Volume 12, January 1998

SHOW REPORT

** CONGRATULATIONS**

Back To Top

New Club Members

Andreas Koufiotis
Athens, Greece

Kostis Kostanddarakis
Pennsylvania

Clarence Whitmer
Michigan

Back To Top

New Presa Names

Shadie La Boy
Rufis
Dafni
Balloo
Ike Jackson
Cisco Kid

Spawn
Dias
Petra
King's Trust
R.K.Tina

QUIPS & QUOTES

Paris, France: We at the National Club wish to extend our thanks to our friend and international member (Barronne Victor de Saint Leger) for sending us a copy of the December, 1997, issue of the French magazine Top Dogs, which was wholly dedicated to the Presa Canario. One of the articles spoke of and showed an excellent photo of the Canary Island Presa foundation dog, known as the "Bardino Majorero" (see photo page). Please note it's rough coat, head type and brindle markings. Also, check out the Barronne’s Presa playmates.

Evertan Wallace: Melville, New York, paid his respects to the Presa group at the September 27th, 1997 American Rare Breed Dog show, known as the "Nutmeg Classic", held in Haddarn, Connecticut. He brought his 9 month old Presa pup called, S.S. Taz. This is a light colored brindle, who as you may recall, was shown in the summer issue of the Gripper confronting a larger Presa (Obie) in a "sez who sez Me!!" stand off. Well this little pup now weighs 130 lbs. and is able to leap straight up with all four legs off the ground as if launched like a rocket. What agility! In addition, he loves to play Lacrosse with Everton's son, but using rocks in place of a ball. When tired of playing "Taz" just devours the rock. By the way, this is S.S. Delphyne's (Sculley's) big brother. He is out of Grand Ch. S.S. Mufasa and Ch S.S. Elektra TT.

Detroit, Michigan: Brian McReynold's Razor, a Show Stopper Presa out of S.S. Bad Mamba Jamba and S.S. Posidan. The male pup was born on 2/14/97. At 9 months, he weighs 90 lbs. Brian thought so much of his pup he called Show Stoppers to order a female out of S.S. Elektra and S.S. Mufasa. Within a few days of reserving his pup he called Presa Breeder Richard Kelly all distraught and upset as to whether he should cancel his puppy order now that his male Presa had tasted blood. It seems, as the story goes, an acquaintance was coming by to show off a Pit Bull puppy. In the car was a four year undefeated champion fighting Pit Bull. What isn't certain is if the Pit was intentionally let loose or inadvertently escaped out of the car. In any case the Pit attacked the Presa Pup, grabbing hold of the Presa's left front leg. According to Brian, the pup made no cry of pain but immediately grabbed the Pits head in his mouth, tearing the loose dog from his leg, which caused a large gash. The Presa began to violently shake the Pit while holding his head in his locked jaw and began running down the street dragging the Pit Bull along. Both owners pursued the dogs catching them four houses away. After a struggling effort, the owner of the Pit was able to separate the dogs. After all was said and done, the Presa acted like nothing ever happened. Richard explained that the Presa was doing what his instincts dictated, that is protect his owner. Reportedly all is well and Brian is adhering to his contract. By the way, the Pit Bull had thirteen head lacerations.

LiHue, Hawaii: The Salud Brothers, Ben and Rudy both own Show Stopper Presas. Ben's male Zeus now weighs 1851bs and readily jumps into the back of his pickup truck without any difficulty. Zeus is out of S.S. Calybos and S.S. Medusa. Brother Rudy's female Isis now weighs 140lbs. She is out of S.S. Posidan and S.S. Cassiopeia. There must be something in the island water contributing to the Presa growth.

S.S. Jumanji: A seventeen month old brindle male Presa, weighs 135 lbs., stands 28" at the withers. His owner, Lee Blossom of Chicago, Illinois, called the club to tell us how much attention he is getting from his community, especially from those knowledgeable dog fanciers, because of the quality of his Presa. In fact, Lee is amazed at the number of offers he has received to stud his Presa to some other kennels.

Ventura, California: Rio Demers writes, just wanted to send you a few photos of S.S. Bad Traffic Jamba and to let Show Stopper Kennels know how happy I'm with this dog. I've never owned a dog that receives so many compliments and questions about his heritage. I am training him to compete in obedience trials. He is already way ahead of other pups his age (7 months/ 92 lbs.). I take him to work with me every weekend, (I work at an outdoor shooting range) where he is a big hit! All the regular shooters spoil him rotten. He's become so used to the sound of gunfire that he fell asleep half way through the 4th of July fireworks show we attended. I can't wait to enter him in a confirmation/obedience trial show.

Cable Celebrities: FX, Fox Television/Liberty Media Network cable channel has a program called The Pet Department which is syndicated throughout the United States. They have on numerous occasions featured rare breed dogs. Show Stopper Kennels was first invited in 1995 to exhibit their Presa's (Ch. S.S. Posidan, TT and CH. S.S. Elektra), and most recently, in September 1997, were asked to return with their Presa Canario dogs where they featured Grand Ch. S.S. Mufasa, TT and Grand Ch. S.S. Medusa, TT. So check your cable listings and/or order Show Stoppers newly edited two hour video, which includes these broadcasts.

Anchors Away: Would you believe a Presa resides aboard a yacht! It's true and his owner reports as soon as they drop anchor or dock, the Presa jumps into the water and swims around. Here are some quotes from a most recent letter:

Hi Loraine, Richard, & Megan!

Hope you and all your crew are well. I just returned from Greece and wanted to touch base with you about Pooh Bear, whose official name is now S.S. Balloo. Kostis named him after his favorite stuffed animal when he was a child (the bear in the Jungle Book story). We are absolutely thrilled with him. He is defiantly the comic of the group and makes us laugh on a daily basis. He is also the most popular dog in the park when we go. Great swimmer, loves the water and has one heck of a personality! He puts the "Dogos" to shame in many ways. He is loveable like crazy, obedient, clever and really goofy. By goofy I mean he hasn't grown into his body yet. It seems as though he is just getting used to it and it is so funny when he runs. He looks like a bear (rough coat)

Kostis and I describe him as indestructible. He is absolutely fearless and is a real joy to have on board. He loves living on the boat and loves being with the other two dogs, the "Dogos". He is going to grow into a beast. He is huge already... But having the potential of being so huge. He is the cutest thing in the world. .Megan is right, his fur is like a soft, thick, fur coat.

"Balbo" weighs 66lbs at 5 months. He is out of Grand Ch S.S. Mufasa, TT and Grand Ch. S.S. Medusa, TT. Also, one of the funny things about him is his ears. They stand straight as they should, but he can put them in all types of positions. Sometimes they touch at the tips, sometimes he can cross them over each other and sometimes they stick straight on the sides like handlebars. I guess it depends on the mood he is in. He is extremely expressive. We would like to thank Show Stoppers sincerely for making this such a successful choice in dogs.

Kind regards,

Kostis and Ginny.

Pride Rock Kennels: Just an update on S.S. Mercedes (Casey). She is now 2 1/2 years old and 112lbs. I had her OFA x-rays evaluated and she passed with fair. We have been working hard on her personal protection training. She has incredible natural ability, and did a full mouth bite the very first time she was agitated by a stranger. I am working with a trainer from Germany whose father trained dogs during the war. He is very impressed with "Casey's" protection work. As you know she had her first litter of eight pups last February. I kept two pick females from the litter and sold the rest all over the United States. I also sold my older male Chance along with one of the male pups to a kennel in Mississippi that specializes in obedience and protection. We have finally decided on a Kennel name as Pride Rock Kennels. We started with Southern Oregon Kennels but thought the S.O. in the dogs’ name was too close to S.S. and didn't want to infringe on the Show Stopper initials. We have recently purchased a male puppy from Dr. Gallardo of Grand Tenerife Kennels, Puerto Rico. He is very impressive, and at 5 months is twenty inches at the withers and fifty lbs. This is our third male. We finally found one we think will not only excel in the show ring, be an asset to our breeding program, but also be great as a working personal protection dog.

All of us at the National Perro de Presa Canario Club wish much success to Bruce and Dana in their Presa Breeding Program.

Back To Top

New Presa Canario Video

Show Stopper Kennels has just re-edited a brand new two hour video, showing their Presa's in many scenarios including about thirty minutes of video footage from the Canary Island of Tenerife, Los Palmas & Gran Canario. Introducing one of the top Presa breeders on Tenerife (Emanual Curto Gracia) showing his temperament testing of pups, French Ring Sport, and agitation. There are winter scenes, Presa‘s playing and exercising with car tires. Excerpts from two segments (1995 & 1997) of the FX Cables TV production on The Pet Department, introducing Show Stopper's fine Presa's Medusa, Posidan, Elektra, and Mufasa. If interested, order early ($20.00) the price is going to $25.00 in March, 1998. Remember, a large portion of Show Stopper Kennels video sales go to defray the cost of the newsletter, The Gripper.

Back To Top

The Gripper Gripe

What is truly amazing, as this club has learned time and again, is how many Presa pups are purchased from breeders of no reputation and/or of questionable breeding practices. Pups are bought and shipped sight unseen, without photo's of parents or the pups themselves. They provide no certificates of health from a licensed veterinarian. The new owners are given no registration papers, from such legitimate sources as the NPPCC, the AKC Foundation Stock service or the FIC. When investigating further we find most Presa sales, outside the realm of responsible breeders, are from questionable breeders who contribute nothing to improving public awareness of this wonderful breed, the Presa Canario, and who sell on price alone. Remember! "Caveat Emptor", let the buyer beware. You only got what you pay for…

Back To Top

A Breeders Guide To Hip Displaysia & Other Congenital Defects

Responsible Breeding Practices, Should You Breed?: When one decides to breed dogs, whether it is your only family Pet or you intend on having and breeding multiple dogs, you must be ready to make the commitment for the long hall. By producing a litter, your responsibility to the litter goes well beyond the eight weeks selling age of your puppies. You must be prepared not only to stand behind your dogs from a health stand point, remembering a dog must be two years of age to OFA, but also be responsible for the placement of your puppies if necessary. We as breeders must ensure that ALL of our puppies & dogs go to responsible homes, that will care for and raise a socially acceptable dog. You must ask yourself are ready to handle any and all questions and problems that may occur during the lifetime of that puppy. Are you prepared to foster that puppy should it end up in an abusive situation? Will you be able to financially care for not only the litter when they are young, but also if a puppy develops a serious problem and needs vet bill paid or money refunded? Are you equipped to keep these puppies until proper homes can be found for all of them, no matter the age or size of the puppy? These are the important and responsible question you have to ask yourself, before you even consider breeding.

Back To Top

A Guideline For Breeding Sound Dogs

• All breeders should guarantee their dogs against congenital defects in writing.
• All breeding stock should be tmperament tested for a sound mind and strong tmperament.
• All breeding stock should be at the very least be Hip x-rayed and evaluated by a licensed veterinarian, then, if possible at two years of age the dog should be OFA'd.
• With Mastiffs and OFA, anything from fair to excellent is consider passed and breeding sound but a fair should not be bred to a fair but to a good or excellent, as this will decrease the risk of hip problems occurring.
• Brucellosis test all breeding stock.
• Feed the highest quality food available and be sure that all breeding animals are in peak condition and well vaccinated prior to breeding.
• Develop a good rapport and strong relationship with your veterinarian, and together establish an effective and proactive health, vaccination, deworming, and husbandry program for your kennel.

• Remember, even with taking all these measures, soundness problems may still occur, and you as a responsible breeder must be ready to handle and rectify them to the best of your ability.
  
  Back To Top

The Presa Cananio Standard
El Perro Presa Canarlo
(The Canary Dog of Prey)

 Jerusalen Libertada

The Canaries are a land of dogs and the dog fight seems to be the unquestionable origin of the Presa Canario dog. We synthesize the cultural elements that propitiate the birth of this love for fighting. A first fact is evident, said custom does not have its roots on the Peninsula where dogs never fought. Then we must seek its origin in the idiosyncrasy or genius of the island, that is called the "Island Air" or culturally strange to the Hispanic world. 

A BELICOSE SPIRIT

For the islander the existence of the Presa Canario dog is an unquestionable truth, a truth that is at first a concept of breed, now that one counts tangible reality of his dogs. If some want the Presa Canario dog to be like the island of San Borondon, a fable, it is necessary to remind them that Viera y Clavijo said of it, ''to deny the inhabitants of La Palma, Hierro y Gomera, that what they were accustomed to seeing at certain times of year was not a real and true land, it was to give them the death of denying an evident thing. Today that evidence is called the Presa Canario.

Back To Top

 El PRESA CANARIO
by Manuel Martin Bethencourt

The existence of the Presa Canario Dog XVI century, normally merchants and agents, traffickers in wines, and fruits of the islands, bring us for the first time; the ideal configuration of the Presa dog of the Canaries.

Historic Facts about the Recovery of the Presa Canario

The presence of the Presa Canario is made each time more evident in the islands in 1970. This dog that in the previous decade was relegated in small numbers to the farmer and herdsman, began to be adopted as a guard dog in the urban areas which permitted its entrance into other social mediums and its rapid diffusion.

In the year 1982, a group of breeders from the island of Tenerife, responsible for the major part of the population of that time, decided to work as a team, forming an association with the goal of carrying forward the recovery of the Presa Canario breed already started in the previous decade, in a labor of respectful repasturing with tradition that they submit to a program of selection governed by a standard that completed the view of the geographical and historical data, the oral information of the old breeders and the population of Presas most representative at the present time.

With the goal of studying in large number the population of existing Presa in the neighboring province of the Palmas, the Spanish Club of Presa Canario organized on the 6th of June of 1987, the Second Regional Show of the Presa Canario in the locality of Guia of Grand Canary. There were assembled eighty reports on the specimen presented that condensed mainly the population of the Grand Canary localities of Ouia, Galda, Arucas, Firgas and others.

Through the related documents the Commission of Spanish Breeds collected sufficient documentation for the appointment of a breeding director who fixed the physical-psychic characteristics of the Presa Canario. The said labor required a long gestation and culminated with the approbation and confirmation of the official standard of the breed, which was communicated to the Club on the 24th of January of 1989 with which the Perro de Presa in the Canary Islands perpetuates its existence.

The Presa Canario Of Today

That is to say the farm or herd dog, or a fighting dog. It was a gladiator above all, showing its magnificent aptitudes as a guard, faithful and incorruptible.

Back To Top