Rhodesian Ridgebacks  evolved in Africa for providing protection to families and livestock from wild animals, including lion and leopard. Their hunting abilities are renowned – earning them the name of “Lion Dogs”.  They are also well known for their loyalty, outstanding intelligence and natural protective instinct over their families and homes. They can endure the harsh environmental conditions and are incredibly resilient to common threats such as tick bite fever.

This Lion Dog has made his way into the hearts and homes of many South African families – and families all over the world.

We started Excalibur Kennels  nearly 30 years ago.  We are on a five acre smallholding where we manage an Equestrian Yard with 14 horses and our beloved dogs, seven Rhodesian Ridgebacks and two Jack Russell terriers.

Temperament is a top priority in our breeding programme. Excalibur Kennels is registered with the Kennel Union of South Africa.   We strive to breed the perfect Ridgeback, concentrating on sound temperaments, good health, strong bone, correct  colour and meeting the requirements of the breed standard.    We have had positive contribution to our Excalibur Line from other  South African and Rhodesian / Zimbabwe breeders and our dogs are big and  strong with excellent temperaments, protective and yet gentle and caring. 

Katima (reg. name Maxwood SunSlip) was our first Rhodesian Ridgeback, a beautiful dark red wheaten colour and weighing in at over 50 kg.  Katima had the most loving, protective nature – she would give her life for me – and nearly did on one occasion when she saved me from a screw-driver wielding intruder. (Read the article "Saved by a Ridgeback").  She was at my side for over 14 years, when she died peacefully in her sleep, resting in her favourite place at my feet under the computer table.

Most evenings on our “Stable check” walkabout, we give each horse a carrot or two and when we get to the end of the line, there are all the Ridgies waiting for their “treat” too. All our dogs really enjoy raw carrots.  We found Neferatari taking whole carrots, which she had saved from our evening visits to the stables, back to the whelping box for her pups.  

Here’s a short resume of our dogs….

Neferatari (25/12/2003) Red Wheaten, small white marking on chest.  She has a gentle, reserved nature – keeps a watchful eye over everyone.

Nkita (22/01/2006) – Red Wheaten, with black muzzle.  She is a great socializer – thoroughly enjoys training classes, where she “chats” with everyone – dogs and humans.

Saqqara (6/11/2006) Dark Red Wheaten with black muzzle and “eye liner” – an absolute clown !  Always happy and playful, jumps in and out of the horsebox, over the teff bales – even jumps the horse-jumps.

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N’Shala – (25/05/2008) Bright red wheaten – no white markings at all. She is agile, fast and full of fun, rarely seen “walking” – usually goes at a flat-out gallop.  Loves the water – we have a vlei at the bottom of our property and she is so fast through the water it looks like she is skiing.

Pharaoh (25/05/2004) our main stud dog.  He is a big, powerful and handsome dog with dark red wheaten colouring and black muzzle and ear tips.  Pharaoh has tremendous presence and is very self assured – sometimes he can be aloof with strangers but always loving and protective with family and friends.

Cleopatra and Tullah -  7 and 9 years old…. They have had wonderful litters in their time, but are now retired from breeding.  They still take an active part in our family life.

One of our first puppies went to Ralf Kalwa – a Chief Game Ranger in the Kruger Park.  He called her Dusty and she turned out to be Ralf’s right hand/ co-Game Ranger.  We soon had many requests for our pups from Game and Safari parks in many parts of Africa and we have exported pups to Europe, USA  etc.,

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very special dogs and they need to be part of the family. They also need space ... the motto of the South African Rhodesian Ridgeback Society is “Let them run free” …  and this we try to do.

Puppies are sometimes available ... like these adorable youngsters exploring the world around them

Progeny of Excalibur N'Shala and Excalibur Pharoah has just become a champion in obedience work and in the showring

Contact:

Pat and Philip Yeo: 

Excalibur Kennels,

Walkerville

Tel:   +27(0)11 949 4126

Cell:  +27(0)83 519 4757

Cell:  +27(0)72 219 5800

Email:  excalibur@net1.co.za