HISTORY OF RR IN ITALY
There are not certain records about the imports of Rhodesian Ridgebacks in Italy before 1965. It is in this year that Mrs. Ricci imported a male from then Rhodesia: Mwala of Mpani born on 17/4/65, sire Ch. Mpani Rip of Colemore, dam Ch Mpani's Flame Lily of Stallis.
The first Ridgeback to achieve the status of Italian Champion was Rosette of Mpani, bred by Mrs. Mylda Arsenis, Rhodesia. Rosette was born on 17/04/1964, sire Ch. Glenaholm Strauss of Inkabusi, dam Mpani's Ilala of Goromonzi.
The story of Rosette of Mpani is somehow complicated: she was first exported with the mother to the US, to Major Cooper in 1967; then she was imported to Italy by Mr Mario owner of Del Meraviglioso Kennels. Rosette achieved the title of Italian Champion of Beauty in 1969.
Up to early '80s, there is a small number of Rhodesian Ridgebacks In Italy: very few dogs are imported and the litters are quite rare. Evidence of this is given by the number of dogs registered in the LOI (Book of Italian Origin) in the period from 1968 to 1980: 33 dogs.
A significant change occurs in 1981, when two bitches, Rhea and Kushani Camilla (Sire Ch. Shangara Checeni, Dam Mpani's Russet), breeder Mrs. Pool, South Africa, are imported to Italy by Ms. Giovanna Bacchini Carr owner of delle Cime Bianche Kennels, in Northern Italy.
Ch. Rhea
The contribution of Ms. Bacchini Carr to the breed is of fundamental importance for Italy. Though still a rare breed, Rhodesian Ridgebacks start to be known and appreciated in the Italian canine world.
Today about 60 Ridgebacks are registered every year in Italy.
The first Italian champion bred in Italy was bred by delle Cime Bianche kennel. The champion was a dog, Sa delle Cime Bianche, born on 13/3/84 (Sire Mushana Gororo, Dam Ch. Rhea), who achieved his title in 1985.
Delle Cime Bianche Kennel has fulfilled a number of achievements by obtaining many national titles in Italy and in other European countries, and many international titles like: WCH in Vien in 1986 with Rhea, ECH with Ruby delle Cime Bianche, and ECH in Genova in 1998 with Kaya delle Cime Bianche.
In 1992, in Southern Italy, another breeder acquired a registered kennel name: Murenga of Ms. Sandra Piscedda. Up tp today Murenga brought four Ridgebacks to the champion status. The foundation bitch of Murenga Kennels was Johokwe Goldy born on 28 July 1989 (Sire Ch. Famous Chaka Makaranga, Dam Juba delle Cime Bianche), breeder Mrs Rosy Brook-Risse, Germany.
Delle Cime Bianche and Murenga are the only two kennels in Italy registered with ENCI (Italian Kennel Club) and the FCI.
Ch. Johokwe Goldy
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Italy
In May 1997 in Tuscany, a group of Italian enthusiasts and the registered breeders founded the RR Club of Italy -RRCI, with the aim to promote a better knowledge of the breed in the country and to protect and enhance the qualities of the breed.
The first President of the RRCI, still in her office, is Ms. Giovanna Bacchini Carr.
The Club has been recognized by ENCI on 6th December 2001, but, since its foundation, it had already launched several social activities. This year 2 shows valid for the Italian Championship took place: the first RR Special Show21st April 2002, judge Mr. Di Trapani,Italy, and the first Specialty, 8th June 2002, judge Mr. Sam Wallace, Zimbabwe, were held.
The Web address of the RRCI is http://www.canitalia.it/club/rhodesian/index.htm
© (Copyright) 1999 by Sandra Piscedda
Text and photos may be reproduced with acknowledgment of the source.
