A well bred Rhodesian Ridgeback should have multiple health tests to include:
OFA hips graded fair, good or excellent (with fair hips, there should be a strong history behind of goods/excellents)
OFA elbows normal
Cardiac exam
Thyroid panel graded as NORMAL (thyroid disease is BIG in this breed, so please look at this!)
CERF exam on the eyes
****Pet puppies come with spay/neuter contracts.
****Pick show quality usually comes with showing and/or performance requirements. These pups MAY also come with a co-own agreement.
Pet vs. show???
Puppies are designated pet quality for many reasons, cosmetic and otherwise:
--excess white on the body or above the foot/toes.
--imperfect ridge (more or less than two symmetrical crowns, short length, etc) or no ridge existing at all
--bite problems
--tail kinks
--dermoid sinus (this is surgically removed before the pup goes to its new home)
--excess black in the coat
Prices of ridgebacks:
Prices vary according to region more than anything. Puppies tend to be higher on the east and west coasts, generally starting from $1200-$1500 for pet quality. Breeding/show quality starts at $1300 and can reach $2500.
This is not a money making endeavor for any good breeder, it is a passion for this breed. Proving breeding stock by finishing Championships, completing appropriate health tests along the way, stud fees, and rearing puppies correctly for 8++ weeks is not cheap. Many breeders travel great distances to the stud dog of their choice, or use reproductive vets and shipped semen at a high cost. A good breeder spends endless hours watching over and socializing puppies while in their care, and more hours interviewing and searching for good homes. Good breeders are commited to each puppy for it's life well beyond 8 weeks. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Purchasing a dog that comes from a line of health tested/cleared dogs is priceless. One can EASILY spend way more dealing with later health problems than on the upfront cost. And puppy mills are a concern in this breed. Consider this when selecting a breeder, as having one that can guide you along the way is an invaluable asset throughout the puppy's lifetime. Not to mention, sound temperament is of the utmost importance in ANY breed.
Our prices: $1500 ++ depending on litter quality; pick of the litter of superior quality will REQUIRE show contract. Prices determined upon 8 week evaluation of the litter.
