Breed Information

There are any number of web sites on which you can find breed information about Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  Listed below are some of them:

National Clubs & Governing Bodies

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States ("RRCUS") is the key informative body for breeders and exhibitors of Ridgebacks in the USA.  The organization is member-based and sponsors health and genetics, event results and scheduling, training and other member seminars. 

Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue does a remarkable job making sure that Ridgebacks in need find new, caring homes.  AND as part of its charter, Rescue provides key educational information about the breed before people obtain a Ridgeback.

The American Kennel Club ("AKC") is the key focal point for information about purebred dogs.  Event calendars and information seminars are only a small part of the information you can discover by browsing this site.  The AKC sponsors and promotes dog events such as the conformation (show) ring, obedience and performance events such as lure coursing, agility and tracking where Ridgeback (and other breed) owners exhibit their animals.

For Ridgeback owners interested in lure coursing events beyond those sponsored by the AKC, the American Sighthound Field Association ("ASFA") web site is a must visit.  While the coursing may seem the same to your dogs, ASFA qualifications and rules differ from those of the AKC and its certifications and awards are added to your dog's accomplishments


Publications of Interest

The Ridgeback  (RRCUS).  The official publication of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.

The Ridgeback Quarterly (Hoflin Publishing).  An independent magazine containing breeder interviews and directory, special features and certain show results.

The Ridgeback Register (LyonsDen Inc.). A magazine published five times a year with articles about owner-handling and other special features.


Ridgeback Pedigrees
The POST site (Pedigree Online Search Tool) is maintained for the benefit of the breed by Clayton Heathcock, Brenda Bohan Surin, Nelda Vaughn, Phyllis & Erik Wendelboe.  It is an invaluable tool in locating some of the more critical information you need to know about your Ridgeback's background.  The pedigrees of nearly 14,000 Rhodesian Ridgebacks have been entered into the POST database.

Test Results
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ("OFFA") - If you would like to know the test results for any Rhodesian Ridgeback who has been or will be bred, this site is a must.  The site also offers substantial information about various diseases that impact any breed.  To search, you will need the AKC registration number for the specific animal, but the search interface is self-explanatory and the test results are independent.  If you want to know specific test results about any Ridgeback, don't rely on what you hear, go to OFFA to see the actual test results.