We are the Mrak family and we live on the Crystal Coast of NC in Cape Carteret.  We have three school age children and five ridgebacks.  Ridgebacks have been part of our family for over a decade we are grateful for all that they add to our lives.  We weren't looking for a show dog but none the less the male show puppy is the one we fell in love with.  When it was time to get Sampson a companion I had been bitten by the show bug and we brought home our foundation girl Sophie.  Sophie finished her championship pretty quickly, especially since she was being handled by a novice owner.  She went on to produce wonderful puppies, one of which won the 2004 RRCUS National Puppy Sweeps.  Today she enjoys being the boss of the other dogs and loving her human kids.

My husband has been in the USMC for over 18 years.  We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel and live all over the world.  In fact, my husband first showed me a picture of two ridgebacks in an military magazine while we lived oversees.  Life has been full of fun and adventure but we are thrilled to be back in North Carolina. 

At Keniba Ridgebacks we have chosen to grow our breeding program slowly.  Although we got our first ridgeback in 1998 we didn't begin breeding until 2003.  That time was used learning anything and everything we could about ridgebacks.  I have attended many seminars including but not limited to health and genetics, nutrition, breeding, structure and training.  I am also an avid reader and try to keep up with the latest and greatest information on ridgebacks.  Our lines are built from some of the oldest and most successful ridgeback bloodlines.  All our breeding stock have had thorough health screenings and have achieved their AKC championships. It is important for us to breed dogs that fit the breed standard not make the breed standard fit the dog.

We have been blessed with success even though we have limited dogs in the show ring...

~Our first litter produced a RRCUS National winner of Best in Puppy Sweeps (Zoe).  

~Gracie is from Zoe's first litter and has just attained her AKC championship title with all major wins, often taking Best of Opposite Sex over other Specials. 

~ Next in the ring with be the  puppies from Zoe's second litter Annie and Katie. 

In 2004 I received the #9 RRCUS Owner/Handler award while showing only two dogs, Zoe and Elvis.

Puppies placed outside our home are no less important or accomplished.... 

~Miles (Zoe x Mafu) graduated valadogtorian from his puppy class and helps Monica train for marathons.

~Oliver (Zoe x Mafu) showed he knew the difference between "stranger" and "danger" when a suspicious intruder tried to enter the shop after hours.  Even though he was young he placed himself between Martha and the intruder and let him know he was not welcome.

~Matiko (Sophie x Birk) and Kira (Zoe x Moz) enjoy raising service dogs who help others in need.

~Lancelot (Sophie x Birk) attained his AKC championship and is now CH Keniba's It's Now or Never

Our three main mentors have long and distinguished records in the ridgeback world and I must take a moment to thank them for all their help and friendship.  Their willingness to teach and guide us have given Keniba a firm foundation to build upon.

Betty and Jim Scattini (Triggerhill) gave us our introduction to ridgebacks when we purchased our beloved Sampson.  They continue to be two of the nicest people in ridgebacks.

Dudley Hackney (Rakiara) continued mentoring me when we moved back to the east coast.  She helped me acquire our foundation girl Sophie and held my hand as I learned the ropes in the show ring. 

Alicia Hanna (Kimani) has allowed me the opportunity to breed to her exceptional stud dogs over the last several years.  I am deeply grateful for her generosity.

Ridgebacks are our passion and we continue to learn more about them each and every day.  While winning is certainly nice, we take great joy in the relationships we have built with our extended families.  I try to always remember what it was like to look for that perfect dog for our family and also to be the new person around the show ring.  Please contact us for more information about ridgebacks or our Upcoming Litters.

keniba@yahoo.com ~ 252-764-2214