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q&A
nance. Much thanks is due to NAIA, CFA, AKC and FAKC for their assistance and support. Also during this time I was selling my house and planning a move to Sarasota, Florida, where I now live. Besides my dogs, I enjoy reading, especially historical fic- tion and prowling the antique and salvage shops of Sara- sota. I also have returned to needlepoint, which had been a passion of mine in the 1970s when I worked in a shop, taught classes and authored instructional pamphlets for Leisure Arts. Even though I’m a retired educator the pro- cess continues in the dog world. 1. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Ridgebacks? What do you consider the ulti- mate hallmark of the breed? I first look at the outline. Does it look like a Ridgeback? The outline should have balance. This General Appear- ance, size, symmetry and balance is 15 points of the Stan- dard. Next is the ridge, 20 points and the hallmark of the breed. I check down and then back for any undisclosed swirls or crowns. Combine the head, neck, shoulders, body, back, chest, loin and gait and you have another 45 points and another 15 points with legs and feet. I believe you have to judge the whole dog. This should be a hand- some, upstanding and athletic dog bred to trot (efficiently and unrestricted) all day long, and guard all night long. 2. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? It’s hard to forgive anything that takes away from “hand- some” and “upstanding”. One of my pet peeves is the tail carriage. The tail is 2 points yet there are a number in the ring with tails up in the air rather than carried correctly which is with a slight curve upward. Head carriage should also be slightly above topline. A less-than- handsome head if the body attached is acceptable can be forgiven. Coat and color is 3 points and the range of wheaten from a cream to a dark deep red (not Irish red) demonstrates the wide range of shades. The fault I find hard to forgive is the lack of a front— straight shoulder, short upper arm moved too far for- ward, round bulging muscles all of which will impede correct movement. I believe this is becoming a problem in the breed. Movement in many of them is not correct. There is a lack of correct reach and drive while covering ground. Instead many are not reaching to their nose like they should. 3. How has the breed changed since you became involved with it? Do you see any trends you think are moving the breed in the wrong direction? Any traits becoming exaggerated? If I knew what I was supposed to be looking at in the beginning I would be better able to say how I think the breed has changed. I do see a few trends that concern me though. One thing I notice is the shortening of the upper arm and its movement forward. The upper arm should be the same length as the scapula and the return should be such that the dog stands under himself. There should be a prosternum with some front fill. It seems there is either not enough or too much. The front and rear angles are not 90 degrees but neither should they tend to be as open
as a true sighthound. The topline should be level and not sloping as I also have seen. Size is another issue. Bigger is not necessarily better. While there is no disqualifica- tion the Standard does state dogs should be 25"-27" and 85 pounds. Bitches should be 24"-26" and 70 pounds. A little more or less is, in my opinion, acceptable but a dog should not be so big as to impair movement. Remember, there should be a balance between power and elegance. 4. Do you feel the Ridgeback should have a racier more sighthound like build or a more solid Mastiff- like build? Definitely NOT a Mastiff-like build. This would impede movement. See previous comments on size. 5. Do you see Ridgebacks as sighthounds, big game hunters, or utilitarian farm dogs? When you study the history of the breed you see they were capable of all three. The Ridgeback is an all purpose dog. 6. Is there anything Ridgeback handlers do you wish they would not? This used to be an owner/handler breed when I began. We now have a number of handlers coming from other breeds who think a Ridgeback should be shown like a Doberman or a Lab or a Golden with tail up and head up and they race around the ring. Show the dog on a loose lead at an easy pace. This is not a footrace. For the novice owner/handler please do not rush up on the person ahead of you nor slap your feet. Go to a good handling class and learn to present your dog. 7. Name a dog not currently being shown that exempli- fies your ideal type. Unfortunately all of my old annuals are still packed away awaiting the completion of my new little kennel; but two dogs that come to mind from my beginnings as I was trying to learn about the breed are BISS Ch. Gitano of Raintree. He was a very imposing dog who exemplified handsomeness. Whether I would agree today I do not know as with knowledge acquired opinions are altered. I did see him in person and I still remember how imposing and handsome he appeared. The other dog I only saw in pictures. It was MBIS Ch. Kwetu’s Luke Blackburn and many of the ads showed him moving. I remember think- ing then, ‘Aha! That is how a Ridgeback should move— effortlessly, efficiently and ground covering.’ 8. Describe the Rhodesian Ridgeback in three words Handsome, Upstanding, Athletic. 9. What advice would you give a novice exhibitor? Hopefully the dog has been purchased from a reputable and responsible breeder who is there to mentor the new exhibitor. However, if not, do not be discouraged. Men- toring can come from many sources. Be willing to learn. Be quiet and LISTEN and read everything you can find about your breed. There is so much to learn that I don’t believe an exhibitor that is truly interested can have an opinion for a number of years. Ask questions. Answers will vary but you will be able to discern what is impor- tant. If your only concern is the win, the ribbon, then you are doing the breed a great disservice. 10. What is the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show?
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