When you study the basic structure of a dog, you are studying its "conformation." Dog shows provide a systematic way of evaluating the conformation of dogs within a breed. Why does conformation matter? The uneducated eye might see only the aesthetic appearance. But the more knowledgeable eye breaks the dog down into pieces. It is the length, size, substance, proportions and angles of the bones in the dog’s body that create his conformation. It is the balance and interaction of these parts that determine what the dog is best "conformed" to do and gives us our various breeds.

The genes he has received from his sire and dam determine how close any dog comes to the ideal structure for his breed and/or for his performance. Because weak conformation means inability to function properly, vulnerability to injury and future health problems, the conscientious breeder must determine each dog’s structural strength’s and weaknesses. If a dog’s faults outweigh his strengths a responsible breeder will not breed the dog.

The responsible breeder must weigh both the conformation aspects of the dog and the temperament, health and trainability of each individual. Breeding a dog with exceptional conformation cannot be justified if there are serious faults in temperament, health, or trainability. 

When Jay and I decided to get our first  Ridgeback we knew nothing about what "conformation" meant. The dog show experience was intriguing to me and Jay wanted a great looking, healthy companion. Ultimately we agreed that we wanted a "show quality" dog. Luckily we found Kathy and Beach Main who happened to have a Raintree litter for us to choose from. We picked Fred and the Mains connected us with Cindy Lane to show him and she handled Fred (Ch Bantu Shaka of Raintree) to his championship.  Our second Ridgeback - Chani (Ch Raintree's Arakeen Chani ROM) - was shown and finished by Pam Stage. Pam did exceptionally well with Chani taking her to Best of Opposite Sex at the 1989 National Specialty in Lompoc, California.

Chani became our Foundation Bitch and whelped three litters producing some well rounded members of the Ridgeback community. Bred to Ch Bowfield of Kwetu Chani gave us Pheron's Desert Evening Primrose SC FCh and Pheron's Kahele Sindara LCM4. Rosie and Kahele were both outstanding Lure Coursing RR's and dominated the field in several ASFA events. When bred to BIS BISS Ch Gitano of Raintree ROM Chani produced three great show dogs inlcuding - Ch Pheron's Jake Elite,  Ch Pheron's Connor Mestizo ROM  and MBIF CH Pheron's Kasai of Raintree CD LCM CGC VC. In her day Kasai was a very versatile performer as is evident from her titles.

Kasai was bred to Ch Rare Earth’s Quantum Leap and produced our first Versatility Certificate Excellent dog - Kariba's MyStar Adhara UD MX MXJ RA CGC HIC VCX. Jaxson also ended 2005 as #9 in RRCUS Top Ten Obedience. Two of Jaxson's littermates - MacLeod and Gilda - are our current family dogs. As owner/handler I was able to earn Dual Championship titles on both of these dogs. MacLeod is sire to champion get and Gilda has produced some outstanding offspring from two litters including MBIF DC Pheron's Sanyati of Kariba CD LCX MX MXJ MC RE HIC TT CGC VC. Sanyati is the dam of our latest member of the pack - Baxter. And to keep things lively we acquired a young bitch in October 2005 from the Rajataru line - Rajataru Lakota - aka Teeka.

Jay & Catherine Schock

5424 Berryhill Drive

Yorba Linda CA  92886

schockers@dslextreme.com