Sweets79

I'm in love.

Hevyn

Shaun, I have an English Mastiff & you are right about not over-exercising the larger breeds as puppies. We were also told not to give her that super high protein puppy food - it makes them grow too fast & puts stress on their bones too early? I guess that's only for certain breeds, though. I'll be thinking of names - 4 more weeks until homecoming, a long wait.

laurie6781

At 4 weeks probably, nuked dog chow, cottage cheese, goats milk or powdered milk, some vitamins and minerals, also known as 'puppy gruel.' They get more of it on them than in them, but it is so much fun to watch them learn to eat solid food.

Hevyn you are correct, with most breeds no prolonged exercise until the growth plates have closed .................................... depending on breed that can be anywhere between 10 months and 18 months. You are also correct on the 'puppy chow'. Most puppies do not need all that extra protein, just need feeding 4x a day, then 3x a day, then 2x a day, etc as they have very small stomachs.

Shaun you will have yourself another great dog there. Ridgebacks are wonderful dogs, very loyal and I have a sneaking suspicion that this one will be very spoiled, lol

As to names, hmmmmmmmmmmmm you are on your own on this one, I'm all wore out on names, lmao

Good pick there. Hope y'all have many long years together.

Mariposa18

He's adorable! Names?....How about Jasper?

yeahgr8

Isn't that weird i thought Jasper too!!!

shaun00

jasper umm yeah i think thats on the list....but thanks.

yes the "mush" is homemade puppy food....goats milk and other goodies.
Maybe some powdered mothers milk in there..not 100% sure......

yes hevyn same with ridgebacks......slow growth is better.. too big and quick makes weak bones and pressure on joints to young to cope.

for the first six months i always say...let them loose in the field for as long as it take to smoke a cigarette..lol...3 times a day.

we have about an acre here so plenty of room.......we kept it easy for 12/18 months with jake.....
which was tough because they just want to run and run...

heres another pic........ladys please except my apoligizes for the pics on the newpaper i promise it has nothing to do with me....lol

laurie6781

Oh he is GORGEOUS!!!!! He already has the ridge up his back, has he got the swirls too?

Yep, he is going to be one spoiled ridgeback!!!!!!

Have lots and lots of fun and love with the new guy.

Love and hugs,

shaun00

yes laurie they are born with the ridge and the twirls/crowns.

genetics is a strange thing.........a little gene tell the hair to grow in a line in the opposite direction to the rest down the centre of the back...

in all the pups.......ridgebacks have lots of puppies 10/12 is not unusual.

Anna

I'm so happy for you and your family, Trucker!

The little guy is lucky you found him.

Hevyn

Oh, no - he's just too much. I want to snuggle him & smell puppy breath. Trucker, it's wonderful you guys have decided to welcome a new little one into your hearts. There's a line in a song, "There's more room in a broken heart." I believe it. You are lucky, but puppy is even luckier - to be going to a family who will treasure him. I'm so glad you shared this with us. Can't wait 'til you can do a proper photo shoot.

laurie6781

Actually no. You may get one or two in a litter that are 'smooth coat' or no curls. It is a 'throwback' from who knows where. And yes, both AKC and the British Kennel Club do allow the smooth coats to be shown in the show ring.

My first introduction to the Ridgeback was back in 1963 long before they were recognized by the AKC. The male was 130# and the female was 105# and they were direct from Africa. Today I know they do not run that large and have been bred down a bit. They are still a very beautiful dog.

Love and hugs,

least

Follow your heart Shaun. Give this little guy the same wonderful life you gave Jake. I will do the same when my beloved old beagirl dies. I live to love dogs. You are a great "dog-daddy". Hugs and kisses for your new little guy. Follow your heart. You can't go wrong.

WLDKATZ

Thor????? look at those paws he's gonna be a beast................lol

NewBeginning010

I love doggies Mostly had mixed breeds when we were growing up as my parents wanted to get the dogs out of the pounds (something we should all at least investigate).

My first dog was a golden retriever named Ulysses who I loved dearly for many years. After that we had all mixed breeds which seemed to have some boarder collie in them. Loved them all too, mixed dogs are great as well.

We could all learn something about life & how to treat people through dogs.

NB

traderjane

Congrats, Trucker! I'm a dog person.

You cannot replace a dog (a life, a personality) and it takes a lot of courage to take a leap of faith ahead that things will be okay. I hope he gives you lots of love and happiness in the days ahead.

My little pup Cody is one year old now and is my constant companion.

All the best,
Laura