AKC Awards and Honors 

The AKC has six honors that are awarded each year:

• Breeder of the Year
• Awards for Canine Excellence 
• Community Achievement Award
• Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Outstanding Sportsmanship Award
• Paws of Courage

Below are the RRCUS Members that have been awarded some these honors! 

Breeder of the Year

• 2012: Hound Group Winner: Alicia Hanna, Kimani Kennels 
• 2017: Hound Group Honoree: Marie Cotton, Spring Valley Rhodesian Ridgebacks 

Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

• 2022: Jennifer Gysler
• 2021: Rosann & George Sexton
• 2020: Alexandra Hart
• 2019: Zoelynn Ashton
• 2018: Barbara Rupert
• 2017: Mike Teeling
• 2016: Patricia Hoffman
• 2015: Jane Missimer
• 2014: Daniel Sand, VMD
• 2013: Sandy Gordon
• 2012: Ross Jones
• 2011: Nancy Rich, DVM
• 2010: Holly Lewis
• 2009: Celia Hoffman

CHF Distinguished Research Partner Award

• 2023 was awarded to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States & Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation