Proud To Be The Breeder of The 2021 #1 & #6 RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS
About Katavi Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Our Story
After 15+ years in the breed as a pet owner and eventually a breeder-owner-handler with another kennel , I launched Katavi Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I brought the knowledge I learned from my mentors as well as new things I have learned along my journey to see my vision develop. I am blessed to have such a solid foundation to continue to build on.
i am an active member of RRCUS, Central New Jersey Hound Association and The Morris & Essex Kennel Club
Our Philosophy
At Katavi , we believe in responsible breeding practices that prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs. We are committed to producing happy and healthy Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies that will make great show dogs /pets for families and individuals alike while following the RRCUS (Our Parent Club in the US) Code of Ethics. I have embraced a holistic approach toward the care of the dogs and puppies. I enjoy taking seminars and exploring new ways to treat injuries and illnesses in the dogs we love. I do understand there are times there is a need for conventional veterinary medicine. I believe that less is more and the body has the opportunity to heal itself naturally with proven herbs and other natural options.
Our Beginning
In the Spring of 2004, I purchased my first Ridgeback as a family pet from Kimani Kennels. I instantly fell in love with the breed and acquired a second companion male in 2006 . I cannot imagine life without a Ridgeback as the breed has truly brought me more joy than I could imagine.
In 2010 I acquired my first show dog, Zulu, now GCH Kushinda’s Edge of Glory. Soon after, I met my mentors who are some of the best teachers in the Ridgeback Community, they encouraged me to have Zulu “shown” in AKC conformation shows. Zulu’s Championship came very easily and I was bitten by the dog show bug.
In 2012 I acquired my first show bitch, Satara, bred by Kimani Kennels & Lyonnese Rhodesian Ridgebacks .Satara is the foundation of my current breeding program. Satara, now GCH Kimani’s Set in Gold was Reserve Winners Bitch at the 2012 National Specialty under respected breeder-Judge Barbara Ruppert, at the tender age of 6 months old.
She followed this with a 5 point major win at Ocala the next day, soon to be followed by Winner’s Bitch at Westminster in 2013.
Through instruction, education and a lot of practice I became a competitive owner-handler.
I had shown Zulu to several nice wins including multiple Best of Breeds earning points toward his Grand Championship and also earned Satara’s Grand Championship in June 2015. One of my most notable accomplishments early on was having an opportunity to show a bitch owned by my mentor and winning Best in Junior Sweeps at the 2015 RRCUS National Specialty. Being a newcomer to the show world this was beyond wonderful!
In 2018 Satara went on to produce a beautiful but small litter of 3 from which Sukari was my keeper. Sukari, GCH Lyonnese Confection in Gold, TKN who I showed to her Championship, Grand Championship earning multiple BOB, BOS and a AOM at the prestigious Morris & Essex Kennel Club.
Sukari is always Breeder-Owner-Handled by me. The same litter produced two males: Thatcher, a Bronze GCH, BISS, Group Winner and Multiple Group Placer and #6 (Breed) in 2021. Samburu, a Platinum GCH, Multiple Best in Show and Multiple Reserve Best in Show winner, BISS and the #1 Ridgeback (Breed & Group) and #5 Hound for 2021 both shown by professional handlers. (Sired by Multi-BIS Multi- NBISS CH Kimani’s Blue Chip Image “Chip”) I am so proud to have bred dogs that achieved such accomplishments and of their owners commitment to their show career.
In 2023 Sukari went on to produce a beautiful litter of 6 from which Sarabi was my keeper. Sarabi, CH Lyonnese Hear Me Roar by Lionshare JC, TKN Sarabi hit the show ring by storm quickly earning her Championship and is well on her way to her Grand Championship. .Sarabi is always Breeder-Owner-Handled by me. We look forward to several of her littermates who have also begun showing.
(Sired by GCHB Lionshare Big Mack Daddy).
In 2024 Sukari went on to produce another beautiful litter of 9. We are excited for the next generation of show prospects and loving companions dog. (Sired by GCHP Adili & Ida B's Reign on Zambezi).