Born & Bred a Dog Lover! Dogs have featured in my life since birth, a variety of breeds playing their part and I salute their contribution.

My involvement with Rhodesian Ridgebacks goes back to the early ‘80s when I assisted the late Brian Megginson (Shangara) in showing his hounds. Hitherto, I had bred and shown Wire Haired Dachshunds, but something about the magnificent African Lionhounds sparked a passion for them which has continued to evolve ever since.

Throughout the 1980's, I became progressively more involved with the Ridgeback scene, learning as much as I could from those with wide knowledge and experience of the Breed. As my involvement grew, I began to take a more active part in Ridgeback affairs. In 1984 I played a key role in the organisation of the first RR World Congress, held in Johannesburg. My admiration and passion for them became just too much to contemplate life without one, so in 1991 I purchased my first bitch, from Cartouche Kennels.

Ch Cartouche Nandi had a profound impact on my life.  A great character and companion, as well as a fine specimen with a superb temperament.  Her successful show career lasted just three years, before she was mated to Ch Mushana Benji in 1993, whelping 5 quality puppies. A bitch pup, Umjumi Anga joined the Cartouche Kennel and went on to become a SA Champion.

In January 1994, my husband and I, together with our dogs, left SA for Indonesia, returning in  July 1996. In 1997 Anga was mated to Ch USA & SA Kimani’s Heir To The Throne. From this litter I acquired a promising bitch  – Ch Cartouche Dineo - who joined her grandma Nandi. The Umjumi line was on it's way!

Dineo produced 3 fine litters, with Ch Umjumi Duma my pick of the dog pups from the last. Duma went on to become a top winning Champion, as did two of his daughters, Ch Roodedraai Donda and Ch Roodedraai Pumba, both part of the contemporary Umjumi team and foundation bitches for my future breeding programme.

At Umjumi, all of our dogs are first and foremost part of our family, living with us in the house. Only in very exceptional circumstances is one of them kept separately, before being returned to the fold as soon as possible. With their excellent natures, there is complete harmony, notwithstanding that each individual has it's own character and personality.

Each Umjumi Rhodesian Ridgeback represent a thoroughly researched, carefully selected combination of top bloodlines, resulting in a beautiful, happy, healthy, companion animal, with so importantly, a sound temperament.

All litters are whelped in the house and the dam and her whelps are under permanent supervision during the critical early weeks. The pups are moved to the nursery and puppy garden after around 3 weeks of age, where they can develop their motor and social skills in the fresh air.

Prior to introduction to there new homes, all Umjumi puppies undergo an environmental enrichment programme, as well as a comprehensive vetinerary health and fitness examination. They are thus in the best possible condition to confidently and capably embark on their life ahead. Form and function in perfect harmony with their owner, whatever their lifestyle.

We strive for excellence and breed uncompromisingly for the betterment of the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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