Richard E. Rupert                                                                                       

CANINE BACKGROUND AND RELATED JUDGING EXPERIENCE:

Dogs became a major element of my life with the acquisition of a male Dachshund, shortly after my marriage to Barbara. While not shown, he was a very nice and functional red smooth. I spent many evenings tramping through the woods to the nearby “groundhog” den, where he could be heard below ground for hours on end facing off with the “resident”, nose to nose in the entrance tunnel. After digging him out numerous times over the course of both of their lives, I developed a first hand knowledge of a dachshunds “function”. The importance of this attribute has since been reinforced many times as my  dog experience has grown from sharing my home with other breeds including, a Boxer, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Whippets,  Saluki, and most recently a Mini Wirehaired Dachshund. Every breed has important distinctive and “type” defining characteristics, however, I believe a clear picture of each breed’s original purpose or function is paramount to really understanding any of them.

My wife and I are probably best known for our “Oakhurst” Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Whippets. We are very proud of our breeding program accomplishments from the whelping box to the show ring, though; we have enjoyed, as most long time breeders can attest, both the agony and the ecstasy that accompanies the sport of purebred dogs. Regardless of these, however, I count as most significant, the years of pleasure our dogs have provided for us and for other families around the world. Purebred dogs make great companion for kids and grandkids!

Currently I am licensed by the American Kennel Club to Judge Afghan Hounds, Dachshunds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Whippets. However, I have judged many additional breeds in assignments throughout the world.

I am very pleased to be selected to Judge Rhodesian Ridgebacks for the National Club of Brazil in November 2011. For me, judging assignments are always enjoyable, and I look forward to the continuing education provided by the experience and the opportunity to make new friends.