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.

While Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not classified as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club, 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 resulting in honing of the instinct that seems to be present in some members of the breed today. It is amazing to watch a ridgeback who has never seen a sheep enter a pen and almost immediately know how to move the sheep and group them together.

That is just what happened when Kuyu, at just 8 months of age, entered the sheep corral with Chris Ashton of Enlighten Dogs. Under Chris’s watchful eye and guidance, Kuyu almost immediately knew his job was to keep the sheep together. Kuyu who is usually a very exuberant puppy was surprisingly calm with the sheep. He never once nipped or was overly active with them. Instead, he used his body moving back and forth to keep the sheep together. It was the most remarkable thing to watch! This was one of those times it was Nature more than Nurture that was most active!

Click here to see the video of Kuyu’s herding

Kuyu and his littermate Bomani, (Kanzu x Kayta son, Bakari’s African Draak Soldier) have been busy working on their bunny chasing skills at local sprint race meets. The brothers have been showing off their intensity for the lure, running individually and together. The boys will be eligible to begin competing officially in straight racing when they turn one year old. For now, they are taking every opportunity to do a few short practice runs whenever the big dogs have official competition days. Both boys appear to have their mother’s and father’s passion for the lure. Kuyu entertains observers and draws laughter by refusing to abandon the lure and insists on proudly carrying his catch( for all to see) back to the start line after his runs.

 
Click here for more photos of Kuyu at race practice – Photos by Gary Claggett
 
Click here for more information about straight racing