Welcome to Glenaholm Kennels, breeders of Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Glenaholm is the oldest Rhodesian Ridgeback kennels in the world.  The kennel was registered with the Kennel Union of South Africa in 1947 by Phyllis McCarthy. Her daughter Laurie Venter, and Norah Reid showed and bred the Glenaholm dogs after Phyllis retired.  When Norah Reid/Ormerod went to USA, Laurie continued on her property called Chucklenook just outside Johannesburg, and Norah Ormerod became Glenaholm in America.   Sadly Laurie died in 2013 but happily her sister in law, Litia McCarthy is now the loving owner and breeder of the Glenaholm Ridgebacks at Chucklenook.

Over the past 60 years so much has changed – the Glenaholm estate is now a housing development; the trees on Laurie’s property, Chucklenook, have grown and houses for her children and other family members have been built. But there is one thing that has remained constant – the Glenaholm dogs still look the same and most importantly, their characters and temperaments.

The Glenaholm dogs have always been important members of the families. They are never kenneled unless they are on heat or whelping. They are there to be loving and loyal friends, to guard their owners and to be gentle and predicable with the children. The fact that they have also become champions in many countries around the world is an added bonus.