Page 269 - ShowSight - February 2020

Rhodesian Ridgeback Q & A
“When I first acquired a Ridgeback, I knew nothing about the breed, even though I had had dogs my whole life. In fact, rescuing a “ridgeless” Ridgeback pup back in the late 1970’s from a pound, did not enlighten me either. In- stead, I was struck by just those characteristics that aptly describe Ridgeback virtues: regal, loyal, protective, ath- letic, self-cleaning, stoic, steadfast companions who can think for themselves. “
Is there anything else I’d like to share about my breed? I believe they are the world’s best breed. Honestly, I do. They are the best dogs I’ve ever owned, and I truly find them special. They changed my life, they make my life more fulfilling, and I’m sure there are countless people out there who share my sentiment.
ROBERT L. RUSSELL
He has bred top stud dogs who have sired many BIS RRs, in the USA, Australia, and Poland and has placed Foundation
Bitches who have excelled both in the show ring and in the whelp- ing box with breeders in the USA and Canada. Currently a promis- ing show-quality bitch is maturing out in France, to compete in the show ring and as a brood bitch. Parnassus has produced over 30 USA Champions to date and con- tinues to showcase exemplars of the breed in the show ring.
I live outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a small town named Mukwonago. My residence, named Arbor Place, was the girl’s dorm and principal’s residence of a school, Boyesen School, that was founded in the 1890’s in Chicago, but moved here over time, by Norwegian Immigrants. When I purchased this home, the first thing I did was fence in the 1.6 acres with four board Horse fenc- ing so the Parnassus Ridgebacks could play freely on the grounds. And, of course, that was just the beginning of my handiwork on the home—an architectural gem, I have spent much of my spare time the last ten years refurbishing it. My hope is to submit it for consid- eration to the Historical Society.
In addition to the work on the home, I have a fairly large veg- etable garden I work spring through the fall, and spend the rest of my time reading and writing, no longer in my academic area (psy- chology) but in fiction and poetry.
Am I interested in making Ridgebacks more popular? No, but rather in preserving the form and function of our breed. Having owned Ridgebacks since 1978, and being a careful observer of their participation in the Fancy, it is quite evident that it is difficult enough to maintain and improve type, cement proper structural form, and distinguish a kennel, never mind promoting their popu-
larity. Living below the popular radar is probably a good thing for our breed.
What about my breed makes them an ideal companion? When I first acquired a Ridgeback, I knew nothing about the breed, even though I had had dogs my whole life. In fact, rescuing a “ridge- less” Ridgeback pup back in the late 1970’s from a pound, did not enlighten me either. Instead, I was struck by just those character- istics that aptly describe Ridgeback virtues: regal, loyal, protective, athletic, self-cleaning, stoic, steadfast companions who can think for themselves. Not one to hunt with them, I nevertheless witnessed my pup’s agility, stamina, fearlessness, and cunning on more than one occasion when game had inadvertently crossed his path, when out hiking or fishing (oh yes—if he couldn’t catch a fish or crab in the ocean, he was sure to retrieve one from the bait pail of an unsuspecting surf fisherman some one or two hundred yards away!). This was the dog for me! Subsequently, and after much research, I selected a female, ridged liver-nosed RR in 1990...a pup who soon became famous in the RR Fancy and basically taught me what I know today.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Selection of a pup from a litter is always a challenge, an educated gamble, a promissory that can and cannot come true. If I have to select early, I like to assess them closely between six and nine weeks old, on the stack and on the go. Knowledge of the maturational trajectory of your line helps considerably, and of course, which one attracts your eye over and over again, from the early weeks through to the decision time.
Are there any misconceptions? My main concern for Ridgebacks is the loss of a properly angled front assembly (too many straight fronts), maintenance of good bone, strong skeletal structure and muscling (the words refined, slight, pretty, dainty do not appear in our standard; conversely, nor does coarse or common), and the propensity to over angulate rears.
My main recommendation for new (and experienced) judges? Is to look through the dog to their skeletal structure....is it of the correct type (in mass, shape, and angles) for the functions the dog was bred to perform? Does its overlay of muscle connote a strong, sound, fit, upstanding dog? And to remember to ask, what would the best breeders in the breed want to go to this Special for....in other words, what exactly is Special about this Special. Secondly, at the proper speed (it is not a foot race), can this dog cover ground effortlessly with proper reach and drive.
What is my ultimate goal for my breed? I would very pleased if in the next decade or two, when a new ‘definitive book’ about RRs appears, Parnassus was recognized as a kennel that helped to pre- serve and perfect Ridgebacks, in relation to our Standard.
ShowSight Magazine, February 2020 • 267