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first presa canario national specialty dog show fred lanting

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First Presa Canario National Specialty Part 2

by Fred Lanting

Copyright May, 2003 -

Continued from Part 1

Conformation classes, run the same way you would see at a UKC show but with a much larger ring, were judged by J. Ray Johnson. Following his awards, the dogs went either to the ATT tent or came back one at a time for me to do the survey-critiques. Ray’s choice for BOB was Kobe, a handsome young son of the magnificent Stud Dog class winner, G’kar (pictured with both me and with a cute carrot-top kid in separate photos). A large number of amateur photo shots are to be found on  http://forum.elpresa.com  (You do not need to be registered to view) or http://ukcpres.com   and look at “2003 Specialty”.

Schutzhund training demonstrations included enlisting yours-truly to put on the beginners’ sleeve and give some bites. The breed has a little more adaptability to the schutzhund protection phase than does a Fila or most molosser breeds, but of course not as much as a GSD, Rottie, Dobe, or Malinois. It is well suited to sports like weight pulling, with a heritage of carting/draft dogs in its ancestry. If breeders are not careful, there will be some Presas with more slobber than you would want unless you are used to Saints and Newfies (the Standard and history of the Presa breed calls for moderately tight lips). The coat is short and easy to groom, like that of a Rottie or American Pit Bull Terrier. Tails are not docked, and you don’t have to crop ears, so the breed is an easy, low-maintenance one to care for and enjoy. Hip dysplasia incidence is moderately high, as in most breeds with this body type, but if parents with a low PennHIP DI are selected, you’ll immensely boost your chances of having a disease-free, strong, impressive dog as a companion for a long time.

It is a breed in its infancy in the States, but keep an eye out for them in the UKC rings. Population is small, with perhaps a couple thousand in the U.S., most of whom are strictly farm dogs, 300 to 500 owned by breeders and somewhat serious fanciers, and maybe 50 to 100 active show and in-training dogs. The turnout was under 30 dogs in the conformation portion of the first (2003) National Specialty, but this will grow. Fanciers drove (yes, I said drove) from as far as New Jersey, Florida, Arizona, and Washington State. They are serious about the breed, and that bodes well for the Presa Canario in the U.S.A.

If you want further information on the Presa, the URL for the Presa Forum is <http://forum.elpresa.com> and the Club (UPPCC) website is   <http://ukcpresa.com>.

General info on The Sieger Show Experience with tour guide Fred Lanting 

The  SV Bundessieger-Zuchtschau (BSZS or Sieger Show) in Germany is generally held in the last week of August or first week in September at a different location each year, depending on stadiums available. (The cost of stadium for this one-weekend event, and the competition with soccer/football events that sign contracts for many per year, determine the choice.) For the past 20 years or so, I have offered my non-profit 6-7-day guided tour of the show and sightseeing, including visits to kennels and training clubs. Get an SV judge's perspective of the bloodlines and procedures, along with experienced introductions to Germany's culture and beauty. My groups come from all parts of the globe, so even just the companionship is like a world-travel experience. We usually arrive on the Wednesday or Thursday before the show, and return the following Wednesday.

Looking for a great dog-related experience combined with seeing a different part of the world? Whatever your breed or activity in dogs, the annual Lanting guided show-and-sightseeing tour could be the experience of a lifetime. Read my annual “Impressions” articles on various websites for an idea of what we've seen in recent years. Tours centered on other countries’ Sieger Shows, the BSP, and world Schutzhund trials are also available if enough people sign up.    

None of "my people" have ever been sorry, and all have wished they had done it earlier! You will see the best of the breed, meet important GSD people, sometimes see another country or two, and have the over-all greatest dog show experience of your life. I also include, if you decide to join us, a variety of travel tips. I offer an SV conformation judge's perspective of the show (I also have AKC, UKC, and foreign judging experience). One year, when a travel-agency tour leader again deserted his group, they came to where my group was sitting and asked me questions. References available from previous tour participants. Testimonials are numerous. I hope you will join us and recommend this tour to your friends and acquaintances. As a judge with much experience in Schutzhund training and competition, and being very familiar with Western Europe, I am able to give the best tour possible. People going it on their own cannot see the important parts of the country (sometimes we tour adjacent countries, too), and paying for your rental car is more than chipping in to pay for the van and my expenses. Read my "Impressions" on various websites for an idea of what we've seen in recent years.

There will be 3 long days of the big show, and about 3 to 4 days of sightseeing and visits. Please let me know as soon as you can, with a $400 (US) deposit, so I can start putting my notification list together and finalize (hold) hotel reservations for you. There is a lot of work involved in putting together such a tour! I will make the hotel plans based on your deposits, & arrange the visits and van(s). Easy, fun, educational and, for most --- the unique trip of a lifetime. You will not be any younger next year, and if you don't make the decision to get out there and smell the roses NOW, while you think of it, you're more likely than not to lose the opportunity and desire.  Join the group! Tell others about it, too. Fred 

Contact me at  Mr.GSD[at]netscape.com and tell your friends and Internet contacts.
Postal mail: 3565 Parches Cove, Union Grove, AL  35175-8422 USA

Editor’s Note:  A well-respected and frequent GSD specialty and all-breed judge for many clubs around the world, with KC and other-country credentials, Mr. Lanting since 1966 has lectured on Gait-and-Structure, Canine Orthopedic Disorders, and other topics, and has judged in about 30 countries, including the prestigious FCI Asian Shows hosted by Japan Kennel Club and the KC of India, the Scottish Kennel Club, and many National Specialties in the USA and elsewhere. He has been described by a former OFA director as the world’s leading non-veterinarian authority on hip dysplasia. A dog breeder since 1945, a GSD owner since 1947, and a show judge since 1979, he has lectured at numerous veterinary schools in the USA and abroad. He is the author of “must read” books for the dog owner (see below for ordering info).  Curriculum Vitae available upon request.

Announcing the new “Canine HD and Other Orthopedics Disorders” book: The expanded revision is a comprehensive (nearly 600-page), amply illustrated, annotated, monumental work that is suitable as a coffee-table book, a reference work for breeders and veterinarians, and a study adjunct for veterinary students. It is equally valuable for the owner of any breed. It covers every aspect of HD and other orthopedic, bone, or spinal disorders, and includes genetics, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and the role of environment. Your autographed copy will be mailed from the USA as soon as the appropriate amount is received and is processed. Pricing: US $68, plus $5 postage in the U.S., or ask about mail overseas. Combine orders with “The Total German Shepherd Dog” by the same author ($50 plus postage). 17 of the 20 chapters are suitable for owners of any breed.