09/10/2024 Update: The Puppies Have Arrived! Click here for more info about our litter.
Welcome to Luvakis Rhodesian Ridgebacks!
Our Foundation Bitch, Ekundu
Our kennel name (pronounced Love-A-Kiss) was taken from the name of Teresa’s childhood American Cocker Spaniel, Pupaluvakis (a condensed version of “Puppy loves a kiss”). Our home is located in Northeastern Ohio, where we reside with our daughters and a small menagerie of companions (please browse their individual pages to see candid photos and show photos where applicable).
Our commitment to the Rhodesian Ridgeback is through sound, selective breeding practices. We strive for healthy, intelligent, well-rounded offspring that exhibit versatility, athleticism, agility, proper size and substance, while being both physically and mentally sound. Our goal is to produce outstanding Ridgebacks that are true to type, bred to the standard as set forth by Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States and recognized by the American Kennel Club.
We enjoy competing in American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club conformation events, as well as AKC performance events such as obedience, Rally, agility, lure coursing, as well as ASFA lure coursing events.
Our passion for the Rhodesian Ridgeback started in May 2002 when we were introduced to the first Ridgeback we’d ever laid eyes on, Seti. We were immediately struck by the calm, tranquil, loving nature of the Ridgeback. Surprisingly, they have a very strong yet extremely sensitive personality, and their desire to be a diligent guardian is above no other. We could not have asked for a better house companion as Seti. He was ever-faithfully holding down either the couch or a sunny spot of sod. He taught us how a soft hand is a foremost requirement to properly train a Ridgeback and how a bit of patience and a quiet demeanor towards them can come back to you ten fold. After just a year living with one RR, we (like most Ridgeback fanciers) expanded our “pack” with another in the Spring of 2004 and again Winter 2006. With the support of our ever-growing circle of fellow Ridgeback fanciers, in 2003, we were accepted as members of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. In 2011, we were proudly recognized as Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club.
Our puppies are only placed in their new homes at a developmentally appropriate age (requests for earlier placements for any reason will be declined) and with families willing to nurture the bond with their new companion not only during those critical early stages of their development but throughout their entire life. Potential puppy owners are carefully screened to ensure our puppies are placed in loving homes with families who have a clear understanding of the commitment they are undertaking. Since adorable little bundles of joy grow and mature to become a lifetime commitment, we emphasize to our puppy owners the importance of education and proper preparation prior to their puppy’s arrival, as well as the need for continued education, appropriate training and socialization throughout the puppy’s entire life. We support and offer guidance to our puppy owners and ask they keep in touch with us for any needed information and advice. We encourage phone calls, e-mails, letters, and photos regularly throughout the life of your new companion as we are sincerely concerned for the lifelong welfare of our dogs.
We have taken great efforts to study and understand the history of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, its form and function, and we continue to grow in the company and knowledge of this wonderful breed.
Please enjoy our website and send us an e-mail if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Teresa, Paul, Emily & Erin
Some of our Biggest News and Wins...
2022: Congratulations to Bro & Emily
(NBISS RBISS MBISS MBISOH GCHP CH Luvakis Shirley's Legen-WaitForIt-dary! Legendary!,
BN, RA, FDC, JC, BCAT, THDN, CGCA, CGCU, TKN, ATT, ROM)
for winning the "triple crown":
Best of Breed at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show,
Top Twenty-Five Event Winner at the 90th RRCUS National Specialty,
and
Best of Breed at the 90th RRCUS National Specialty!
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June 2022: Congratulations to Bro & Emily
(RBIS MBISS MBISOH GCHP CH Luvakis Shirley's Legen-WaitForIt-dary! Legendary!,
BN, RA, FDC, JC, BCAT, THDN, CGCA, CGCU, TKN, ATT, ROM)
for being the FIRST strictly owner-handled AKC Grand Champion Platinum Rhodesian Ridgeback!
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