As I see it

After having really enjoyed judging the Swedish specialty 2007 at Vasteras and having judged Rhodesian ridgebacks in fifteen countries at Championship Show level, I will give my opinion of the present state of the Swedish Rhodesian ridgeback, AS I SEE IT. 

Individual interpretation

Having shown dogs for 25 years, and judged for 17 years, it is clear that judges will never agree on the placing of dogs, because the breed standard is open to individual interpretation and each judge will have his/ hers own personal priorities for what is, or is not acceptable to him/ her. After all, if all judges would put up the same dogs, would we keep going to the shows? Knowing that the same dog was going to win all the time, I think not! You pay your money and take your chance -one day, a judge goes for the super ridge, nice head and shiny red-wheaten coat, presenting a lovely picture, the next day a different judge will put up the dog that has the best movement, and another day a judge will go for the correctly constructed dog, in his/her eyes. Some dogs are lucky enough to appeal to all three judges, others won't. We have all seen it happen - you pay your money, and take your chance. I am sure this description I will give you of the Rhodesian ridgebacks I have judged and observed at your specialty will cause some people to say, "What the f??k is he talking about, and what does he know anyway!!" But keep in mind, it is only one judge's opinion. 

Temperament

I always believe in starting with the positive, and without a doubt, temperament seems to be excellent in the Swedish population. Some could be more self-assured. I have not come across any nasty or exceptionally wary Rhodesian ridgeback in my judging. You are truly fortunate in the breed, and I hope the Swedish breeders continue to keep the wonderful temperaments the breed possesses, and keep it as their number one priority when breeding. I know there is always the odd dog someone will cite as being untrustworthy or skittish, but I am talking in general terms which I shall do throughout. 

Type

The breed type, body-construction and their presentation is also of very high quality. Well trained, well muscled, healthy, clean, shiny, handsome, upstanding and well presented Rhodesian ridgebacks seem to be the order of the day. Ridges and coat textures are excellent, with very few having a bit soft coats (probably washed just before entering the show). Depth of chests, length of ribs, that are well sprung, are very good, with excellent toplines. This good deep rib cage is essential for the ridgebacks to possess, if he is to have the heart and lung room that they require. A few dogs are tending to be on the square side, we should remember always the rectangular hunting dog! Some were an inch over the breedstandard, I don’t see size as a problem. Some had the not desired strong tuck-up. In general I have been pleased with heads and muzzles, with good stops. I saw a number of ridgebacks with very big ears, some were set to low. I think this is a development in the breed that needs our attention, the breed should not be changed!

Movement and handling

Movement is also of concern to me, with many dogs being restricted in front due to poor angle of the upper arm. However I have the opinion, this is the biggest area of concern/ improvement in your dogs. Some of your dogs have an excellent fore-chest, nevertheless the problem with the upper arm also occurs in these specimens. In Holland, the United Kingdom and Croatia I have noticed that shoulder placement and upper arm are very good, and so therefore was the front movement. Hindquarters show many dogs with good turn in the stifle. Some were over angulated in the rear, some were lacking in drive or exhibiting a high kicking gait. At my recent assignment in Scotland I saw some very good balanced movers. These ridgebacks were offspring of UK- and Scandinavian lines!!! Many of your ridgebacks have excellent muscle-tone!  I enjoyed the ones with that smooth, long reaching, ground covering correct movement. The need for some exhibitors to move their dogs at break-neck speed and with a lifted head with pulled short lead, I feel is done, as many of my colleagues seem to believe that the faster the dog moves around the ring, the better it must be. Often this is not the case, if these dogs are moved at a normal trot or pace, you suddenly realize why their owners/ handlers are moving them so fast.  They are hiding faults more often than not! Please take your dog around with a loose lead, the head level and the neck bend forward and at a speed the dog can show his capacities. I was also impressed with the large entry I received. I feel that the Swedish population in general is of excellent quality. However I advise you to aim at improvement in fronts. Always take a close look at what you are breeding, and be critical of yourselves and your breeding program. Please cooperate with other breeders that have that special part you need for your line. 

What do I look for?

A long, strong, agile and lean dog with a good depth of chest and length to the ribcage. Well placed shoulders and matching rear angulation, which should give the dog an effortless free flowing movement. The head should be strong, the ears not to big and set rather high, an eye colour that tones with the coat, giving the Rhodesian ridgeback that wonderful expression. The colour of coat is not important to me. I also don’t try to find the best ridge, it must be long enough and I accept a slight offset. For me it is the overall quality that counts! 

Yours is the best!

I think its time to end this overview with the following. Your dog and that from other exhibitors will have his day. Some will have it more often than others, but keep it all into perspective. You all go home from the show with the very best Rhodesian ridgeback - well, at least I do!!!!!!

Haghorst, august 2007

Jan Coppens