FAREWELL BARBARA KWETU RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS

by Dorothy McGoldrick Villagedogs

Barbara Sawyer-Brown, a renowned figure in the world of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, has spent over six decades owning, loving, showing, breeding, and raising our breed. In addition, she has judged both Rhodesian Ridgebacks and other breeds all over the world. Barbara served as a Mentor for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) and was the National Director of Ridgeback Rescue of the U.S. (RRUS).

Throughout her life, Barbara’s dedication to Rhodesian Ridgebacks was unwavering, and her expertise in the field earned her widespread respect. She was known for her kind and generous nature, and many young breeders looked up to her as a mentor. The Kwetu Rhodesian Ridgebacks kennel, owned by Barbara, has produced dogs that have served as the foundation for numerous other kennels, with their bloodlines appearing in the pedigrees of Champions all over the world.

Although she started exhibiting her own dogs as an owner-handler in 1969, Barbara’s show career was cut short due to health issues. Later when asked if she had any regrets, she said “The only loss that I feel, after being left disabled by a stroke, is the loss of being able to show my own dog, now.”

We have crossed paths many times, usually at Ridgeback events like RR World Congresses or US National Specialty shows. However, one occasion stands out in my memory: the 73rd RRCUS National Specialty and the 2004 Rhodesian

Ridgeback World Congress held at the Southwark Ranch in Dallas, Texas. It was mid-September, and the weather was hot.

During that event, Barbara shared with me that, just a month earlier, she had experienced a second stroke, which was thankfully less severe than the first. The RRCUS committee was concerned about her ability to judge, especially given the intense heat, but she persisted. Over the next three days, Barbara judged 374 Ridgebacks under the scorching sun. Her love for the breed was apparent in the way she engaged with each dog, and her commitment to excellence was reflected in her discerning eye as a judge. As a mere spectator, I found it to be a significant learning experience. It was truly remarkable.

In honour of her memory, I would like to share an article What About ”White”? that Barbara Sawyer-Brown wrote for, and was first published by, the The Ridgeback in 2004. Her article addressed important yet often overlooked issues in the breed and her ability to accurately predict the future direction of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. If her observations from over 20 years ago still hold true today, it speaks volumes about her knowledge and understanding of the breed.

Barbara Sawyer-Brown’s contributions to the world of Rhodesian Ridgebacks were marked by her pursuit of excellence, her dedication to mentorship, and her kind nature. Her absence will be felt deeply within the Rhodesian Ridgeback community.

Written by Barbara Sawyer-Brown Kwetu Rhodesian Ridgebaks

WHAT ABOUT ”WHITE”?

What about white markings on a Rhodesian Ridgeback? The AKC Standard states “A little white on the chest and toes permissible but excessive white there, on the belly or above the toes is undesirable.”

The Elaboration explains: “Our standard does not condemn white. Some white is permissible and excessive white is not desirable. Small socks and white on the chest on an otherwise typey, sound dog should not eliminate him from consideration. The scale of points allows 5 points out of 100 to Coat and Color. Emphasis should be placed on the general conformation.” To quote from Maj. T.C. Hawley’s definitive work THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK, “We must, at all costs, avoid a fetish that white is taboo.”

So .... even though there is a limit placed on the amount of white, this does not mean that a complete absence of white is more desirable. I have too often watched a judge examine a quality RR, who happens to have four feet with white toes or a really typey, sound RR with a short white sock on one foot, and then walk back to the table to review the standard in regard to white, and this is fine as long as he does not resume judging with dismissal of the RR with the white ... unless he has found one he likes better.

The only serious faults in our breed standard are ridge related. Excessive white should be treated as any other undesirable trait and believe me, we have many serious problems in this breed. I have often stated that I wish judges would reward strength where the breed is weak! Where is the breed weak? I think today’s RR’s need better fronts, which includes not only shoulder layback but fill in the chest. We are not looking for Weimaraner or Dachshund chests, but when a judge puts his hands between the RR’s front legs (and I wish they all would do this) he should feel chest in his palm, not an empty space. And I am tired of watching RR’s travel around the ring with their tail carried in beagle fashion. Yes, the tail only counts for 5 points and perhaps this is why too many breeders disregard trying to improve tails. I recently heard of one breeder whose lack of concern re the tails of her dogs was explained by the fact that her dogs were winning. This statement explains why judges often choose the way the breed goes.

I worry about the lack of bone I am seeing in our breed. (Good bone is important for this breed of dogs!) These, to me, are things to worry about because these are things I see too often. An occasional bit of extra white (or black) does not concern me. As a matter of fact, in 30 years of watching RRs compete in conformation events (and now this includes judging the breed), I have yet to see a RR with what I feel is excessive white in the ring!

And finally, I think judges need to understand that this breed hunts with its courage, stamina and agility. (The dog must have the stamina to go all day, through the thick brush of the jungle. It must have the courage to hold the lion at bay. It must have the agility to keep out of harm’s way while doing so.) It should not be a big coarse dog! It was never bred to attack lions! How big must a dog be to bring down an 800­pound king of carnivores who can reduce its prey to a bloodstain in a matter of minutes?

If you do not care to take my word on white, consider the word of the most respected expert in our breed. Major Tom Hawley, when judging our National in the USA, chose for his Best in Show (and all of America’s best were competing) Ch Kimani’s Currituck, a young liver­nosed dog with a short white sock on one of his feet.

WRITTEN BY ORIT NEVO