17 Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies: An Entrepreneurial Opportunity Missed

What a difference the country of birth might have made! In Germany, Ramona Wegemann's Rhodesian Ridgeback, Etana, gave birth to 17 healthy puppies, reports AP. Although litters of about eight are common with the breed, 17 is extraordinary. Over a four week period, Wegemann, an independent animal psychiatrist, hardly slept a wink, between bottle feedings and entertaining the pups.

Perhaps this story sheds some light on differences between U.S. and German cultures, especially in regards to the way in which entrepreneurism is viewed by members of each group. Wegemann hasn't pounced on a commercial opportunity based on this experience, at least not yet. Her fee for selling each puppy is $1,050. She only is selling them to families with children, not to any breeders. That fee barely covers the cost of the special puppy formula required, vet care, vaccinations, and required paperwork.

Had this happened to an American, they might have been contacted by multiple players in the pet industry by now. There could have been photos of the 17 puppies on everything from calenders, to giant bags of special-formula dog food.

However, entrepreneurism could still triumph. A multinational hospitality company could host a reunion of the 17 puppies, the mother Etana, and Wegemann on their first birthday. Though the date might be tricky since the puppies were born over a 26-hour time frame.