I've been getting emails wanting to know about the temperament of the sire of our upcoming litter - Am/Can/Finn Ch Ikimba Tumomak Sheikh ROM,CGC,TDI,ET,TT.

Well, I've never met the dog, but I don't have to in order to have an idea of his temperament. Why? Because it's all there in those letters behind his registered name.

ROM: this means he has sired at least 10 US champions. This is important because it tells me that the offspring are good representations of what a Ridgeback should physically look like.

CGC: this tells me he has passed the AKC Good Citizen Certification. Only well behaved, calm, easy going, biddable dogs can do that.

TDI: even more testament to a good stable temperament. TDI is therapy dog designation which means Sheikh can visit hospitals, nursing homes or with special needs children. This is a very rigorous test for both dog and handler.

TT: temperament tested... in addition to being outgoing, a dog that passes this test is not gun shy or terrified of loud noises, takes his cue for behavior from his owner, but is willing to put himself between his owner and harmful appearing people.

ET: endurance test.. this dog has passed the test that requires him to cover 12 miles within a time frame, still be in good physical shape and be willing to do a few obedience tests at the end of that trek. Quite a feat for both dog and human!

And that is how I know this dog will be a wonderful mate for my sweet, easy going, biddable Darla!