Mountain Laurel Rhodesian Ridgeback's
Located in Pine junction Colorado
(30 miles West of Denver)

Dedicated to the continuing improvement and welfare of the Rhodesian Ridgeback through responsible breeding and commitment to careful selection of bloodlines, orthopedic and temperamental soundness.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is native of the south of Africa. It was originally bred by the early european settlers in Africa as a hunting and guard dog. Classified as a sight hound the Rhodesian Ridgeback has exceptional vision as well as a keen sense of smell. At the gait a Rhodesian Ridgeback combines the perfect balance between power and elegance.

Characteristics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is highly intelligent, dignified, calm, quiet, alert and self assured. He is a dog that knows his own competence and as a result carries himself with dignity and pride. A Ridgeback is never shy toward strangers and is most often reserved, but should never show agression. The Ridgeback is an extremely loyal, devoted and loving companion. The Ridgeback adapts well to a family environment and is especially careful with children. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has come to be known as a protective non-confrontational guardian with a "Lion Heart".

About Mountain Laurel
My name is Laurel Hodgdon. I first became interested in the Rhodesian Ridgeback in 1999. The first Ridgeback I laid eyes on was a majestic Rhodesian Ridgeback named Okoa. Okoa was bred by Marianne Gellin of Ikimba, located in Finland and co-owned by Ulla-Britt Ekengren of Shadyridge. A few short months later I came home with one of Okoa's offspring Shadyridge Endesha's Wimbo "Kito". Kito was intended to be a family companion however, when his breeder who fast became my mentor offered to take me to my first show, I became hooked and wanted to try conformation showing. Kito earned his AKC Championship in 5 Major wins. Kito later earned his Canadian Championship, Senior Lure Coursing, and Therapy Dog Titles. As a puppy I fell absolutely in love with Kito. This special little puppy has followed me step for step, day by day and continues to do so. Kito stole my heart and changed my life and is the very reason for my love for this special breed.

While Kito enjoyed his success in the ring his sire returned to Europe and saw even greater success, a MBIS winner and winner of the World Dog Show in Italy in 2000 and a Championship in both Finland and Poland.
Within a year I got my second Rhodesian Ridgeback Shadyridge Numa's Fatiisha. Athletic, graceful elegant, exceptional movement and a soft, sweet temperament describe her. Fatiisha began her conformation show career at six months old and enjoyed great success earning multiple puppy Best of Breed awards. Her biggest accomplishments however, lay ahead of her. She attended her first US RRCUS National Specialty Show in 2002 and took first place in her 12-18 month old class in Lansing Michigan. One year later at the 2003 US National Specialty she was awarded "Winners Bitch" and earned her AKC Championship in Virginia Beach winning in a class of over 150 females from the US and Canada. Fatiisha later joined Kito in the Canadian show circuit and earned her Canadian Championship along with multiple group placings. In addition she has also earned her Senior Lure Coursing title.

Kenya is my newest addition to the family. Kenya is a result of a breeding between between Fatiisha and Ikimba Tumomak Sheikh. Kenya was the first born in a litter of seven puppies October 25, 2004. Kenya is sired by AM/Can/International Champion Ikimba Tumomak Sheikh. Sheikh is owned by Susan Rexford of Tumomak and was bred by Marianne Gellin of Ikimba, Finland. Sheikh's sire is Austrailian Grand Champion Rijstone Diesel n Dust. Sheikh was choosen for his exceptional pedigree, temperament and consistency in his litters. Kenya has sweet loving temperament and demonstrates beautiful movement, grace, athleticism and confidence in the show ring. Kenya began her conformation show career at eight months old earning a "Major" win at her very first show. By thirteen months old she had earned her AKC Championship. She is now preparing for her upcoming "Specials" career and will be shown on a limited basis while she matures.
My breeding has never produced any Ridgeless puppies however, any of my puppies that do display conformation faults are placed into homes on a Spay or Neuter agreement.

For more information about Rhodesian Ridgebacks, visit the home page of RRCUS.org, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. This site includes lots of helpful information on the breed, Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Things to consider before purchasing a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy, Information on how to care for your new Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy, and other helpful links.

I have been been an active member of the New England Rhodesian Club NERRC.org for six years and have served as the Supported Show Chairperson as well as the Lure coursing Committee. I agreed to be bound by the Breeders Code of Ethic as set forth by the RRCUS organization. I have recently relocated to Colorado and have become a RRCUS member as well as member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Colordao.