seemed natural.

Just because she's no longer updating the blog, however, should in no way discourage you from bookmarking it. And visiting it. Often. I may have found out about the Rhodesian Ridgeback through wikipedia, but I fell in love with the Rhodesian Ridgeback through the vicarious experiences I had thanks to Tamzin's blog. It was her passion and love for the breed and her dogs that drew me so far into this thing that I doubt I'll ever find my way out.

The blog is set up with the most recent post first. So if you're like me and need to start at the beginning, simply find the archive one the left hand side of the page and click on 2007 to start. You will soon be embarking on a journey, an epic journey that covers 5 years, 1184 blog posts, and eleventy-billion heart wrenching high quality pictures of Ridgeback's in all of their glory and shame. Tamzin pulls no punches as she opens the door and invites you into the last half decade of her and her pets lives.

You will be rewarded with unprecedented access to the daily life of a pack of Ridgebacks, and you will live through several litters of Invictus puppies. Helpful tips on training, feeding, playing. The information, insight, and experience that exists in those 1184 posts, in my humble opinion, is invaluable to a current or future fancier of this great dog breed.

Tamzin's way with the english language, her skills behind the shutter of the camera, and her devotion to the four legged is intoxicating. I dare you to visit the blog once and never go back. I refuse to believe that it is possible. If you don't fall in love with the simple minded, but huge hearted Raimi (aka The Boy), then surely the confident, conniving and snooty Foundation Bitch Halo will command your attention. If they aren't your cup of tea, then the effortlessly gorgeous but uniquely... odd Leeloo is bound to steal your heart. Not to mention the youngin, baby brother Archer who you should feel privileged to watch struggle to grow up in the shadow's of the rest of the Invictus hounds.

I'm not sure I can continue to throw words of praise down without simply gauding up the post with my exuberance. Please, her blog will speak for itself. Do yourself a favor, and visit it. I can only hope that someday, Pawed-Equivocality might help even a single person develop an appreciation for this great breed. Tamzin and the Invictus Dog Blog have already done so, in spades I'm sure.

-Vague

3 Week Puppy Visit

2012-07-28T14:32:00.001-05:00

So the waiting wasn't unbearable... and frankly, that was starting to concern me slightly... Then we visited.

Now it just needs to be September. Now. Can you blame me? It occurred to me just about the time that this photo was taken, that if I didn't have such a firm grasp on what it takes to keep these seven puppies fed, cleaned, and content, I would have taken them all home with me. The urge was almost insurmountable. Almost.

As you can see above, the better half and I made the trip out to Ellsworth last weekend to see the puppies. And Bob and Vicky, ofcourse. Naturally Mommy Saba was a bit reluctant to grant us some visitation time, but she was soon coaxed out of the whelping room so that we could introduce ourselves, and the pups promptly chomped down on any fingertip they could find in search of sustenance.

This little gem is Carina. She and her sister Lyra are two of three puppies in this litter with Liver colored noses. She was also the first puppy to come say hello to me before immediately demanding food. :P

This here is Lyra. She was the first pup to find her way out of the whelping box (with a little help from Vicky) and into my lap.

And then the napping started, followed by the inevitable slide...

Maintaining a position even remotely near the lap starting point proved to be too much and before long...

Lyra settled on simply curling up beneath my legs for some beauty sleep.

Ofcourse, Lyra isn't the only puppy to have mastered the Ridgebacks penchant for unorthodox napping positions, here is Pavo doing his best to fall off of the Better Half's lap in a similar fasion.

I believe that is Zueben showing the world just what he thinks about the concept of modesty...

Eventually my joints gave up and I needed to relocate from the floor to a chair... Lyra could not be bothered to join me.

Carina was quick to take advantage, however and quickly found a place to snuggle in for some warm snoozing.

Here we have some rare photo-graphical evidence of the Ridgeback Triquetra.I believe Pavo, Vega (the third, black nosed female) and Lyra who finally got cold and found herself a new lap...

As I said at the opening of the blog post, I was doing fine in the patience department... but after this, not so much anymore. I want Cortana to come home. Now. However, since I'm more than aware of how important these first eight weeks are for a puppy to spend with its momma and siblings, I will persevere... somehow...

I'll try to get some more 'development' pictures up in a later post. Also we'll be having some spotlights on books about ridgebacks, another blog and more on the way...

Stay tuned!

-Vague

Starry Night

2012-07-08T23:44:00.000-05:00

Today I’d like to take some time to talk to y’all about Bob and Victoria Ruggles of the R Star Ridgeback’s kennel in Ellsworth, IA. Twenty-two years ago, the Ruggles started their Rhodesian Ridgeback journey in the way that everyone does; with a companion. They brought Rhonda home with the simple intention of adding another member to their family. After seeing all the CH’s on her pedigree, however, they soon found themselves in the Confirmation Ring. It was here, at the Dog Shows, that they would meet Kate Borst, of the Jabulani Rhodesian Ridgeback’s kennel up north. The Ruggles credit Kate’s friendship, guidance and mentorship for much of their success today as a Kennel themselves.

(For those who are not familiar, the Confirmation Ring refers to the competition of pure bred dogs against each other and in pursuit of the Breed Standard. These dog shows are held worldwide, and owners/breeders travel far and wide in the pursuit of earning Championship titles for their companions. Dog Show’s themselves are a topic for a whole different blog post, one I’m sure we’ll get to later on in the year, for now, though, I will simply say this: If you are new to the realm of pure bred dogs, or are curious or interested in learning more about a breed than what Wikipedia can tell you, then a local Dog Show is the place for you. These individuals are the Subject Matter Experts when it comes to their chosen breeds, and so long as you do not interrupt them when they are working in an official capacity, they will more than likely be just giddy to tell you all about their breed and its future in your life!)

Sadly, as all of our companions do, the time came for Rhonda to leave her home and travel to the Rainbow Bridge. Bob and Vicky then spoke with Kate, and fell in love with a then four week old Willow. Willow came home with them at eight weeks old, and R Star Ridgebacks was born. Vicky would go on to show Willow in the ring as a Novice handler, (no small feat) to her Championship Title. As R Star’s Foundation Bitch, Willow was bred three times, producing eighteen puppies. Once with CH Jabulani’s Kishindo Matusi in September of 2000, then again with CH Jabulani’s Chakra in 2001, and finally with CH Emoyeni’s Made in Sweeden. Three of which went on to receive their Confirmation Titles as well.

CH Jabulani Willow of R Star - Willow

Bob and Vicky’s pick of Willow’s first litter was Tank. If they had known just how literally he would take his namesake, perhaps the Ruggles might have named him Tiny instead. Tank would eventually grow to be 31” tall and approximately 100lbs of solid Rhodesian Ridgeback. In addition to growing into his name, Tank would also grow up to fulfill the expectations of his pedigree. He earned his Championship title by receiving all of his points in the “Bred by Exhibitor Class” which was just as much an accomplishment for him as it was for Victoria. Tank sired three generations of R Star Ridgeback puppies, all while exemplifying the grace, sensitivity, and protectiveness that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for.

CH R Star Baye Bomani – Tank

When it came time for Willow to retire from the puppy making business, Echo stepped up to shoulder the burden. Daughter of Jabulani’s ‘Ginger’ and Emoyeni’s ‘Biko’, Jabulani Loki’s Echo of R Star, informally known as Echo would go on to whelp 3 litters, all sired by Tank. Echo’s time of producing future R Star Champions is now behind her, a responsibility inherited by one of her daughters, Saba. She now is content to provide companionship to Bob and Vicky, however every now and then she needs to step in and explain to the youngin’s how things are done, Ridgeback style.

CH Jabulani Loki's Echo of R Star – Echo

R Star Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Bob, Tank, Echo, and Victoria

“Mbele Safari translates to 'Onward Journey'. Considering where we've been, what's gone on in our lives the past year, and where we're headed, this seems a fitting name for our new baby.”

Saba, a Tank and Echo puppy was born in May of 2007. In 2010 Saba was bred with CH Tundra’s Wm Augsburg Courage, JC. In 2011 she was bred with CH Rollings Croixridge Pheonix. This spring of 2012 Saba was bred with CH Riveroads Ridgerunr Hammer Of Thor, BN RN JC NAP NJP. Saba is currently about 2 months along and is showing just how stuffed full of puppies she is.

CH R Star Mbele Safari – Saba

That’s probably enough about the history of R Star Ridgebacks to wet your whistle. If you’re interested in reading more I suggest checking their website out here. Let’s move on to talking about how I found them and why they’re the Kennel for me, eh? Choosing a breeder is a process. There are several sources of literature out there meant to aide and guide you through the search. And since it was indeed a search, mine started in the most likely of places. Google. Step one, I’ve learned about the Rhodesian Ridgeback, I like what I’ve learned. I want one. How do I get one? Well a puppy needs a mom and a dad, right? So naturally I need a breeder. Now some folks, like my better half, will travel halfway around the country to a breeder they know and trust to get a pup. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same, but I certainly wasn’t setting out to do that. Because of this, I started my search more locally. RRCUS, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, had a few links that sent me to various places. Eventually though, I landed on the Jabulani website. Through some extra digging and research I also found R Star Ridgebacks. It didn’t get much more local than that.

After reading what Bob and Vicki had to say on their website, and seeing that their Breeding Program’s foundation was deeply rooted in the Jabulani line anyway, I decided to give them a try. Typed up my ‘Hey I’m a newb but I’d like to know more about you and your dogs’ email and then I sat back for the wait. I didn’t have to wait long. I received an enthusiastic, friendly, and informing reply back from Victoria very quickly. Naturally, she was curious as to how I’d found out about their Kennel, what I knew of the breed, why I was interested in the breed, and to know a bit more about me and my situation. After a few more back and forth emails, the better half and I were invited out to Ellsworth for a formal meeting.

Unfortunately I did not take pictures during this time, however the meeting went fabulously. We were only able to meet Victoria that day, as Bob was out, but we were compensated by being introduced to a whole pack of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Echo, Saba Tatu, Red, and Siri! The interview itself was very friendly, relaxing and informal. We spoke about the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed, the things we knew, the things we were curious about, stuff we should know for the future. Victoria was friendly, professional, and most of all patient as I was completely distracted by the dogs and had to be reeled back into the ‘human talk’ on a number of occasions. We were able to watch the RR’s in their element inside the house, and then also out in the large backyard where they were able to run around and play. After expressing out continued interest in a potential upcoming R Star litter, we spoke briefly about the contracts and expectations of new owners, and then said farewell.

Shortly after our interview, conveniently, the Ruggles were hosting an R Star Reunion. Even though we were sadly Ridgebackless, Vicky and Bob were generous enough to give us an invite to the fun as well. It was a great time! 3 Generations of R Star Ridgebacks gathered in one big back yard with all their humans, what a blast! This was a major selling point for the better half and I to make our final decision. Having the ability to look over the progression of generations of the R Star breeding program all in one place, in their element, with adults and children and siblings and elders all around… Well one couldn’t have asked for a better evaluative tool in terms of Kennel Quality. Below are a handful of pictures from the R Star Reunion 2012:

The Ruggles

Scheming Convention

Play Play Play!

Your Author and his Better Half

More Ruggles Action

And the Group Shot

Since the Reunion, Vicky has done a marvelous job at keeping us up to date with the R Star news. We were very excited to here that the potential Sire's test results had come back as all clear and that the plans for the next R Star litter were in full swing. Here are a pair of pictures of the handsome devil, Hammer:

Saba gave birth to a litter of four boys and four girls last Sunday, and we are thrilled and excited and anxious to see the promised pictures of the little ones! Though we are also patient, because we already know how much trouble one dog can get into. Vicky and Bob surely have their hands full with 8 new Ridgeback puppies underfoot!

As a technical note, I would like to apologize for the abysmal formatting in this latest update. I'm afraid Blogger is getting the best of me at this point, and my newness to blogging is showing through rather marvelously. I will strive to learn more about the systems and preferences as the blog moves along and hopefully I will become proficient at it before I have my own puppy underfoot.

More to come as it rolls in,

-Vague

The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday...

2012-06-06T15:36:00.002-05:00

It's like the man says. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is the Navy Seal of the dog breeds. Granted I'd have rather compared them to... Say the Army Rangers, or perhaps Delta Force... But branch bias aside, it's a solid fact. Versatility, adaptability, intelligence, stamina, strength, loyalty, and courage.... These are the watchwords of the breed. The very needs that the original owners of the very first examples sought to fill.

I thought I would take some time today to write a bit about the origins and the history of the Ridgeback. After several failed attempts in which I continually had to remind myself that this was not a research paper nor was it a presentation, I have opted to simply type as though I was having the ever increasingly familiar conversation with a friend after they ask me what type of puppy I'm expecting and they give me that blank stare as the ask "A Ridge-wha?"

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of only two officially registered breeds indigenous to Southern Africa. Long before any official registration, however, there was an origin. The furthest that the Ridgeback is typically traced back is the time of the Khoikhoi, also known as the Hottentots by the European adventurers, who were primarily located around the Cape of Good Hope region of Southern Africa.

Most descriptions of the Khoikhoi 'Ridged Dog' offer an image very unlike the one we know as the RR today. The primitive, semi-domesticated dog of the Khoikhoi people was much smaller in dimension and far less uniform in appearance. Most records indicate that the Khoikhoi used this dog mostly for the protection of their settlements and for hunting.

The early visitors to the South African region, namely the Portuguese and the Dutch, were very impressed with the attributes of the ridged primitive. They soon found that they had a need for a dog that was well suited to the new environment and also one that was resistant to local illnesses and hazards. So they first began to domesticate some for themselves and would eventually begin actively cross-breeding the ridged dog with breeds that they had brought to Africa with them upon settling.

That just about covers the 'why' of how Rhodesian Ridgebacks came to be... Next we'll investigate a bit of the 'how'. Though some of the earlier records (pre-1920's) are sparse at best, one simply cannot have a conversation about the history and origin of the Ridgeback without speaking of two gentlemen. Renowned big game hunter Cornelius Van Rooyen, and missionary Rev Charles David Helm.

As I stated above, records are indistinct during this time period, but what seems to be a popular consensus, is as follows: Sometime in the late 1800's, Cornelius Van Rooyen began to hunt big game in the Zimbabwe/Botswana region and continued to do so for nearly a half century to follow. During this time, it is said that Rev Charles Helm, who moved to Hope Foundation in Zimbabwe in approximately 1875, presided over Van Rooyen's marriage. It is assumed that his was the time in which Helm was introduced to Van Rooyen's hunting dogs. Regardless of the validity of that assumption, it is known that Helm did possess two Bitches, larger than today's standard Ridgeback.

These two bitches are widely considered as the foundation of all things Rhodesian Ridgeback, as they were bred to Van Rooyen's existing pack, their offspring retaining the primitive ridge along their backs. Van Rooyen, the experienced hunter, was so impressed with the performance of the ridged offspring that he coveted the trait in all of his hunting companions from then forward, having been recorded as utilizing ridged hunting dogs for the next 30 some years.

Be it fate or coincidence, but this was a major turning point in the evolution of the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a singular breed. At some point during his breeding process, Van Rooyen came to attribute the inconceivable levels of courage and bravery found in his dogs to the possession of the ridge, therefore making the decision to begin breeding specifically for this physical trait.

Over the years, Van Rooyen crossed several other established breeds of dog into his 'pack'. These are thought to have included the Bloodhound/Pointer (having a good nose), the Greyhound (having speed), the Bulldog/Bullterrier (having courage and tenacity), the Airedale and Irish Terrier (having dash and spirit) and certainly the Deerhound (having stamina). Other sources identify the possibility of Great Dane's, and especially the Collie as other breeds Van Rooyen used.

Crosses were chosen to increase performance above all else. Cornelius' breeding ethos seemed to be quite simply an extension of natural selection. The good dogs survived, and the not so good ones didn't. Breeds were added to the program based on desired traits. Increased speed, stamina, sight, scent, power. It was through Van Rooyen's quest for the ultimate in hunting dogs that our beloved, adaptable, versatile Rhodesian Ridgeback was allowed to exist.
Now at this particular point in time... Let's call it the very early 1900's, these ridged 'African Lion Dogs' were seen as nothing more than mongrel's by the dog community at large. For one particular Dog Fancier, Francis Richard Barnes, this presented a problem. In a unique position, Francis understood the distinction between the two schools of thought that existed in the dog fancier's world. One that emphasized showing and breed standard as the important factor, the other focused purely on performance of the breed.

Having spend nearly two decades as a Kennel Club enthusiast, and also judging dog shows, Francis had a working knowledge of the Kennel Club scene. He was very proud of his ridged hunting and farm dogs, and wished to do something to preserve this finely crafted breed of dog. So together with a handful of other ridged dog enthusiasts, he helped to create the breed standard for what we now know as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Originally submitted in 1922 and heavily influenced by the standard for the Dalmatian breed, the standard was eventually accepted after revisions in 1926. And so, thanks to the work of Barnes and other early pioneers, our Rhodesian Ridgeback was immortalized as a unique breed and recognized with it's own standard.

For the next couple of decades, the breed seemed to gain a foothold in the region and flourished. Life in South Africa under the British Crown at this time was lacking borders and boundaries, Kennels were established and built up the breed in fabulous fashion.

In fact, during a visit to South Africa on then Princess Elizabeth II's 21st birthday, she herself was presented with a pair of Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. Although eventually she would give ownership of the dogs to Dr. and Mrs K. C. MacKenzie, prominent RR breeders in England at the time because she felt it was in the dog's best interests.

Following the end of World War II and increasing strife in Southern Africa, the breed's popularity and support began to diminish. It was mostly through the work and dedication of Mylda Arsenis, Irene Kingcombe, and Phyllis McCarthy during the 1960's and 1970's that saved the breed from fading away once again into obscurity.

And there it is, in a nutshell, the origin and history of this most awesome of dog breeds. The Ridgeback's path to existence was not easy, nor linear. Despite the relative youth of the breed in comparison to some of the much more longstanding registered breeds, the details of the creation and history of our Ridgeback's remain somewhat obscure, vague, and even at times complete conjecture.

However even that seems somewhat fitting. Almost as if this hyper intelligent, endlessly curious, highly capable and intolerably proud breed of dog, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, prefers it that way. You can almost see it in their eyes, a confident, cocky sort of expression that says "I know so much more than you can even imagine, and no, you can't handle the truth."

At any rate, stay tuned. More posts to come, including spotlights on a handful of publications, some online support, and more...

-Vague

A Beginning, of Sorts...

2012-05-24T14:25:00.001-05:00

Thank you very much for joining me here for the inaugural blog post for this, the "Pawed Equivocality" Blog!

I'm Vague, and I've created this blog to put down in digital format the steps of my journey as I intimately investigate the "Rhodesian Ridgeback Condition". What is RRC, you might be asking, well stick around and observe my chronicle and you'll surely not only understand it but you might very well contract it as well.

Some brief history about yours truly the writer, before we delve headlong into the blogs primary topic of focus. I grew up in the Midwest, but thanks to life circumstances and the past seven years that I've spent serving in the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Medic have awarded me the unique opportunity to experience much of the diversity that our modern world has to offer. I'm a complete blogging novice so I just want to get that disclaimer out there immediately. Let there be no misconception that this undertaking will be ungainly and awkward at best.

Alright, enough about me, let's get down to the bone facts here. The Rhodesian Ridgeback, AKA The African Lion Dog, AKA all sorts of other names. While the Ridgeback is a fairly unheard of breed in the public's eye, for those who are in the know on these sorts of things have written aplenty o what they think the Ridgeback was, is, and should be. Sight hound, scent hound, wagon hound, or ridged primitive... Well at least they mostly agree that the RR is indeed a hound, if nothing else.

Let me take you back to 2005, a year in which a boy, blissfully unaware of the fact that a few short months down the road he'd be enlisting in the army, was busy researching the interwebs in search of his very first dog. Who knew that there were so many breeds out there! It was that day on the Internet that I discovered and fell in love with the fiercely intelligent, otherworldly courageous, fascinatingly athletic and most unique looking breed I'd ever seen. The eat African Lion Hunter, the Rhodesian Ridgeback. From a purely superficial standpoint, and let's face it at that age that was about as far as my thought process went, I had found THE dog for me. Smart, loyal, strong, fast, brave, misunderstood, cool looking, what more could a kid want?

Well that may have been where it all started, where the seed was planted, but it's been a long, long journey getting from that first contact, to now. 7 years later, with a deposit down at RStar Ridgebacks for a puppy expected to be ready for pickup sometime in September of this year. I've grown significantly as a person, oftentimes at a literally painful pace, to become the man I am today. In pretty much every way possible I am completely different than that boy.

Now I've done my research. Learned as much as I possibly could about the fascinating lion hunter. Which, now I know does not literally mean that the RR preyed upon the King of the Jungle. And yet even after the debunking of that myth, every new fact, ever revealed secret, the intricacies of the breeds history, it's development, it's suggest and fight for acceptance and sustainability, every time I learn something new about the Ridgeback, I fall that much more in low with the breed. And that, in the end, is really what the purpose of this blog is. To share with you the reader, my intense and unshakable passion for this breed.

So in closing, I hope that you'll stick around, or at least come back to check in on the place sometime in the future, so that you might be able to share in my must human experiment that is about to be undertaken as I strive to foster and encourage the growth of MY Rhodesian Ridgeback Condition.

-Vague