Our Story

I am blessed to share my Connecticut home with several Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I 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. Dobermans 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 gained knowledge and experience in not only dog behavior, learning, training, showing and breeding, but also holistic nutrition and healthcare.

In 2000, I moved to New Hampshire and 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 I intend my dogs to be primarily companions, equal if not greater attention is given to temperament and health. I want the puppies I am responsible for producing to have long enjoyable lives with their human companions.

Heidi Dommers ~ Solterraluna Rhodesian Ridgebacks