Willy's Photo Gallery
Click on the photos to see a larger version
Willy Baby
Willy's 1st point with Tammy Szabo
Willy's 1st major (5 point) with Nancy Russell
Willy's 1st Best of Breed with Nancy Russell
Willy's Group 1 Marquette KC with Nancy Russell
Willy gets another group placement handled by the late Bruce Meiloch
Willy gaiting
Willy with his best friend and partner in crime, Emma.
Willy and son Wilson basking in the sun
Willy, was born on April 20, 1998. He is a handsome, livernose boy bred by Judith C. Hupperts of Riveroads Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Riveroads is one of the longest standing RR breeding programs in the United States. Judy has bred over 100 champion Ridgebacks and her breeding lines boast some of the foundations of the breed in the United States. (www.riveroads.com).
Willy has a wonderful temperament. He gets along well with children, other dogs and our 2 cats. He was very easy to house train and learns quickly in general. He has a good obedience training foundation and we hope to put an obedience title on him soon. He is an excellent watchdog, barking when appropriate. He is very expressive boy who will respond to your conversation with him by tilting his head attentively.
Willy has exceeded our expectations in the show ring. He easily finished his championship at 12 months old. He has gone on to be a Group Winning and Multiple Group Placing dog, winning under some very respected US and International Judges. He completed his Canadian Championship in just two weekends of competition, with multiple Group Placements.
In 2002, Willy completed the requirements in the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, earning another title. At the 2002 Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States National Specialty Show, Willy was one of 8 finalists in the Best Ridge Competition. His gorgeous ridge is just one of the wonderful qualities that Willy has passed on to his offspring.
He is a big boned, but moderate-height Rhodesian Ridgeback with an interesting white apron on his chest and minimal white on all four toes. He has a nice dark brown eye to compliment his liver nose. He has an excellent bite. He loves to be brushed and stands well for nail trimming. Willy has always been in excellent health and is an “easy keeper”. He tends to be a bit of a couch potato who likes to sleep under the covers in our bed. Willy has OFA good hips and clear elbows. He has been OFA certified free of cardiac abnormalities and thyroid disease and eye problems (CERF).
Willy has produced 8 wonderful kids including our Wilson, Ch Two Hills Ninetynineanahalf Won't Do. His other son Sully is an AKC champion and doing 4H and obedience work with the family kids. Nona, his daughter had titles in conformation, agility, rally obedience, lure coursing and is a Canine Good Citizen. She was also nationally ranked in straight track racing in 2007! She gave birth (in Feb 2008) to Willy's first grandchildren.
