The HRA recognizes that some Rhodesian Ridgebacks both within and outside of the U.S. already have extensive and proven hunting experience and abilities. However, some of these dogs will not have access to HRA compliant events/hunts in the foreseeable future.

These dogs can apply for HRA titling through an 'Affidavit of Performance', or AOP.

Keep in mind however that the HRA's evaluation paradigm is of the gun-dog hunting perspective. There are already numerous "autonomous  hunting" evaluation body's that will evaluate your dogs willingness to hunt independently or effect harvest independently. If this describes your dog, please seek certifications/titles from those organizations.

Also be further advised before submitting an AOP, that the guidelines are rather restrictive. This is not a way for an owner to say, "I live in a remote corner of Wyoming, and my dog chases squirrels..." or "My dog brought down a deer once..." and then, "... so please give it a title." While a particular Ridgeback's proclivity to chase small (or even large) fury things is an encouraging indicator of breed-specific prey-drive, it is not in anyway a qualitative measure of that same Ridgeback's usefulness as a real hunting companion. And while living in a remote location may limit your ability to attend HRA compliant events, it does not in most cases prevent you from attending the nearest one.

On the other hand, if (for example) you have a dog that has led you on spoor track to your downed game, 500 meters from where it was shot the evening before, that dog has probably earned a Game Recovery Tracking Certification. If you have a dog that has put you on game in such a way as to facilitate your harvesting of the game, then that dog has probably earned a Game-Class Qualifier designation. If you have a dog that has proven itself over a longer period of time with regular, successful hunting with human companions, that dog has probably earned at least one Game-Class Hunting Ridgeback Title. If this describes your Ridgeback, you are encouraged to see what Certification/Designation/Title(s) your dog may have already earned by submitting a completed AOP.

Once submitted, AOPs and RTRs are reviewed by the HRA Judges, who make the final determination. If approved, the applicant dog will be issued the corresponding HRA designation, certification, or title.

Download the AOP form by clicking HERE.

If your system does not support MSWord templates, use the HTML version by clicking HERE.

Mail completed form with supporting evidence to:
The HRA, PMB 14061, Parkville, MO 64152