Waarheid Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Promoting the Total
Rhodesian Ridgeback
"Function First, True to Type"
Hunting Companion, Cattle Drover, Farm and Family Guardian
A word about health
With all the discussion in these various programs about "this breeding priority", or "that breeding priority" the question may arise, "What about health? Shouldn't that be your first priority?" Indeed, many breeders claim to breed for health, first and foremost. To be frank, these breeders are talking out of the sides of their necks.
Firstly, no breeder (regardless of what they may claim) can truly guarantee the health of any of their whelps. Sorry, they just can't, it's just not possible. What a conscientious breeder can and will do however is analyze pedigrees for known health issues, perform extensive health screenings on their breeding stock, and follow up with their placements to keep their finger on the pulse of the health of their line. A good breeder will do these things. However, there are no magic wands, and even the best breeder, despite their best efforts, will occasionally produce a dog with a heritable health issue.
Secondly, we have encountered innumerable dog people. We've encountered those seeking the highest quality for Show, or Herding instincts, or Search & Rescue abilities, or Hunting instincts, or Speed, or Strength, or Retrieving or Pointing Instincts, or Bidibility, or Desire to Pull, or Quality of nose, and countless other priorities in selecting prospective puppies/dogs. But not one of them - not a single one - has ever, in the next breath said, "Oh yes, and I'd like the dog to be sick as well."
For any breeder to claim that they are breeding for health is absurd. Health is a red-herring. Amoung all dog breeders of any conscience, selecting for healthy stock is foregone. Everyone - show exhibitor, houndsman, shepherd, K9 police handler, even the simple pet owner - everyone wants a healthy dog.
For more information, please visit the Rhodesian Ridgeback Health and Genetics website.