Page 265 - ShowSight - February 2020

ANN MEYER
Ridgebacks since 1986 to present, member of RRCUS since 1988, mem- ber of the RRCUS Ed. Committee and a breed mentor, AKC Breeder of Merit, Whippets from 1989-2019, Cirnechi dell’Etna since 2013 to present. Judge since 2010 and currently have 28 Hound breeds and ready to
apply for the last four.
I’m a retired educator living in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Outside
of dogs I enjoy my family and their activities. I love to read, pri- marily historical fiction, go antiquing, and needlework. Too many projects and not enough time.
Do I hope my breed’s ranking will change and do these num- bers help or hurt the breed? I did not know where the breed ranked when I acquired my first one in 1986 but I’m sad to see the breed becoming more popular. This is not a breed for everyone; and these numbers, in my opinion, hurt the breed.
Does the average person recognize my breed? Yes I believe so but they do not know that the ridge can vary greatly in length and style; or that it is not something that magically appears as the pup grows; or they can be born without one and still be a purebred Ridgeback.
Although they are tremendously hard-working dogs with great power and stamina, what qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? I wouldn’t say he is hard-working or that he works in the field because he is best at holding the sofa down unless it’s meal time in which case he is ready to help himself to any food available if you are slow to put his dish down. The traits I like most is the imposing appearance he presents to strangers and his quiet- ness in doing so. I also value his intelligence, sensitivity, and loyalty.
What about my breed makes them an ideal companion? This question assumes the Ridgeback is energetic and while this is true for puppies or any puppy of any breed as a matter of fact, the mature Ridgeback is just happy to lie at your feet or the on the piece of fur- niture that is closest to you. If there was a drawback I wouldn’t have continuously owned them for the last 33 plus years.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed? They were not used to attack and bring down a lion. They were used to bay (hold) the lion until the hunters arrived. Also they are not a hundred pound dog. The Standard states desirable weight for a male is 85 pounds. Bigger is not better.
What special challenges do RR breeders face? I believe it is the same for breeders of all breeds—the hysteria of the AR advocates
pushing their adopt don’t shop agenda, the lack of our lawmakers to do their due diligence to educate themselves rather than accept misinformation, and the public for not doing their research.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness?
For Ridgebacks the beginning is at birth—show prospect ridge, pet ridge (short, more or less than two crowns or swirls), or ridge- less. Then we move on to the bites—do they scissor correctly. Next would be the constant checking for the dermoid sinus condition (similar to spina bifida in children) checking from a few weeks up to six plus months being very very careful to not pull on it which may dislodge it. It is a unique condition that requires delicate surgery because no two are alike. In my opinion this makes this puppy a pet and should not be put in the show ring nor used in anyone’s breed- ing program. Once they are on their legs and moving you can start stacking checking for angles front and rear, tail sets, toplines. What bothers me is to see a picture of a pup or young adult on facebook stacked or moving and read the glowing comments when it is so obvious that the specimen is not a show prospect according to the breed standard.
What is the most important thing about my breed for a new judge to keep in mind? This is a moving breed! They were bred to trot all day long, help hunt for dinner, and guard all night long. Therefore they must be correctly built, be in condition, and have good feet. In my opinion, the breed is in a slump and has been for more than a few years with the lack of correct fronts and weak rears. To quote the standard, “...the stride is efficient, long, free and unrestricted...”
When the judge sees a ring full of dogs all looking similar with the bad fronts, weak toplines, mismatched angles, etc the better specimen is the odd man out looking like a completely different breed. Not wanting to offend because they may not get more assign- ments a judge may well play it safe. I would like to see ribbons withheld. I can regretfully think of one occasion when I wish I had withheld.
What is the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? This is two questions. I personally do not want newcom- ers to come to Ridgebacks given the specimens that are in the ring today and given that most newcomers want the win and the ribbon rather than taking the breed seriously. Not every champion is wor- thy of being bred. In fact, most are not. There is a great deal to learn before anyone contemplates creating life. To attract newcomers to the sport? Let’s be polite, kind and ready to educate if the newcomer is willing to be quiet and listen in order to learn. Seems there are fewer people like this than in the past.
My ultimate goal for my breed? I believe any breeder’s goal should be to produce better each generation. This is assuming a person has a working knowledge of the breed standard, canine anatomy, pedigree research, and is able to honestly assess what is needed in a breeding.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Q & A
“I believe any breeder’s goal should be to produce better each generation. This is assuming a person has a working knowledge of the breed standard, canine anatomy, pedigree research, and is able to honestly assess what is needed in a breeding.”
ShowSight Magazine, February 2020 • 263