1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Araceli Echavarria: My husband was looking for something to do with our sons. Hunting is a big deal in Texas, and we love dogs, so we started to research for dogs we could take hunting. In our search, we ran into a beautiful video of the Dogo Argentino breed, working together, hunting with their family. We were immediately enamored with the majestic breed and, as we researched more on it, we realized that they would be a great fit for our family. We looked for the right fit for us. It was important that we found not only dogs that would do the job, and came from a great line, but that they had the temperament to do their job and to be part of our family. And we found just that. We have been very blessed to have not only started with amazing dogs that had great temperament, form, and function, we have also been able to breed that as well.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Araceli Echavarria: We have been in the Dogo Argentino breed for almost seven years and I started showing them immediately as an Owner Handler. The pandemic put a little hold on our breeding program, so we bred our first litter in 2021.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Araceli Echavarria: I have attended a few show handling classes when I have visited friends in Texas. Unfortunately, there are no handling classes anywhere near where I live. The nearest AKC club is three hours away, so that has made it very difficult for me to be involved in classes and seminars.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Araceli Echavarria: When I first started showing I would watch a lot of videos on handling, but I am very much a hands-on learner. So, I reached out to people I would meet at shows to teach me how to handle. It has been beautiful to meet other Owner Handlers who have handled dogs for way longer than I and have taken the time to teach me what they know. Some of them have become great friends and we not only enjoy showing together, we also enjoy celebrating each other’s accomplishments!

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Araceli Echavarria: I do compete in NOHS. My female is currently ranked No. 4 and she is the No. 1 female. This year will be my first year competing in Florida’s NOHS. We are very excited about that!

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Araceli Echavarria: Bred-By has been on the back of my mind throughout my journey… although it is such a great honor to have a dog win BOB at Westminster. I sometimes focus on the fact that I am the owner handling the dog that I forget I also bred the dog. That is a point I am reminded of sometimes when the judge asks me about the dog and where she came from! Specialties are amazing! Our breed is very young as an AKC breed, but a Specialty will still bring out numbers that we don’t normally see at regular shows. So, competing in Specialties is always exciting.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Araceli Echavarria: It really used to be very challenging. Again, the breed is so young to AKC (recognized only in 2020) that it was very difficult to not only have entries but also to have judges who were familiar with the breed. I can honestly say that we have seen the Dogo Argentino become more recognizable at AKC shows. More and more judges are being educated in the breed and are judging the breed. So, it is a really exciting time to show a Dogo Argentino now!

8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Araceli Echavarria: I think a reason we have learned so much about this breed is because we have chosen to allow many people in the breed to mentor us. My husband has made amazing connections with great breeders here in the US as well as in Argentina, and I have made amazing connections with great Owner Handlers who have helped me with the sport of handling. One of the biggest influences on my handling as I started showing was Aggie Wasson. I met her at a Dogo Specialty and she offered to help me with handling when I couldn’t find anyone else who would. She spent hours of her time teaching me and said that the best I could repay her would be when I would beat her in the ring! I really do love the camaraderie that Owner Handlers have and I am grateful to have met her. Since then, I have met many others who are always willing to give feedback and work together within our breed, to be able to show our beautiful dogs in the best way possible.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Araceli Echavarria: In my opinion, the Breeder/OH is very important. I respect Professional Handlers and all the hard work they do. I mostly handle one to two dogs at shows and I am exhausted at the end of the day. So, I know that what Professional Handlers do is amazing! Having said that, the Breeder/OH offers an opportunity for those of us who cannot show on a regular basis, who love our dogs and the connection we have in the ring together, to go out there and compete not only with Professionals but also as Owner Handlers. It is important to note that as much as I like owners to show their dogs, in a breed like the Dogo Argentino, it is important that the Owner Handler is very aware of how to handle his or her dog in a way that will represent the
breed favorably!

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Araceli Echavarria: Make sure you are making the breed better!

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Araceli Echavarria: Nationals!!! My GCH Lexus de Casa de la Bahia won BOB at Westminster. I would love to come home with the National win as well!

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Araceli Echavarria: I have quite a few funny stories… but I think one of the funniest is the time when my dog decided to go for a belly rub during examination. She loves to show and loves her treats during ring time, but she will melt if anyone baby talks to her. The judge had decided to greet her in a very sweet voice and my Lexi decided it was time for the judge to give her a belly rub. So, she dropped to her back, legs up and everything! We recovered and won something, can’t remember what, but it was an unforgettable moment!

It has been beautiful to meet other Owner Handlers who have handled dogs for way longer than I and have taken the time to teach me what they know.

The post Interview with Breeder/Owner Handler Araceli Echavarria appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Amy Collins, Breeder of Polleo Dogo Argentino

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Amy Collins: I live in Ohio. I have been in dogs all of my life, but with the for 23 years. I started breeding in 2007.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Amy Collins: My kennel name is Polleō [‘pol.le.o:] Dogo Argentino. It is derived from Latin, meaning powerful and/or strong. I have three males and six females.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Amy Collins: My top-winning dog was an import from Argentina and the base stud of my program: DACA GCH NAKC Master Supreme International GCH Exodus de Argentum CGC. He taught me what a true Dogo Argentino should be in the field and show ring. He lived for 13 years. I have up-and-coming dogs that I am excited to work with.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Amy Collins: There are many, but to mention a few:

• Exodus de Argentum,
• Audacity Princess,
• Xuxa de Los Quilmes,
• Brix de La Bellator,
• Bai de Los Polleo,
• Aala de Los Polleo,
• Indi de Los Gran Guerrero, and
• Lola de Los Polleo.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Amy Collins: Of course! My husband, Beau, and I run our kennels. Everything in our daily lives revolves around our dogs. Puppies are whelped either in our home or in our puppy whelping indoor/outdoor 20×20 building. It is temperature-controlled and comfortable for dam and pups, as well as us. We spend the first week with the dam and litter, sometimes sleeping in the whelping box. My husband and I are very hands-on 24/7 for the first three weeks of their lives. Our puppies are exposed to many things such as noise, texture, and people to test their drive as well as gauge their biddability. Establishing this foundation early-on is key.

It starts with the parents; they must be genetically stable. If not, they shouldn’t be bred. We try to produce a well-rounded and socialized puppy before it leaves our home. We use a modified version of the Wendy Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test, Puppy Culture, and our own methods that have worked for us. Having stable temperaments in this breed is important. We introduce our puppies early on to other dogs and breeds that we own so that they can run and play as a pack. Our Jack Russell, “BlackJack,” is the best puppy sitter. This is essential to develop the pack mentality so that there is sociability with other dogs in the future. They need to know that it is okay to be around strange dogs, be it in the show ring or in the field hunting with a new pack.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Amy Collins: The Dogo Argentino should be ONE and have all attributes to do what it is bred to do. Not every puppy in the litter will excel in that avenue. When I am selecting a puppy, I look for TYPE. Will the puppy check all (or close to all) the boxes of the Breed Standard? I also look for the puppy that is outgoing, not shy. To us, there is a difference between being shy and quiet dominant. A quiet dominant puppy is one that is confident and doesn’t look for trouble, but will step up to any challenge when it needs to. My husband and I work well together when making selections.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Amy Collins: Yes, I compete in Parent Club Events and recently started Performance Events a couple of years ago. I am still very novice. I have tried Fast CAT and Dock Diving, and I intend to give Barn Hunting and Farm Dog a try in the future.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Amy Collins: Absolutely. When I think of performance, I first equate it as hunting in the field as the Dogo Argentino was bred to do. That is a very important aspect of our program. With AKC Performance Events, this is something that I am newer to and I enjoy seeing the dogs work as they should.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Amy Collins: The Dogo Argentino should be conditioned to be able to do the job it was bred to do. This means, when you look at the dog, it should be able to run for miles to catch and hold the wild boar until the hunter arrives to quickly dispatch it. It takes sheer power to be able to handle such a magnificent creature as the wild boar.

The wild boar is a very intelligent, evasive species and the Dogo Argentino must surpass that intelligence. The Dogo Argentino should have well-developed muscles and substantial bone. It must also have a deep chest for the lung compacity to run for miles in the field. The head is the most important stamp of the breed. The wide nostrils and tight-lipped mouth, with just enough commissure to breath while holding the wild boar, is essential. Without all of this, a non-conditioned dog would fail at the task.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Amy Collins: Yes, there is deafness. We are required to BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test all breeding stock and litters. Hips and Cardiac are equally important. A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of protein is best. We mostly feed a raw diet and add supplements.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Amy Collins: Unfortunately, there are very few here in the United States.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Amy Collins: With the correct temperament and continued training, yes it can be well suited to be a family dog. The Dogo Argentino needs a job; without it they can become very destructive. The breed is not for everyone. There are so many new people selling the breed without the proper vetting. The best candidate is someone who has done their research and seeks out a mentor in the breed (not a fly-by-night breeder), someone who has dedicated their lives to the breed and cares about the preservation of the breed. A candidate who will stay in contact with their breeder and/or mentor for the life of the dog. Someone who is willing to join the parent club and become active with the community. A candidate who is willing to put in the work is the ideal person for ownership.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Amy Collins: There are a couple misconceptions! That they do not shed and that they are meant to be couch potatoes. Best-kept secret? I am not telling, LOL. Then, it wouldn’t be a secret.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Amy Collins: Always choose type over flashy. The Dogo Argentino should not be a flashy dog in the ring. It should be serious with a look of marked hardness. Also, approach the dog from the front; head first, then go over the body. You want to introduce yourself as a friend, not a stranger.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Amy Collins: Find a good mentor! Join the parent club!! Do not try to figure it out yourself. There are those who have been there and done that, so learn from their experience. Read and understand the Breed Standard before selecting your breeding stock.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Amy Collins: I never get tired of watching a happy Dogo Argentino do zoomies! But the most amazing experience is watching the breed do what it was originally bred to do, and that is to hunt.

The post Amy Collins | Polleo Dogo Argentino appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Kassi McLaughlin, Breeder of El Remate Dogos Argentinos

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Kassi McLaughlin: I live in San Antonio, Texas. I have been in dogs as a breeder for 25-plus years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Kassi McLaughlin: My kennel name is El Remate. I currently keep three Dogos Argentinos.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Kassi McLaughlin: GCH Atahualpa de El Remate CM and his sister GCH CH Aguada de El Remate CM; they were two of the first five AKC Grand Champions for the breed, and “Atahualpa” was the first of the breed to win Best of Breed at Westminster.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Kassi McLaughlin: The most influential have been Cazador Criollo Huaina and Cazador Criollo Karlito.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kassi McLaughlin: My dogs are kennel and house raised. They are whelped inside my home and raised with a modified version of Puppy Culture, in the home as a family member. I believe in letting my dams do most of the raising and I overseeas needed.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Kassi McLaughlin: There is no difference for me between show and function. The Dogo Argentino should never differentiate between a “show dog” vs. a true Dogo Argentino. Form and Function should be ever present in the breed.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Kassi McLaughlin: Yes, we run in Fast CAT. It’s fun, the dogs love it, and their innate prey drive gets to kick in; plus, we like to compete against our own personal bests. Prodigy from my stock compete in all Performance Events, from Rally Obedience to Dock Diving and Fast CAT. Tests and trials for our breed are out in the woods hunting, doing what the breed was created to do.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Kassi McLaughlin: Functionality plays a large part in all my decisions when it comes to breeding. A Dogo Argentino breeder should always put functionality first and foremost.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Kassi McLaughlin: Conditioning a Dogo means they need to have the ability to run long distances and still have the strength and stamina to fight something 4-5 times their body weight.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Kassi McLaughlin: The first health concern is congenital deafness. Every Dogo should have a BAER test showing full hearing. We also recommend testing hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid. A high-protein diet for working Dogos is recommended.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kassi McLaughlin: Unfortunately, like most breeds, they are becoming more and more popular, and most people are breeding for financial gain.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Kassi McLaughlin: A well-bred Dogo, when it receives the appropriate amount of exercise and mental stimulation to fulfill its working drive, makes an excellent family companion. The best candidates to own a Dogo are individuals or families with a large amount of time to devote to the physical and mental stimulation they need, preferably those who will embrace the Dogo’s true nature as a hunter and actively hunt them.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Kassi McLaughlin: The biggest misconception is that people commonly call them an Argentinian Mastiff when they, in fact, are not mastiffs at all and do not share any mastiff traits. I don’t know if it is a secret to Dogueros who know the breed well, but Dogos are as fiercely loyal and loving to their family as they are a powerful and intense hunter of dangerous game.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Kassi McLaughlin: Form Follows Function: The Dogo Argentino should always look as if it can do the job it is bred to do. Type matters. Find a mentor who not only has over a decade of experience in the breed but someone who has experience using the breed for its intended purpose.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Kassi McLaughlin: I would say the same as above; find a good mentor. Own multiple Dogos, spend time in the breed, with the breed, and using the breed in the woods before ever breeding.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Kassi McLaughlin: As the intense and serious breed that they are, daily life with Dogos provides constant amusement and entertainment. A very special Dogo that belonged to a friend of mine would sit and demand a slice of pizza from me whenever I made pizza—by yelling at me in a way only a Dogo can.

The post Kassi McLaughlin | El Remate Dogos Argentinos appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Kristin Winter, Breeder of Nemesis Dogos

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Kristin Winter: I live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I have been in dogs for 27 years, breeding for 22 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Kristin Winter: My kennel name is Nemesis Dogos, formerly “Gone to the Dogos.” I currently keep 25-35 dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been your noteworthy winners?

Kristin Winter: Noteworthy wins include Multi. BIS GCH Gone To The Dogos Kilo, ranked No. 1 in UKC in 2008 (prior to AKC acceptance of the breed), and his son, AKC GCH Gone To The Dogos Baymax, No. 1 in AKC in 2020 (the first year that Dogo Argentinos were fully accepted by the AKC).

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Kristin Winter: Both of the above males have been the most influential.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kristin Winter: We currently have natural earth kennel runs with shade and shelter from the elements. Puppies are whelped in the house. They are raised to be respectful and polite in public settings as well as at home. We have to take them out a lot as puppies in order to have them social enough to participate in dog shows. Their nature as a breed tends to be leery of strangers, and dominant with same-sex dogs.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Kristin Winter: We evaluate them from “day one” but make the first official cuts at approximately 5 weeks after BAER (hearing) testing. We then evaluate the remaining pups from 6-10 weeks to see which pups are structurally most correct. We also take their temperament into consideration.

I don’t really make final decisions on the best dogs in a litter until they are over a year old. Their toplines and bites can change a lot while they are growing, and typically, a 6-month-old won’t have the proper topline yet… but by 12-18 months old, they should. They also have a very tight window for height in the breed standard, so we can’t evaluate whether or not they are within standard for size until they are about 18 months old.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Kristin Winter: We take them to as many shows as possible and/or take them out in public as much as possible. We have as many people pet them as possible so that they do not see people as a threat. We put them on the grooming table at least once a week starting at 6 weeks, tape their ears if needed, check their teeth/bite, cut or grind their nails, and practice stacking them. Plus, they must see you, the handler, as the alpha.

They are not a breed that you can allow to be in control of you or they can easily become dangerous. If they don’t feel that you have the situation under control, then they will take control.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Kristin Winter: I think too many dogs that don’t conform to the breed standard are being presented, and the lack of judges’ education/knowledge has caused a lot of Dogos with poor conformation (even disqualifying faults) to obtain championship titles.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Kristin Winter: Deafness, hip dysplasia, and allergies are the major concerns. There can be nutritional needs due to their allergies. They don’t tolerate a lot of commercial kibbles, and many owners choose to feed raw.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Kristin Winter: No. There is currently a huge wave of backyard breeders who don’t health test, or work and/or show their dogs, who are breeding just to make a quick buck; and they sell all their puppies with full AKC or UKC registration for cheap because they aren’t putting anything into their dogs. This causes the cycle of more and more backyard breeders to emerge because they aren’t being educated by their breeder on the proper health tests to have done before deciding to breed in the first place.

Over 40 percent of Dogo hips submitted to OFA are dysplastic, so obviously this trend is going to get worse and worse as fewer breeders actually submit health testing before breeding. And the overall lack of knowledge, experience, and care that these breeders have for the pups they produce has created a huge influx of Dogos being dropped off at animal shelters by owners who don’t have support from their breeders. Thousands have already been euthanized due to this toxic cycle.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Kristin Winter: Yes and no. If the owner is an experienced pack leader and all family members are alpha to the dog, it can work. If you are not a firm, consistent owner then a Dogo Argentino is not for you. This is not a breed you want to spoil or cater to. You can’t be wishy-washy or feel bad about disciplining them calmly. You also need to be able to meet their needs for exercise and attention. They tend to destroy things when they get bored. Alpha people who are calm and consistent, and do not see the dog as their equal, are the best candidates to own the breed.

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kristin Winter: Not really, there is a small handful in this entire country.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with my breed?

Kristin Winter: I enjoy watching my kids work with and handle these massive, powerful dogs. The dogs have great patience and understanding with children when raised properly. It’s amazing that a child who weighs half of what the dog weighs can walk them and feed and train them.

My daughter, who is only 12 years old now, shows our Dogos in both the Breed ring and in Juniors. She has been incredibly successful, thus far earning Best Junior in Show twice and Reserve Best Junior in Show once. She also masterfully handles these powerful dogs in the Working Group amidst lots of other Working Breeds, and there is no greater joy for me to watch the product of so many years of selective breeding being expertly presented by my own children. Keep the passion alive!

Are you looking for a Dogo Argentino puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Dogo Argentino dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the courageous Dogo Argentino dog breed with articles and information in our Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Magazine.

The post Nemesis Dogos | Kristin Winter appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Richard Lee, Breeder of Del Caritas Dogo Argentino

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Richard Lee: Del Caritas Dogo Argentino is currently located in El Paso, Texas. I have personally been involved with dogs all my life; approximately 50 years. I have been breeding the Dogo Argentino for almost 30 years, since 1992.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Richard Lee: My kennel name is Del Caritas Dogo Argentino. I currently have 25 adult Dogo Argentinos.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

My show dogs that are noteworthy winners in my program are:

AKC Grand Champion Nasvay Iz Beloy Sotni (the first Grand Champion Best of Breed AKC National 2020 and Best of Breed, owner-handled, the year the Dogo Argentino was recognized—International Champion, Eurasian Champion, Russian Grand Champion, and other titles)

• AKC Grand Champion Mahal Del Caritas
• AKC Grand Champion Mahusay Del Caritas
• AKC Champion Blanca Del Caritas
• AKC Champion Magnada Del Caritas
• AKC Champion Ol Glory Del Caritas I Was Born Game (the first Dogo to win an Owner-Handled Best in Show)
• AKC Champion Del Caritas Ol Glory You Hit Only What You Aim For

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Richard Lee: The most notable sires in my program are Nasvay Iz Beloy Sotni and Chambria De El Tumi, and the most notable dams are Tara De El Tumi, Mahal Del Caritas, and Palanga Del Caritas.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Richard Lee: My kennel set up is split into two different areas. The main area is occupied by 20 dogs, with interior and exterior kennels and a common play yard in between. It is set up with multiple gates and enclosures for the safety of the dogs. I don’t believe in fence-fighting barriers, since the Dogos must coexist with each other, with enough spacing between them to deter fence-fighting. Our breed must be a pack-hunting breed.

My pups are always whelped in my home, and from the day they are born and for the first four weeks they are bottled-fed and human-handled. There is the implementation of submission training and constant human touch, along with the different noises of a home.

Once they are 4 weeks old, they are then moved and raised in an indoor puppy pen for their initialcrate and potty training. When they are 6 weeks old, they are transferred to their outside pen for livestock pack-training where they live 24/7 with ponies, cows, goats, chicks, and ducks. Once they are 8 weeks old, they are then transferred to the big kennel where they get dog socialization training as well as kennel training. They live there 24/7, interacting with all of my adult dogs. Finally, they are moved back to my home for their final crate and potty training prior to leaving for their new forever families.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

I like to use the word “breeding” quality rather than “show” quality for my selection process as I can’t guarantee that the pup I pick will be winning in a show. I do, however, evaluate each one on the basis of head structure, bone density, muscle density, length and height of the body, teeth configuration, tightness of the paws, thickness and length of the tail, angulation of front and rear, and their movement from “day one” till the day I make a decision at 42 days.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Richard Lee: My pups are prepped for the show ring, starting at 3 months old, by force-stack and free-stack. They are moved at different speeds to fine-tune their personal gait that is comfortable for them.

My breed has to show a lot of confidence and have expression, so my pups are socialized in many different environments and situations so that they become very comfortable in any setting.

Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?

Richard Lee: Due to the Dogo Argentino just being AKC recognized in 2020, our breed still has a lot of variable differences in the show ring pertaining to the phenotype… but it is getting better. The judges are becoming more knowledgeable about our standard, choosing the right dog or bitch as their winner. More education is needed not only for the judges but for the breeders. Therefore, I believe our breed will benefit as time passes.

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Richard Lee: As a breed, we have hearing issues and issues with hearts, hips and elbows, eyes, and cancer. In my opinion, our breed needs a very balanced diet along with a lot of physical and mental activities to stimulate the body and mind.

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Richard Lee: Our breed is already seeing issues with its popularity, and there are a lot of Dogos in shelters now at an alarming rate. We are seeing a tremendous number of puppies being born and sold with breeding rights. It is my opinion that it will only get continuously worse.

The trend is that many people make our breed out to be a big, lovable lap dog. All dogs can be this way, but it is a huge mistake. Our breed is very intelligent, opportunistic, and dominant. Our breed needs continuous, consistent training for socialization and structure, but more importantly, training in obedience.

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Richard Lee: Our breed can be a great family dog, but not all dogs are bred the same way or raised the same. So, there are variances. They can be a great dog as long as the people who own them are willing to sacrifice time and energy, pertaining to training, during the lifetime of the dog.

The best candidate for owning our breed is someone who has had various amounts of ownership with large and dominant breeds, and is willing to learn about our breed. Be willing to take criticism in a positive, constructive way. The best candidates are people who are truthful about sharing any type of behavioral issues, from the beginning, with the breeder. The best candidates are people who want this breed for what this breed represents and not for the individual’s ego.

Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Richard Lee: In my opinion, there aren’t enough preservation breeders who breed for form and function. There are a lot of breeders who are just breeding with no regard for health testing and temperament testing, and they are selling pups with full breeding rights with no regard for quality. In my opinion, preservation breeders will dwindle as time goes on.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with my breed?

Richard Lee: This question is sort of funny due to our breed being such a serious breed, and I myself am a serious type of person. If I had to state something, then it would be that our breed is very “humanistic” in character, in the sense that they sit down like us, lie down on their back constantly while sleeping, and they get their feelings hurt and will sulk and mope around.

Are you looking for a Dogo Argentino puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Dogo Argentino dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the courageous Dogo Argentino dog breed with articles and information in our Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Magazine.

The post Del Caritas Dogo Argentino | Richard Lee appeared first on Showsight Magazine.