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The worst reasons we've heard for wanting a ridgeback

This is an ongoing collecting of reasons we have collected from people wanting to buy a puppy. Most are innocent mistakes caused by the outrageous descriptions of ridgebacks found in books with "thumbnail sketches" of more breed than you really wanted to know about. Some of the reasons are.... well, you'll see.

"They are impervious to heat, cold and pain."
Do you live on the Arctic Circle? Get a husky. In Death Valley? Get a tortoise. If you think they are impervious to pain, step on a ridgeback's foot.

"They don't shed."
(That is, we just bought new furniture; we are very allergic to dogs; we have white carpeting; etc). Myth representation! Ridgebacks shed.

3. They keep themselves as clean as cats.
You want a cat? No problem. Get a cat.

4. they are perfect pets and are very obedient by nature (??? -- I would love to know what book that came out of)

They are so smart they don't need any training -- they can figure out by themselves what it is you want from them (Ah, but will they do it once they figure it out?)

5. My kids want a dog and I read that ridgebacks don't need much care
Just throw it in the backyard. Maybe the kids will play with it after school...... once in a while.

6. I want something that can stand up to the pitbulls in my neighborhood.
And when your ridgeback is "standing up" to the pitbulls, will you have money down on the contest?

7. I just bought a male and want to get two females so I can go into the business
Ah yes, the "ridgeback business." Two bitches chained in the backyard. People will flock to buy your puppies. Check this one with rescue.

I read that they were voted the "Manliest dog" and I want to get a pup for my boyfriend's birthday. I thought he would get a kick out of that "manliest dog" thing.
Will he also get a kick out of the pup chewing the corner off his manly leather couch?

Boston Magazine said they were the number one status symbol. I mean, I don't want one just because of that, but it is nice to have a dog that people think is that cool. You know what I mean?
yeah, unfortunately, I know exactly what you mean.....

"It's a surprise for my [husband] [wife] [best friend] [mother] [son]." Pick one
Surprise, honey. Here is a companion you will spend the next 12 years of your life with. Aren't you glad you didn't have to choose it yourself?