Our Story

My family and I are blessed to share our New Hampshire home with several Rhodesian Ridgebacks. We truly enjoy their energy, beauty, athleticism, playfulness, and personalities.

I grew up with horses, involved in 4-H, Pony Club and competing in horse shows and trials. When I started working for a large veterinary practice in 1989, the world of dog sports and training opened up to me. Dobemans were my initial love. Then, a special Boston Terrier, Lulu, came into my life and I had a second love. It is through my Doberman and Boston Terrier companions that I not only gained knowledge and experience in dog behavior, learning, training, showing and breeding, but also holistic nutrition and healthcare.

When we moved to New Hampshire in 2000, I became friends with a local Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder, Diana Barrie. Although I admired her dogs, I had never considered sharing life with a Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, in June 2009, Xolani was born. I met her at 4 days old and felt an instant connection. With her, my personal journey with Rhodesian Ridgebacks began. Dobermans will always have a special place in my heart, but Rhodesian Ridgebacks now own my heart.

Diana and I co-bred two litters with Xolani. It was with the second litter that Solterraluna Rhodesian Ridgebacks was established. Through that same breeding, I met Bonnie Johnson of Shabani Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Bonnie and I have since become good friends, co-breeders, and co-owners of some amazing dogs.

Each breeding is planned with attention to physical structure and purpose as outlined in the breed standard. However, because we intend our dogs to be primarily companions, equal if not greater attention is given to temperament and health. We want our puppies to have long enjoyable lives with their human companions.

Heidi Dommers ~ Solterraluna Rhodesian Ridgebacks