On November 14, 2013 Kuyu along with 14 other Rhodesian Ridgebacks earned their Herding Instinct Certificate (HIC).   The Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club held Herding Instinct Tests at Winning Edge Dog Sports in Chino.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not classified as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club, however, many ridgebacks exhibit excellent herding instincts.  It is believed that in the early history of the breed, in addition to their primary jobs of hunting and guarding, some ridgebacks may have been used for herding in Africa.  The AKC does not allow Ridgebacks to pursue AKC titles in herding.  But breed clubs can offer Herding Instinct Certificates where dogs are evaluated by a judge to determine whether the dog has good herding instincts.

Kuyu has a strong desire to herd.  He began herding when he was just 8 months old and it is one of his favorite things to do, right up there with chasing the bunny in lure coursing.  The HIC day was difficult for him as he had to wait his turn and was not allowed off lead once he got into the ring with the sheep.  But a great time was had by all the Ridgebacks and their people.  And we have a whole new group of big red dogs with HIC behind their names.