About us
Balnacoin
Kennels is situated on a five acre property in the Adelaide Hills, where
the dogs can run freely - though they still prefer to lounge in their
favourite chair,
or wherever I happen to be.
My
introduction to Ridgebacks was as a student in the mid- sixties when 'Tara'
- a Rhodesian Ridgeback bitch - was my guardian and companion on a small
island off the West coast of Scotland . Too many years later I re-discovered
the breed here in Australia and I am now obsessed by, and addicted &
devoted to them.
While striving to breed Ridgebacks with sound temperaments, which are healthy and conform to the breed standard, my dogs are first and foremost my pets and companions. I feel a huge responsibility to the breed and take great care in breeding and then placing my pups, and have been fortunate that I have made many good friends of people that I have sold my pups to over the years. Though I don't enjoy showing (and manage to pass this aversion on to my dogs!) I realise that, though not perfect, this is the only judging system we have that ensures that our breed continues to conform to the standard laid out in 1921. Fortunately I have some very good friends who now help to show my dogs and enable the judges to see them as they really are!
As the Breed Information Officer in The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of South Australia I am able to feed my obsession by talking to people about the breed. With another member of the committee we have established a Rescue/rehome service which continues to be successful in helping older dogs find a forever home.
Since I have had this breed I have
become interested in 'all things doggy' and am a Dog Obedience Instructor
and a Delta trained Behavioural Trainer, with a particular interest in
puppies and early socialisation.
While I acknowledge my current 'one-eyed-ness' about Ridgebacks
these days,
I have done my apprenticeship with a variety of breeds and canine personalities.
Growing up in Scottish sheep country, my father's working Bearded and
Border Collies were always considered part of the family. Even now
it could be said that my family ranges 'from the sublime to the ridiculous'
with 'Roag' my 10-year-old Bichon Frise taking charge of the household's
security and public relations arrangements with no dispute from his big
sisters!
It was Roag with whom I first explored the joys and frustrations of formal
Obedience and Agility training and trialling, gaining his CD before being
forced
out of further serious competition by injury and an over-reliance on cute-ness.
Balnacoin's foundation bitch 'Shona ' also reached competiton standard
in both Obedience and Agility.
All my dogs do attend Puppy school and learn basic obedience exercises
and when I have the time I may consider trialling again....
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Christina MacLeod
08 82707057