The Beginnings

Ujamaa Ridgebacks was founded in 1978 with the purchase of a pet female Rhodesian Ridgeback – Tarka. She was a brown nosed bitch, and her gentle but protective nature developed my interest in the breed. She was followed in 1979 by Tali- Ch Lionspride Caprice, the foundation bitch of Ujamaa kennels. Tali had some success in the show ring, but her best qualities were her temperament and her progeny. She produced 9 champions and is on the pedigree of many of the Ridgebacks in the Victorian show ring today and internationally. She has been followed by a number of ridgebacks over the years including Ch Kismayu Caleb (BOB Royal Melb show 1983), Ch Maleema Kahlura, Ch Ujamaa Brave Bear, Ch Ujamaa Anakie (Koo- sister of Ch Ujamaa Ceres), Ujamaa Ruby Tuesday( "Ruby") her daughter Ujamaa Hey Zoe ("Zoe") then "Blue"(Ujamaa Alia), Red (Rekaylahn Kwa Red at Ujamaa - Imp UK), Ch Isilawane Big Bada Boom (Milla) and Blondie (BISS, RUBIS Ch Ujamaa Pure Blonde)

We now have Derrick (Ujamaa The Third Man- a brown nosed male). He is kept in line by Allie (Aust Ch Ujamaa Alessandra Facchinetti (AI)) and her daughter Winx (Ujamaa Winx (AI))- 9th and 10th generations at Ujamaa. And Maxxie the Bengal cat likes to keep them all in line!

Rekaylahn Kwa Red at Ujamaa (Imp UK)

Red was imported from the UK in 2005 to reduce in-breeding and to provide some of the best of European bloodlines. Sadly both Red and Blue died at Marysville in the Australian "Black Saturday" fires on 7th February 2009. We escaped with our lives and have since bought another larger property at Marysville (in a much more defensive position!). Red lives on through his progeny a- substantial contribution to the breed. He sired 12 champions from 11 litters, including 4 litters in New Zealand by AI.

Breeding

We use the term "Ujamaa Ridgebacks" as opposed to kennels as there are usually only 2 or 3 ridgebacks at home and they are primarily our indoor family companions. An extensive breeding program has led to purchase of a number of dogs and bitches from interstate kennels. More recently this has been complemented by selected international bloodlines. I have used stud dogs from all over Australia to ensure the type and temperament of the dogs are optimal for the bitch. Notable dogs used in the breeding program have included Pronkhuis Nyanga (Imp UK), Ch Marsabit Mbungu, Ch Vishala Kabangisa, Ch Nkazimlo Umlimo, Multi BISS Ch Marsabit Mfumo, Ch Skiska Solitaire Jest,  Takunda (Imp Zimbabwe), Ch Rijstone Warlord, US/Aust Ch Camelot Code Red (now back in the US- a US Specialty and BIS winner) , Chris (International, Canadian, Pan-American, AKC BISS GCH Redawgs Christofel O'Copprrdge, SC,HIC,TT,CGC,ROM and Multi Ch Vizara Jukati.

These names represent some of Australia’s, Europe’s and the US's top kennels, which have allowed access to their dogs to further the Ujamaa breeding program (thank you!) .

For those interested in the show ring, Ujamaa has bred over 40 Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian champions. Dogs owned or bred by Ujamaa kennels have won numerous "Best in Speciality Show", "In Group" and "In Show" awards. Ujamaa has also won eight "Most Successful Breeder" awards under such notable judges as David Helgesen (Canada). Given we have rarely shown ourselves since the late 1980s many thanks must go to those who have purchased pups from us and shown them!

My primary interest (passion!) is breeding good quality dogs and finding the best possible homes for them. Most of our puppies are fulfilling roles as family pets and companions, and breeding stock is carefully selected for temperament and intelligence.I continue to breed occasional litters. With a scientific background I have a particular interest in trying to minimise genetic defects found in the breed. All breeding stock is scored by the AVA hip and elbow scoring schemes as per the guidelines of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Victoria, and carefully screened for genetically sound bloodlines. Other testing done includes screening for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Epilepsy (JME) and other markers. All breeding stock is certified clear of heart issues.

Vicki Moritz and Russell Glenn

June 2020