Lionsbane Kennels - Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeder

Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Breeder - Hobart, TAS

Lionsbane is a small kennel based in Hobart, on the island of Tasmania in Australia. Lionsbane Kennels were established in 2000 by Rohan and Alexandra McElwee who produced two quality litters under the Lionsbane prefix in the early 2000's from foundation stud RUBISS Aust Ch Zimbalooba Orion's Bow and dam Aust Ch Usakose Thunder n'Litning. Their progeny included BIS, BISS Aust Ch Lionsbane He's the Boss ROM, known and loved by many as 'Kimba' (dec). See below for more details on Kimba. In February 2018, the Lionsbane prefix was transferred to David Wardlaw-Kelly, Kimba's owner.

David and Lisa are breed enthusiasts who have owned, loved and shown Ridgebacks since the 1980's, titling their own four Ridgebacks over a thirty-year period and closely following the breed's development in Australia and overseas. Litters are expected to be few and far between. People with an interest in purchasing a Lionsbane puppy are encouraged to email us or contact David on 0402 211 799. A very limited number of straws of frozen semen from Kimba are left - these are tightly held but enquiries are welcome.

Please note Lionsbane puppies are available to approved homes only. Please expect a few friendly questions to help us work out whether a ridgeback would be a good match for you.

Kimba
Our beloved Kimba was a once in a lifetime dog. He is the standard bearer of the Lionsbane name. Kimba died at the age of 13 in 2014 after a wonderful life as a loyal family companion. Kimba had a stellar show career, mostly handled by owner David Wardlaw-Kelly but we were also very privileged to have him handled to some of his best wins by Emma Marshall who is one of the top handlers in Australia and the United States.

Kimba was awarded best in Specialty Show at the 2004 Rhodesian Ridgeback Club National Specialty Show, from over 200 outstanding ridgebacks. Kimba went on to win many awards, including Best in Show all breeds and multiple Best in Group all breeds including multiple Royal Hobart and Launceston shows. As well as his conformation and movement, it was perhaps Kimba's stable and friendly temperament that most attracted breeders to use him and he sired multiple champions and grand champions both in Australia and overseas. Kimba can be found in the pedigrees of dozens of beautiful and highly awarded dogs and bitches of outstanding temperament around the world.

All of our overseas and interstate AI breedings have been made possible by Graeme Wright of Canine Breeding Solutions, whose professional service we are very grateful for. Kimba has achieved a place on the Register of Merit for dogs that have sired over 12 champions, which is why he has ROM after his name. If you have a Kimba puppy or grand-puppy you would like us to feature please let us know!

Please visit our website for more information and photos.

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Get in touch

0402211799

Location: Hobart, TAS

Please read this advice before making contact

Registrations & memberships

Registration: DOGS TAS;

Prefix: Lionsbane

Our standards & practices

Health testing & screening

Q. Do you health test appropriately (eg hip and elbow X-ray scoring, DNA testing), and understand the genetic issues that may affect your breed? If your breed is prone to health issues, what are they, and what testing practices do you have in place?

A. Yes.All breeding stock are x-rayed for elbow and hip scoring.

Preparation & socialisation

Q. Do you ensure that your puppies are properly socialised?

A. Yes.There is nothing more important than socialisation and its starts early! Our puppies are gradually exposed to new things in their environment such as different flooring, indoors and out, cats and kids. They have limited exposure to dogs outside our family due to the need to protect them from contagious diseases until their immunisations take effect but they are kept with their mother and our other dogs until they leave for their new homes so they get the benefit of big dog discipline.

Placement & matching

Q. Is making sure your puppies go to the right homes a priority? How do you ensure they are placed in loving, responsible homes?

A. Yes.This is paramount. We use the buyer questionnaire and personal interview. We have been very fortunate to have always found wonderful homes for our pups.

Q. Do you have any of the following: conditions of sale, health guarantee or warranty, de-sexing agreement, a buyer questionnaire, verbal or personal interview?

A. Yes.We have quite a torturous questionnaire - it covers everything that might be relevant. This is partly to get the prospective owner to reflect on how ready they are to own a Ridgeback. We would never sell a puppy without extensive discussion with the prospective owners, either face to face or on the phone. Most pups we sell are as family pets and not intended for breeding so owners agree to have them de-sexed within their first year. These pups are either on the limited register or our name remains on their general registration. Occasionally puppies are sold to show/breeding homes and these arrangements are negotiated.

Ongoing support

Q. Do you offer ongoing support?

A. Yes.We stay in touch and regularly puppy sit for owners. Owners contact us when they have a question and if they intend to show we offer training and advice and go along to shows with them.

Q. Do you assist the buyer with re-homing an animal that was purchased from you if they are unable to keep it?

A. Yes.This hasn't happened yet as we are a very small kennel with infrequent litters but this is definitely something we commit to.

See Rhodesian Ridgeback breed info, photos, more Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders and Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Information