I'm Kristin S., the breeder behind DogWood Kennels located in Ocala, FL. Aside from having outstanding temperments, our dogs also are carefully bred to meet the standards set for Rhodesian Ridgebacks by the American Kennel Club. Many are "show quality" while others may have minor imperfections making them "pet quality" Prices may vary accordingly.
Q. & A. with Kristin
Why did you start breeding?
Ten years ago, a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder friend of mine, knowing I was so passionate about the breed, asked me if I was interested in purchasing her Rhodesian show dog who was just points away from her championship when she sustained an injury that would forever disqualify her from the show ring. She was so regal and beautiful. With her I started my breeding program and to this day I continue her legacy through her grandchildren as the second generation of this wonderful line. I have carefully picked studs who enhance all of their wonderful qualities. All of our puppies are stunning and "head turners" as they are direct descendants of their champion predecessors. I chose not to "show" my dogs as I prefer just to love them.
What makes your program special?
My program is special because I believe that selling you a puppy is not where my relationship ends with you but rather where it begins. I will always be available day or night to answer any questions or concerns you may have or give you resources if I don't know. As children, all puppies have different personalities even though many are similar. After so many years of breeding and matching puppies with puppy buyers I can be very helpful by placing you with the right puppy . I keep in contact with many puppy buyers so have the advantage to know what kind of adults many of our puppies have become.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include rd whtn blk nose and rd whtn brn nose. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Hot pink
Went home
Female
Teal
Went home
Female
Yellow
Went home
Female
Orange
Went home
Male
White
Went home
Female
Grey
Went home
Male
Purple
Went home
Female
Green
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Kristin
Kristin 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 between $1,500 - $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“The price includes a two year health guarantee, health certificate by a veterinarian and first round of shots.”
Contract & health guarantee
Kristin 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 Kristin 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 Kristin directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Microchip
Vet records
Extras
Toys
Food & treats
AKC registration
Initial potty training
Puppy starter kit
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kristin.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Ocala, FL
4722 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
More about Kristin
Kristin has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Kristin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Kristin is a trusted Good Dog breeder
DogWood Kennels 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
Parent dogs
Bumper, dad
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Bumper
Bumper is a male Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kristin decided to make him part of their program. Kristin 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.
Scarlet, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Scarlet
Scarlet is a female Rhodesian Ridgeback. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kristin decided to make her part of their program. Kristin 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.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +2 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
DogWood Kennels 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.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Kristin to bring home their puppies.
Julie H.
Verified owner · July 2025
Jackson is growing like a weed. He is a beautiful and healthy puppy . Kristin was easy to deal with and very responsive to any and all questions.
Gary P.
Verified owner · Dec. 2022
Kristen was an absolute pleasure to work with. We had multiple phone calls before deciding to move forward and she was very informative and the care she has for her dogs really shows.
Nancy J.
Verified owner · Nov. 2022
Very happy with Sabah from Salter Kennels. Received pictures and information about our little girl along the process of getting her.
KR
Katie R.
Verified owner · Apr. 2025
It was a pleasure working with Kristin to get our new family member. She was very responsive and accommodating and has since kept in contact to ensure our Olive is doing well. When we add to our family next year, we will definitely be reaching out to Kristin again.
Bart R.
Verified owner · Dec. 2022
+6
We had a great experience with Kristin! She was very helpful, responsive, and accommodating throughout the entire process of welcoming Nala to our home. Kristin went above and beyond to answer all of our questions and make the logistics as easy as possible. We are so happy and Nala is assimilating well into our family. We would highly recommend working with Kristin if you are looking for a beautiful RR!
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.