Buying a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
- abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
- abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC screening scheme for eye disease. DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
- the scheme checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Cancers
- various
- Dermoid sinus
- birth defect associated with the ‘ridge’ of reversed hair growth along the back. Severe cases can involve the spinal cord and be fatal.
- GDV – Gastro dilatation/volvulus (‘bloat’)
- stomach fills with air and twists, can be fatal
- Hypothyroidism
- underactive thyroid gland, causing weight gain and lethargy
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- DM – degenerative myelopathy
- progressive weakness of back legs
- Haemophilia
- blood clotting disorder
- JME – juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- twitching or seizures in young dogs
Some laboratories offer tests for other rare inherited diseases in Ridgebacks.
Other Tests
- Responsible breeders check puppies for dermoid sinus before sale