Zola Ridgebacks
Meet the breeder
I'm Melissa P., the breeder behind Zola Ridgebacks located in North Carolina. I am an AKC Breeder of Merit breeding for sound, healthy, quality representations of the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. I am dedicated to putting in my greatest efforts into my program. My dogs are family and they bring so much joy into life.
Q. & A. with Melissa
Why did you start breeding?
We have been showing our Ridgebacks since 2007 when acquiring our beautiful Zola from Sandra Drogmiller of Kissi African Lion Hounds.What makes your program special?
It is our goal to have long standing relationships with each of our puppy owners and provide continued support through the entirety of the lives of our dog’s progeny.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Melissa
Melissa 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 between $2,800 - $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
Melissa 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 Melissa 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 Melissa 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
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- 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
- Food & treats
- Initial potty training
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- Basic obedience & manners
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Melissa.
Breeder’s location
Meet in North Carolina
More about Melissa
Club memberships
Melissa is a member of The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit.
Melissa has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Melissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Melissa’s links
Melissa is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Zola 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
Parent dogs
Pippa, mom
Rhodesian Ridgeback
About Pippa
Pippa is our Lulu x Dude daughter and is silly and loving. She loves to snuggle with her humans and pack and is keen on the lure.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Zola 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)
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.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME), Early Adult Onset Deafness (EAOD), 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).
