A Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeder
The Legacy of Margaret Cook.
In 1954, Rhodesian Ridgeback Breeder Margaret Lowthian Cook profoundly shaped the future of the African Lion Hound when the first Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy was proudly whelped under the Lamarde Perro banner. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly the entire foundation of the breed in the United States can be traced back to this great legacy in one form or another.
Mrs. Cook originally raised quality Weimaraners but shortly after becoming aquainted with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, she began pursuing interest in the breed full time and made several visits to the South of Africa where she visited with such noteworthy kennels as Thornbury. She also became aquainted with the renowned Rhodesian Ridgeback Judge and expert, Major T.C. Hawley, from whom she gleaned a good deal of the knowledge she would later use to build the foundation stock of what would become known as Lamarde Perro Kennel.
Margaret Cook mentored many people in the United States and most of the major kennels today owe a debt of gratitude to the Late Mrs. Cook for her care and direction which has helped to positively and indelibly mark the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed in the United States.
In her last few years, she mentored her son and daughter (John
and Sally Cook) and the tradition of producing top show dogs has continued almost without interruption. Today, the Cooks are deeply involved in protecting the legacy that they have received as Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders. They are still producing top champions, and multiple best of breed winners while making soundess of health, structure and temperament the focal point of their breeding program.
