OUR STORY
RockRidges Rhodesian Ridgebacks, established in 2006, is a boutique Kennel situated on 12 idyllic acres in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland with easy access to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
We are proudly ANKC Registered Breeders of Purebred Dogs.
All of our dogs are first and foremost loved family members that have excelled as both loving companions and champions in the conformation ring. We are incredibly proud of their achievement.
Even though we breed occasionally, from carefully selected dogs, our aim is to always breed healthy, sound dogs with exceptional temperament to compliment any home.
All our dogs are fully health tested including genetics, hip and elbow scored, full lifetime breeder support and we are always here to provide sound, sensible advice.
This is our story.....
My name is Jo and I grew up in Queensland Australia during the good old 70’s and 80’s, my parents bred German Shepherds for the police. We also lived on acreage and were lucky enough to have Thoroughbred Horses that we homed once they had finished their career in racing.
Just before my parents, my sister and I moved to the UK in 1986, we bought our first Rottweiler Caesar. He moved with us to England and was the first of many of this wonderful breed to be owned by my parents.
Once I left school I joined the British Armed Forces, first the Airforce and then the Army, as a Combat Medic. I was lucky enough to be stationed in Kenya and that’s where I met my first Rhodesian Ridgeback!
When on British soil, I kept my passion for riding alive through our local garrison, where in my down time I became absorbed into Dressage, low level Eventing and Hunting for which the UK offers in abundance!
A few years later I welcomed a son, became a UK Paramedic and in 2005 we decided to put plans in motion to move to my home, Queensland Australia. Meanwhile my husband and I researched breeds to suit our impending lifestyle, and decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback, preferably a male. We searched breeders and saw an advertisement on-line for LaSimba Rhodesian Ridgebacks in South-East Queensland, Australia.
Our date of arrival was end of May 2006 and LaSimba had a litter due early May, which was perfect. In July that year we welcomed Rocky into our home. Rocky was sold to us on the condition that we would conformation show him.
Being true to our word and lucky enough to own a well put together dog, Rocky attained his Australian Champion Conformation Title with ease. LaSimba had a lovely girl returned to her. Sadly her owners could no longer keep her and that is how we added Pebble to our family. We also titled Pebble with her Australian Champion Conformation award. Rocky and Pebble also both attained the 20km Endurance Title!!
We later had our first litter with Rocky and Pebble. Out of that mating Aura was born. Aura was my heart dog, she was very challenging being a typical female hound, but her opinions and her way to do things made her so unique! Aura easily attained her Australian Champion Conformation.
These three dogs firmly cemented our love and commitment to this wonderful breed.
In 2012, I decided to take a break from the dog world to focus on our property and my other addictive pursuits, dressage. Only returning to the ring in 2018 when we welcomed the gorgeous Kane from Marmatia Rhodesian Ridgebacks, into our family. Kane's bloodline goes back to dogs in both Rocky's & Pebble's so we love the connection.
His time in the ring was stop and go due to Covid restrictions. However, Kane gained his Conformation Australian Champion title, then retired from showing as it was never his thing.
With showing once again on hold we put our name down for a puppy with Rosemary from Chilolo Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Rocky's also has a Great Granddam that is a Chilolo dog. Plus with the mating she had planned, how could we refuse!
Roll on 2021 our beautiful Ren was born, and here we find ourselves again loving competing with this wonderful breed!
"One smile can start a friendship.
One word can end a fight.
One look can save a relationship.
One Rhodesian Ridgeback can change your life."