Check below the Malabo APD dogs’ participation in the Rhodesian Ridgeback American National/2008

Results and impressions are those of the expo circuit in the National Rhodesian Ridgeback Exposition in September/October 2008.

This is a report on how the Malabo APD participation in the American National 2008 was.

The American public, judges, competitors and breeders were overtly impressed with the quality and well being of our Ridgebacks, a fact that can be found in the www.infodog.com and www.rrcus.org websites, and in the many pictures that were shot in loco – expect the official event pictures anytime soon.

We took four bitches to the event, all bred, raised and trained in the Malabo Kennel. They were the only Brazilian dogs – or dogs owned by Brazilians – present in the National 2008. All four dogs were handled by Brazilian handlers (unknown to American competitors and judges).

The National 2008 took part in a beautiful place in the historical city of Pennsylvania. There were more than 700 participants solely in the conformation show.

We splat our bitches in two groups. Julianne and Jodie Foster participated in the 12/18 Month Dogs (there were 20 bitches in this category), and Hi-Fi and Faaiza participated in the Open Bitches (where there were more than 40 bitches). With groups that big, judges were forced to “rule-out” some animals – selecting among groups and choosing the best of each until there were only four dogs left.

Hi-Fi was selected for the second phase in the Open competition, and both Jodie Foster and Faaiza went as far as the last selection. In other words, they were among the SEVEN best of their categories, which makes us proud for the achievement.

In the following competitions, more positive results. On September 26, in the Millwood General Expo, VA, Jodie Foster won the group show and achieved Winners Reserve. Faaiza achieved second place in the Open Class.

On September 27, Jodie Foster won in her class for the second time, and there was a double Brazilian victory in the Open Bitches class: Faaiza won first place and Julianne second. Our friend Leandro Oliveira masterfully presented Julianne.

In the third day we achieved fourth place with Jodie Foster, which shows the difficulty of the competition and the importance of the results.

The general results in the National makes us proud. And they also show that we are on the right path to perfection, as you can all check below:

Top Twenty Winner: CH. Of Afrikka Spring Valley Dorian Grey, brood-brother of Golden, Hi-Fi, Humphrey and Harley’s mother.

1st Award: CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, Faaiza, Far Tao and Fletcher’s half-brother.

2nd Award: Ch Spring Valley Great Gatsby, the father of all of our dogs.

3rd Award: CH. Of Afrikka Spring Valley Dorian Grey.

National 2008 Opposite Sex Winner: Ch Nashira’s Private Collection, from the same kennel of our dog Katano.

As you can all see, the National 2008 was more than an “interesting experiment” – it was the proof that we are on the right path. We will keep on fighting to bring down some myths that still bar the wonderful Ridgeback breed from its rightful place in our country’s preferences.

A warm hug to all.
Daniel Breim

Click here to see pictures of the event