Kiwara Ridgebacks

12/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cwe59sqs6/

Yes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent dogs, but their intelligence shows up a bit differently than in breeds that live to please their owners.

They’re strong problem solvers. Ridgebacks were bred to think on their own while tracking and holding large game, so they’re good at assessing situations and making decisions without waiting for direction. That independent streak is a sign of real intelligence, even if it doesn’t always look like quick obedience.

They learn commands quickly, but they don’t blindly follow them. If a Ridgeback thinks a command doesn’t make sense, it may pause or ignore it. This often gets mistaken for stubbornness. In reality, they’re evaluating whether the request is worth doing.

They’re emotionally aware and observant. Ridgebacks tend to read people well and often form tight bonds with their family. Many owners notice they pick up routines fast and remember past experiences clearly.

Training works best with consistency and respect. Harsh repetition usually backfires, while calm structure, short sessions, and rewards keep them engaged. Once trained properly, they remember lessons for a long time.

So yes, they’re intelligent, just not in a robotic way. If you like a dog that thinks for itself and acts with purpose, a Rhodesian Ridgeback fits that profile well.

12/19/2025

Happy Belated Birthday to Billie and her siblings!!

12/08/2025

Our Princess is gone ... I know that everyone with pets knows how it feels but you are really never prepared for the wave of emotions and guilt. Were you a good enough pet parent? 13.5 years old and it is never long enough.

11/18/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AN9rkRcxm/

🐾 Every breeder knows this moment, that little buzz on your phone a few days after a puppy goes home.

The message starts sweet, “we love him, but…”

And you already know what’s coming next. But he barks. But he nips. But he cries at night. But he’s just “a lot.”

And it breaks your heart a little every time, because what they’re describing isn’t a “problem.”

It’s a puppy.

A baby learning the world outside of their mom and littermates. They’re confused, overstimulated, excited, and scared…sometimes all at once. And that’s normal.

But people today want easy.

People want the version they see online…the one that sits calmly, never chews a shoe, and somehow knows “sit” by eight weeks.

They forget that behind every well-mannered dog is someone who put in the work, the patience, the boundaries, the grace.

People want the love without the learning curve.

Even the most beautifully raised puppies don’t come pre-programmed. They come ready to grow with you. To learn your rhythms, your tone, your energy. They don’t need perfection, they need patience.

Some people confuse an easy puppy with a good one. But the truth is, every puppy is good they’re just new. And new things are messy before they’re magical.

As breeders, we see it all. We comfort the ones who come back scared, unsure, wondering what they did wrong. We remind them softly, “you didn’t do anything wrong, baby.” Because it’s never their fault that someone wasn’t ready for the hard parts that make the best parts possible.

Raising a puppy isn’t instant. It’s sleepless nights, puddles on the floor, little teeth on fingers, and the sweetest bond you’ll ever build.

A puppy isn’t a project, or a phase, or something to “try.” It’s a commitment. A piece of your heart on four legs. If you’re not ready for the messy parts of puppyhood, that’s okay. Just wait until you can give your whole heart.

Because these little souls deserve nothing less 💜 🐾

Shared from another breeder 🐾

10/21/2025

Well said

****Shared****
My purchase of a well bred purebred did not sentence another dog to death.

My purchase of a well bred purebred did not cause an increase in the number of dogs in shelter.

Me wanting a dog with a predictable temperament from healthy lineage did not cause another dog to not get adopted.

My meticulous research and support of only the most responsible of breeders is not the problem. It is not what you should be mad at. It is not what you should be pushing the blame onto.

I am not the one who brought these dogs into the world irresponsibly and left them in a shelter. Responsible breeders are not the ones who put dogs into shelters either.

It is my home, my life, and my choice of what kind of dog to bring into it. Maybe I needed a working dog, a sport dog, or simply a companion puppy to raise of a breed I enjoy. No matter the reason, my choice to support a reputable breeder did not send a shelter dog to its death.

A breeder who health tests, temperament tests, studies pedigrees, proves a dog worthy of being bred, and only breeds when doing so is of benefit to the breed is not contributing to the number of homeless dogs.

The number of homeless dogs in the world is a problem, but it is not a problem exacerbated by reputable breeders and those who purchase from them.

Your neighbor down the street who refuses to contain his unaltered dogs IS contributing to the problem.

Your friend who impulse bought a dog at PetLand IS contributing to the problem.

That guy on Craigslist pumping out the trendiest designer mix as fast as he can IS contributing to the problem.

Your relative who just HAS to let their dog have one litter “so she can experience motherhood” or because “she’s just so sweet” IS contributing to the problem.

Your old high school classmate who bought a high energy working breed without taking the time to research its needs and realize it was not a good fit for their household ahead of time IS contributing to the problem.

A reputable breeder offers their lifelong support. A reputable breeder would never allow their dogs to end up in a shelter to begin with. A reputable breeder makes it a contractual obligation to return dogs they have produced back to them should you find yourself unable of keeping it.

It is understandable to be angry about the number of homeless dogs in the world, but if you take a deeper look, you will find your anger is misplaced.

If you take a deeper look, you will find reputable breeders and those of us who purchase from them are just as angry, we are just pointing fingers at the right causes.

*Shared*

08/25/2025

Great News! The most up to date Thyroid results for Billie's OFA testing came back and we are ready to Breed!! We will keep you updated when we have more information for you.

08/05/2025

Happy 8th Birthday to Chilli and her siblings!!