The foundation of the Rikim prefix came with a delightful yellow bitch called Gordonna Sabishi in 1958. She was bred along the lines of Liddly Mustard & Winlaton Michael, well known breeding of that time. My interest in chocolates began in 1967 with a chocolate dog called Strathesk Sol, owned by Grenada Kennels. He was a grandson of Wendover Jonah and the dam came down the lines of Handworth Boston. Breeding for chocolate was very experimental at that time. It took me 2 generations to breed my first. I've been a chocoholic since.

The chocolate labrador has been very much maligned over the years. As a consequence in the show ring, they were often ignored. A handful of determined breeders have perservered. Fortunately, now the chocolates are judged on their merits as a labrador, rather then as an inferior colour. (well, on most occassions!)

After a liftime of caring for other peoples dogs (Ardencaple Boarding Kennels in Yarrambat, Victoria) and carrying large numbers of breeding dogs, I am now enjoying my dogs more then ever. There is more time for daily walks, swims in the dam, enjoyable days showing and dogs on the end of the bed.Under the Rikim prefix (my name changed a couple of times - not the kennel name) I have bred all three colours and, until recently always owned labs across the spectrum. I delight in the temperment, adaptability and nature of labradors, regardless of their colour.

Now in my semi-retirement years, I have a smaller number of dogs and they are all chocolate. That is not to say the situation won't change if a lovely yellow or black catches my fancy.
Just scroll down - obviously blacks and yellows are making a come back in the Rikim Kennels!