Buying a Puppy

The Buying Process

While I have had Rhodesian ridgebacks since 1999, I am new to breeding. Therefore, the process of buying a puppy from Zolani Rhodesian Ridgebacks will continue to be refined over time. Zolani RR’s first litter was born in April 2020, a few weeks after the pandemic lockdown began. Because the stud-dog-owner was getting an overwhelming number of puppy inquiries, I spoke to interested families before the litter was born and placed six of eight puppies in California. Long-distance site visits and puppy visits via Zoom and FaceTime were the order of the day, while neighborhood friends and family were eager to socialize with the puppies. With pandemic guidelines relaxed, families of Zolani RR’s second litter could visit the puppies in person in the summer of 2021.

I am a member of the national club, RRCUS, and the Colorado Rhodesian Ridgeback Club, and I am following the Code of Ethics for both clubs. I invite all questions that a responsible breeder should be asked, and you can expect an in-depth interview from me in return! An hour is a reasonable amount of time for an initial conversation with an earnest inquirer. Please expect several hours of dialogue, either via phone, video conference, or in person, before we know whether we are essentially the right fit as a breeder and potential puppy owner. After an initial phone conversation, local families will be encouraged to visit in person. Site visits, either in-person or via video conference, are preferred.

Approved potential puppy owners who want to continue the process will be asked to complete a Deposit Agreement after the puppies are born. Zolani RR puppies are sold under a Purchase Contract, including a return to the breeder if the owner cannot keep the dog, per RRCUS and CRRC Code of Ethics.

I will not have another litter until 2027 or later. Therefore, I am not keeping a waitlist at this time. For information regarding finding a puppy, see my Litters page.