Breeding Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Ridgebacks are a relatively new breed to our farm. We've had the company of Labrador Retrievers for the last 22 years. Whether in the show ring, in the field, a mum with puppies or on the sofa they were the ultimate breed. Or so I thought!

I never imagined another breed could replace the Labrador but the Rhodesian Ridgeback is quickly winning my heart.

With their incredible intelligence, stoic stare and beautiful movement something mesmerizes you when watching them. Canadian Champion Kopera's Shining Gem aka "Penny" is our first female. She has surpassed all expectations. With multiple group wins and her Canadian Championship under her collar, Penny produced eight gorgeous puppies in August 2004. Dad is from Texas, American Champion Juba-Lee's What About Bob.  Penny bounced back into shape quickly and all the puppies but one went to eager new owners, except "Bones", whom we kept for ourselves. 

At Conifer Ridge Farm we breed for quality not quantity. We produce healthy, intelligent outgoing puppies. These puppies are family companions, agility & obedience dogs, conformation show dogs or all of the above. They love life!

More About the Rhodesian Ridgeback...reprinted through the kind permission of Kalahari Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

"The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally called the South African Lion Hound because they were famous for their use in hunting the "King of Beasts". Although RRs were multipurpose farm and hunting dogs, it was their association with big games hunters like Cornelius van Royen and Selous that brought them the most attention.  

Now, while the lion is among the most ferocious of cats, that does not mean the Ridgeback is also fierce. Many breeds of hunting dogs are very keen when after their quarry, but are gentle companions to people. Black and Tan Coonhounds, Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Borzoi - the Russian Wolfhound - all these breeds are used to hunt and no one would think twice about lumping their temperaments with their quarry! The lovable little Dachshund is a formidable hunter of badger but lives quite happily in our homes.

What you need to understand is HOW the RR was used by hunters. In those early days, the hunters did not have powerful guns, instead they had to be within 50 yards of a lion to kill it. A lion is very fast and can cover 50 yards in about 3 seconds, so the hunter needed a dog that would keep the lion's attention on it and away from him. The dog would also have to be smart, agile and cautious enough to stay out of reach of the lion's claws. This is why the Ridgeback must be athletic - supple and fast.

Baying lions was not the Ridgebacks only job on the veldt, they had to guard and herd the stock that went along on the hunting treks. There weren't any fast food stops along the way! The wagons were pulled by oxen, there were also cattle and goats for both meat and milk and horses to ride. The new settlers had farms that needed protecting from marauding predators and a dog who could fetch a downed bird or gazelle for the dinner table as well. The Ridgeback was often the breed of choice."

Autumn on the Ridge...

All our dogs are born on our family farm, Conifer Ridge.  They begin their lives in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings of a real, old fashioned farm in the rolling hills of rural Nova Scotia.  We'd like to share with you the ever changing vista of fall leaves as seen from the Ridge; click your mouse on any picture to enlarge and enjoy the breathtaking colour...

Week One - 2nd week of October - the first tinges of red colour on the maples...
Week Two - 3rd week of October - now the sugar maples are turning yellow and then orange...
Week Three - colours are muted on this overcast day, but the fields and many trees such as oak and beech are also still quite green due to the unusually warm fall we've been having...
And finally the golds; a few late maples, the beech and oak turn yellow as November begins.  It's sad to see the last of the leaves, but hey, now we can look forward to SNOW!