Our Rhodesian Ridgebacks

• Studio North's - Lela
• Studio North's - Kiya
• Studio North's - Jade

The Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Standard
• Elaboration
• Training

Conformation in Hound Group

Rhodesian Ridgebacks in the news!

"The Rhodesian Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline..."

Conformation

The sport of conformation is a misunderstood sport by those that only watch the Eukanuba or Westminster or any televised dog show. Conformation is nothing more than judging the best dog in its breed to perpetuate the strongest lines. This also creates genome diversity by allowing several judges interpret the standard to what is presented to them at dog shows.
The goal of any breeder is to create, in their line, breeding stock the produces a consistently accurate (to the breeds standard) littler of dogs.
In conformation, judging allows the breeder an opportunity to present their breeding stock to an educated, unbiased opinion.
Conformation Judges must pass a scrutiny of questions about a breed before they are eligible to be its judge. The nuances not seen as the judge is "going over" a dog is not appreciated by the television. Subtleties of the structure that can only be felt by hand - the strength and balance of the rear as the judge slightly pushes down on the hips as an example. In the Ridgeback, the Ridge is rarely, if ever seen on television and it is its most distinguished characteristic.
I recommend going to a local dog show, see for yourself, ask questions and most importantly observe the judge in the ring.