Zenkosi Ridgebacks

Robin R.

Certified Breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

  • Colgate, WI

Meet the breeder

I'm the breeder behind Zenkosi Ridgebacks located in Colgate, WI. In order to best plan for the puppies' futures, I need to be sure that I am the type of breeder you are looking for, and you are the type of owner I am looking for. Responsible breeders have several homes waiting for a puppy from them before the dog is bred, and owners might wait a year or even more before bringing one home. My questions might seem nosy, but I am signing up to support my puppies for life, including taking them back if for any reason you can no longer care for it. I want to make care in choosing families so that is less likely. You will not just get a puppy, but the support and guidance of someone who has experience with the breed and a network of other breeders to draw from.

Q. & A. with Robin

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I fell in love with the breed after seeeing my first Ridgeback in person at a vet's office. It would be 12 years later that I would finally get one of my own, a pet female from Kacela Ridgebacks who cemented my devotion to the breed. Within a year, I decided two were better than one, and obtained a sweet, bouncy show male from Imkahena in France. I showed him to his championship at 21 months old as a first time handler. He sired two litters, and I got his granddaughter Jazzy as the start of my own kennel.

  • What makes your program special?

    I do not sell my puppies for the lowest price, but I am not the highest price, either. I train and show them in conformation and other events, and do extensive testing and pedigree research to find the best match for health, beauty, and temperament. You can find some of these health tests on ofa.org under Glenaholm Zenkosi At Last CGC (Jazzy), GCH CH Zenkosi Classic Jazz CGC TKN (Ella), Can CH Zenkosi Cinnamon Joy (Ginger), and GCH CH Zenkosi It's Showtime BCAT CGC TKN (Raven) who will be the dam of my next litter. Several more tests are documented on my Facebook page, Zenkosi Ridgebacks, under photo albums of their health test results, and on ofa.org under their registered names. I keep up with any health issues that may arise in the breed. No matter which breeder you decide to work with, please ensure they provide details about what testing they (and the stud owner, if outside stud is used) have done for the dogs. Certain diseases like Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) can cripple a dog at a fairly young age, and progress to the premature death of the dog. I also am committed to giving my puppies the best start possible through Puppy Culture methods. You can find out more on https://shoppuppyculture.com/pages/puppy-culture-1

  • 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.

Getting a puppy from Robin

Robin 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 $550 non-refundable deposit and between $1,950 - $2,250 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“My contract also requires owners attend puppy school with their puppy starting by 12 weeks, and beginner obedience by 12 months. Also families must keep them intact until 18 months (males) or at least 3 months after their first season (females) for proper joint growth. Only paid AFTER I offer the chance to reserve a puppy from a current litter. All others will be refused and refunded. If there is any reason I cannot provide a puppy to the buyer, I will refund the deposit.”

Contract & health guarantee

Robin 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 Robin 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 Robin directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

You can fly or drive to pick up your puppy from Robin.

  • Meet in Colgate, WI

  • Meet at MKE airport

More about Robin

  • Club memberships

    Robin is a member of The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.

  • Certifications & recognitions

    2019 RRCUS National Specialty finalist, Female Best Ridge, 2016 RRCUS National Specialty winner, Best Ridge , 2018 Top 10 RRCUS Owner Handler.

  • Robin has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years

    Robin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.

  • Robin’s links

Robin is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Zenkosi Ridgebacks 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Zenkosi Ridgebacks 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), Brucellosis

    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.

  • Full Embark Panel, D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, OFA/CHIC DNA Repository, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)

    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).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Robin to bring home their puppies.

  • EH

    Ethan H.

    Verified owner · July 2025

    Robin is very knowledgeable and a very ethical breeder! Working with her was a pleasure and she made the process very easy and stress free. As someone new to the breed I appreciate her guidance going even past puppy pickup as Lily continues to develop and grow into a beautiful dog. You can put your confidence in Robin and that you are getting a healthy puppy and receiving transparency as well as someone who truly cares about the health and well-being of your dog throughout its life.

    Alec B.

    Verified owner · June 2025

      • +6

    We couldn’t be happier with our experience bringing Arnold home and working with Robin. From day one, Robin has been incredible — knowledgeable, patient, and always quick to answer our (many!) questions as first-time Ridgeback owners. It’s clear how much love, care and thought she puts into her puppies, it shows in Arnold’s temperament. He came to us healthy, confident and already showing the smart, loving personality we hoped for. Robin made the entire process smooth and stress-free. She truly went above and beyond to prepare us for life with our new best friend. We feel so lucky to have found both Arnold and such a wonderful breeder. We would highly recommend Robin to anyone looking for a well-bred, well-raised Rhodesian Ridgeback.

  • Diane P.

    Verified owner · July 2025

      • +6

    I was given such a great opportunity not only to help with the puppies but to see the amount of care, nurturing and love was given to each and every pup! The amount of things that we buyers don’t see that she did for them was incredible! 10 pups that went home wanting clean crates happens because of the amount of effort that Robin worked so very hard for. Loved watching them grow and getting to know all the Rhodesian relatives was amazing! Boaz, (aka Turbo) our pup is doing great and is loving, kind and gentle and so far been healthy and so trainable. This will be our 4th ridgeback and we are so in love with this breed! It’s always good to know there is a breeder who not only cares but was very transparent and including the new owners via live cams so you can get to know your pup even from a distance. We will miss being in such close proximity to his relatives!

    Dan V.

    Verified owner · June 2025

    We recently had the pleasure of welcoming a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy into our family from Zenkosi Ridgebacks and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our experience. From the very beginning, Robin demonstrated exceptional care, knowledge, and integrity. The entire process was transparent and thoughtful. We were kept informed about the litter’s progress with regular updates, photos, and developmental milestones. Our puppy came home happy, well-adjusted, and already showing signs of the intelligent, loyal, and affectionate temperament the breed is known for. We wholeheartedly recommend Robin to anyone looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Photos

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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.

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.

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.

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