History of Diamondridge Rhodesian Ridgebacks

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We bought our first bitch in 1978, at that time it was quite difficult to obtain a ridgeback and many breeders had long waiting lists. Having waited so long, we decided that we should have a good one and we obtained our first bitch from Alex Dixon. Karla (Watersrand Wanda) was from a half brother half sister mating, her sire was the litter brother of the bitch breed record holder of the time Ch. Matabelle M’kangazi and her grandsire on both sides was that outstanding dog Ch. Kubwa Zuri Wazat, BOB Crufts ’74 and ’75. This dog carried American bloodlines and his progeny have been reintroduced into the line with success a number of times, he has been a profound influence.

Mated to Ch. Umtali M’Toto Karla produced litter brothers Diamondridge M’Kuki and Chokoza. D. M’Kuki or Biko as he was known was purchased by Sue Campbell (Nyassa) and was her foundation dog and an excellent sire. From a repeat mating there were litter sisters D. Kushika and D. Uzuri of Asante who luckily was returned to us as a 9 month old youngster due to her unruliness. She was bought by Brian and Lil Stanley and became the first Champion to emanate from the Asante kennel. D. Kushika was retained and was later joined by D. Chokoza who was needing a new home. D. M’Kuki and Chokoza mated to Rejan Tarka produced Ch. Shabani Mazoe and Ch. Shabani Kana who were the first two champions produced by this kennel. D. M’Kuki also sired Ch. Tukela Shona who won the bitch CC at Crufts on two occasions with BOB in ’96 and ’98 when she was nearly 11. She was the first champion for this kennel. Our D. Kushika was mated to Elvesland’s Gandolph a son of Ch. Mirengo’s Mandambo who was the Breed Record holder. This produced Ch. Diamondridge Daredevil for us.

It soon became apparent that we must buy a bitch of the correct conformation and type to continue the line and Voortrekker Lya Pompa of Diamondridge was obtained (Roseridge Regent of Matabelle ex. Ch. Matabelle Mayfair) who combined British, American and Rhodesian bloodlines. This mating produced our outstanding brood bitch brood bitch Diamondridge Royal Gold who became a new foundation for our line. 

From her first litter to Tukela Umgaza at Sofala, ex. Ch. Tukela Shona by Ch. Umtali Habwana (an Elvesland’s Gandolph son) we have produced Ch. Diamondridge Déjà vu who also won Best Bitch and CAC and CACIB at the French Club Show in Pontoise and was reserve Best Bitch at the RR Club of GB Golden Centenary show. 

We took advantage of the Pet Passport scheme to take Diamondridge Royal Gold to Europe to mate.  Her second litter was to the oustanding sire GB. Ch. Int. Nord. VDH. Ch. Aakemba King Astor Gi Fumo and we kept Ch. Diamondridge Desperado JW.

The other Champion progeny from this mating include  Int. Nord. Ch. Diamondridge Diplomat and  Ch. Ir. Ch. D. Dancing with Sofala .

For her last mating we took Royal Gold to Denmark where we met Int. Nord. Fr. Ch. Ukukhanya Scout the Red Baron.  Scout was from pure African bloodlines, his parents were exported to America and he was exported to Norway.  We first met Scout when Lindsey judged the Swedish Club Show and were so impressed he went Best in Show.  Ch. Diamondridge Donatello JW won 5CCs 2 with BOB. 1 with RBIS at a Breed Club Show, 4 RRCS including one at  at Crufts 2005.  His litter sister Diamondridge Debut has won 1CC so far.

To bring out the best of these successful matings we bred half brother Ch. Diamondridge Donatello JW to Ch. Diamondridge Deja vu this produced Diamondridge Misty Dawn.  Unfortunately after this mating Donatello became infertile and so she is very precious to us.

For her first mating we again looked abroad to use Swed. Ch. Tolasanas Sitanka who goes back to the bloodlines behind Lya Pompa.  We had a super litter and retained two bitches.  

Diamondridge Dalila who at 16 months won a Reserve CC and she has been Reserve Best in Show at the SRRA and RR Club of GB Open Show.  Unfortunately she is not so keen on showing so we mated her to Nyassa Adam and produced a fantastic litter from which Diamondridge Belladonna was retained.

Dalila's sister has turned into a great showgirl currently winning Diamondridge Dollissma 3CCs and 3RCCs.

Dalila's daughter, Diamondridge Belladonna was shown for a short time and but has now proved herself to be a great brood bitch.  We have also retained another daughter of Diamondridge Misty Dawn from her final litter with Ch. Diamondridge Bakari of Zebrariver who is proving to be a great character and showgirl, her name is Diamondridge Prima Donna.

For the future we will continue using the best bloodlines never compromising on temperament, type and soundness.