I'm Catharyn C., the breeder behind Desert Star African Lionhounds located in Chino, CA. We hold ourselves to high standards for the integrity of our program. All of our puppies are socialized, nurtured, and loved! When we bring a life into the world, we take that responsibility seriously and do everything we can to make sure it gets the best start possible.
Q. & A. with Catharyn
Why did you start breeding?
I have been breeding animals from 9 years old. I began in 4-H and FFA. I was raised on Beef cattle dairy farm. Learned about genetics animal husbandry as years went by I ended up working with AI and breeding horses. was introduced to the original Lionhounds(Dogs) back in the late 60s and eventually found my bloodlines and began my journey. I have a love for these amazing dogs.
What makes your program special?
We cater to families making sure each pup is put into a loving home. Our babies are handled in our home fed all raw meals. We are not a pup mill nor do we just let our pups go to anyone. Each baby is carefully placed and future homes are screened. Our pups are guaranteed and are always welcome back if families can no longer keep them.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include rd whtn blk nose and red wheaten. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Orange Girl
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Pink Girl
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Rocket
Went home
Male
B3
Went home
Male
G1
Went home
Female
G2
Went home
Female
B1
Went home
Male
G3
Went home
Female
B4
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Catharyn
Catharyn has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes Desert Stars full guarentee for life.OFA hipped excellent parents all genetic testing clear of DM, JE, NO DERMOID Sinus. We do require a nonrefundable deposit although there can be exceptions. We understand that life happens.”
Contract & health guarantee
Catharyn may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Catharyn offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Catharyn directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Extras
Initial potty training
Toys
Basic obedience & manners
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Catharyn.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Chino, CA
2241 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Ontario Airport
2235 miles away
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More about Catharyn
Club memberships
Catharyn is a member of The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit, Professional Handler.
Catharyn has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Catharyn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Catharyn is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Desert Star African Lionhounds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Catharyn C.
Program update on 14 Apr. •
We have good News Django Jr. X Yangita bred March 17, 2025
Parent dogs
Milo, dad
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Milo
Milo is 115 Lbs. of lover boy. Great with other animals from Bichon Frise to cats and ferrets. Well socialized and with a great disposition. Fiercely loyal and a well mannered gentlemen due to great socialization from a young age.
Django, dad
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Django
He's a red wheaten tall long legs nice eyes blocky head well placed ears. Django doesnt have a mask. He's a red dog with nice ridge. Friendly loving.
Rosie, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Rosie
Rosie is a female Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Catharyn decided to make her part of their program. Catharyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Rose, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Rose
Rose is a female Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Catharyn decided to make her part of their program. Catharyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Milo, dad
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Milo
Milo is a male Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Catharyn decided to make him part of their program. Catharyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Yanga, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Yanga
Yanga is a female Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Catharyn decided to make her part of their program. Catharyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Yanga, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Yanga
International import from grand champion champion well bred.
Dark red wheaten beautiful girl light mask
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Desert Star African Lionhounds reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Dermoid Sinus (DS)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).