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Planung & Philosophie - was sie erwarten können

MY PHILOSOPHY, PLANNING - and the reasons behind it

From the very beginning, it has been my goal to continue this breed. It doesn't need to be "preserved"; it's not threatened with extinction, even if one sometimes wonders what has become of it or what will become of it.

My top priority is health, a typical temperament, and functionality. This always leads to finding the right partner and, in this union, continuing the bloodlines that gave us the origins of the Ridgebacks. All purebred Rhodesian Ridgebacks have their roots in Africa. I hope to see this reflected in the pedigree as well, as long as it is possible.

Since technology wasn't as well developed in the past, and some breeders are unfortunately unable to pass on their bloodlines to us in the form of frozen semen, only a few select breeders remain whose pedigrees contain this gift. Keep in mind that frozen semen from long-deceased males has not been subjected to laboratory testing by, for example, Laboklin, and in almost all cases are X-ray results or even health certificates available. Therefore, resorting to old lines also carries a very high risk.

A great characteristic of this breed is its pigment. RED WHEATEN. And it comes in many shades (from light to dark). There weren't LIGHT or DARK first; no one knows what color the first purebred Ridgeback was, but we do know where they came from and that they were anything but "uniform in color." They were a mixture of many dogs: shaggy, with white legs, bulky, or far too delicate. Quite diverse, in fact. Therefore, we can consider ourselves fortunate today that there are light (wheaten) dogs, as well as reddish-dark (red wheaten / dark red wheaten) dogs, and corresponding breeders of this breed. Every color has its appeal.

I put a lot of thought into planning my litters. I don't decide based on "who is closest" or where I can get to most easily. Many factors play a role, and if I don't feel comfortable with a plan, I might change it or temporarily modify it. Sometimes something simply comes up that makes mating impossible; for such cases, there's a "Plan A2."

WHAT I WANT? - What you should also want

If you're looking for a dog so you can work during the day and have a companion for sporting activities in the evening, the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed is not suitable for you.

This breed was bred to be a team player, to think for yourself, and to have a place in the pack, a sense of meaning and purpose. Especially with humans, they are an excellent companion.

From the very beginning, it was important to me that my Matobo Hills puppies only go places where 100% family connection is guaranteed and time is not an issue. It's unthinkable that they would be excluded from certain areas and stages of life or even locked up somewhere. I don't take away the dog's right or simply demand their responsibilities; I give them rights and see them as a loyal companion, friend, and four-legged friend. And of course, I remain the so-called "pack leader"; you can't make it too human. It is and remains an animal - with family status ♥

This breed was bred to be a team player, to think for yourself, and to have a place in the pack, a sense of meaning and purpose. Especially with humans, they are an excellent companion.

And yes, of course, it can be exhausting and demanding when a dog starts to think for itself, but it is an enrichment for its entire life (for both humans and dogs). So you have to consistently work to get it on the "right path" and keep it there. It will thank you with all its wonderful character traits, its spirit, and trust. And you won't achieve that if you leave it alone for hours every day.

Is a Rhodesian Ridgeback having problems, becoming too independent and self-centered? Then you've made a mistake somewhere or have been too careless and negligent. Their wonderful intelligence and attentiveness can sometimes be challenging. But when you see their expression, the waters are quickly calmed. ♥

They are raised with love, understanding, and consistency; they thank us with trust, reliability, and even more love.

And always remember:

✓ Teach them to be alone. Don't just demand it. Start with minutes... 4 hours is sufficient at most when he's an adult.

✓ Don't put him in a pet hotel, but take him with you on vacation to the seaside or the mountains.

✓ Don't simply spay/neuter him if training becomes difficult; stick with him through thick and thin...

✓ Give him a place near you; don't lock him in a dog run or even in a crate in the house. Caging is prohibited by law! Even during puppyhood.

✓ Don't overexert him during puppyhood. Riding a bike from the age of 2, as well as other activities. The breed is a late developer.

This is my wish for my puppies, and this philosophy is also reflected in my breeding.

WHERE DOES THE MATOBO HILLS PUPPY GROW UP? - and when can he leave home?

A Matobo Hills puppy is practically born into my hands. I lovingly support my dog during the birth of her puppies. My sleeping place is next to the whelping box throughout the entire puppy period. The birth, as well as the entire rearing process, takes place indoors. I don't use a garden shed or basement for this purpose, even though it would sometimes be more pleasant not to wake up next to the smelly little shits. ♥

My puppies are cared for 24/7. Even if unforeseen events or appointments arise, full-time care is provided for them.

When selecting puppy parents, one thing is paramount: only the right dog goes to the right family. There are no door-to-door sales or dubious discounts for particularly late arrivals. Puppies that stay longer aren't ones that no one wants, but simply puppies who are still waiting for the right home, or whose parents/breeders had to change their minds at the last minute. That happens, too. ♥

My puppy parents and puppy buyers can rely on my selection. I receive a detailed "wish list" from my prospective buyers in advance, and based on this, I introduce them to the right family member(s). I live with the little ones 24/7, learning and studying their personalities and needs, and then I can best decide where they fit best.

Matobo Hills is quarantined from birth. No visitors are allowed until they are four weeks old. The risk of illness or the spread of viruses, which can lead to death at this age, is too great. Hygiene is important to me, but we don't live a sterile life. From five weeks onward, after prior planning and allocation, our prospective puppies and their parents are allowed to visit. Everyone gets enough time to observe the hustle and bustle and to cuddle.

It goes without saying that my puppies are regularly dewormed and only leave home vaccinated (with a pet passport). Of course, only with the appropriate Matobo Hills starter kit ♥ They can move out at the age of 8 weeks.

Since MATOBO HILLS Rhodesian Ridgebacks are now resident in France, the puppies will receive an FCI-recognized pedigree from La Société Centrale Canine (SCC) upon or after their departure.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or WhatsApp.

Yours, Alexandra Erb

Personal note: You will NOT find Matobo Hills puppies and their litter announcements in classifieds or special online platforms such as My Animal World.

I do not breed according to fashionable trends. From the very beginning, I breed according to my taste and my ideas. The wishes of the puppy buyers have no influence here.

The Matobo Hills kennel is a hobby breeder registered as an official breeder in France! Registered and inspected. Payment of dues and taxes is a matter of course for me.