Customer Reviews

The Complete Rhodesian Ridgeback (Book of the Breed)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Ridgebacks are not easy dogs, and this book helps you understand that. Little things like explaining why your Ridgeback will retrieve a ball once or twice, but then get board unlike many popular canines is very helpful. This is a great book to help a person get to know the breed, but if you already have a Ridgeback I hope and pray that there is nothing in here that you don't already know. I have raised, trained, and have shown two Ridgebacks and I love the breed more than many other breeds I have worked with. As always the best place to learn about a dog is talking to a respected breeders, trainers, and handlers, but this book is helpful with understanding the important background of this great breed.

Very good book if you are geared toward showing your dog. Or if you were really interested in the the lineage of the breed in three countries. For the novice recipient of such an awesome
dog, I found it completely lacking in real world advice, save for one chapter. I guess I should have bought " ridgebacks for dummies" because this book mostly went over my head. The content was well written, though. The Authors know the breed.

For anyone considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback this book is a must read. It covers the history of the breed from Africa, Europe and the United States with detailed information on noted breeders in each country. Great information regarding breed specifications from markings to growth patterns.

I wish I had ordered a book on training rather than an abridged history on the breed itself. The author should have devoted a chapter to raising and training your new puppy from a first-time owner's point of view.

Not the best choice for someone researching the breed or living with their first ridgeback. The entire text needs expansion and updating; sections on training and health matters were completely lacking in any meaningful content.

This book was very complete and had lots of good information for the uneducated Rhodesian Ridgeback owner. The pictures and information were all first rate - however somewhat dated. Lots of good info on raising and breeding ridgebacks too.

As the owner of two Ridgebacks, I read this book awhile ago. I reread it recently and there are many out of date subjects. It explains that puppies born with Dermoids or Ridgeless should be put to sleep. I bought a puppy to discover that he had 3 large Dermoids. Many vets do this operation now. Dermoids surgery is anywhere from $150-500. What is the matter with a Ridgeless puppy? Nothing. At least find a good home for the puppy. Many people dont mind a ridgeless. Out dated vaccination info. I recommend Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by DR Pitcairn.

The authors advocate killing puppies born without a ridge. Why not spend your money elsewhere?

I read this book and spoke with Janet before buying my RR and consider it completely prepared me for ownership. Dog training I learned elsewhere as this is common to all breeds rather than specific to the RR or this book.

The book is written by a very experienced RR breeder in the UK and is a pleasure to read. I recommend it to anyone considering an RR who wants to gain a broad background description of character traits, requirements and history of the breed.