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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 12, 2010 17:42:45 GMT -5
Whoa, I just spoke with a Corso breeder from Iowa… They didn’t know a thing about their own dogs! Here are the questions I asked: Are any/all your dogs imported? Are any/all dogs Hips tested? PennHip, OFA? Will there be any form of Health Guarantee? Have you experienced any aggression within your kennels (Dog aggression, human aggression, fear aggression, food aggression, ANY aggression issues)? Do you crop/dock pups tails and ears or is that up to the buyer? Do you currently have dogs/pups available? How many times a year do you have pups available? How many times will you breed a female before fixing/retiring her? She said her dogs were imported but didn’t know from where?! No dogs were tested. No health guarantee. She didn’t think she has experienced any aggression. They crop and dock. They have lots of pups available. She has no idea how many times she breeds in a year. She has no idea how many times she breeds a female before retiring her. She also assured me these dogs ARE NOT suspicious of strangers. If you socialize them they are no different then a Lab. She said I could get a male pup and Id have NO problems with Boomer! Wow…That’s all I have to say. Here is a link to the website: www.quenjewelmastiffs.com/index.htmlSo far, I still am leaning toward Castle Guard Cane Corsos. They seem ethical and reputable. The hunt and researching continues...
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 13, 2010 8:28:15 GMT -5
WOW AMY that's scary!!!! I just checked the website, and I think the first indication of how clueless they are is that they are saying they breed "English Mastiffs" (no such breed!!!!!)
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 13, 2010 16:03:54 GMT -5
Yea, I was impressed by how clueless she truly was! I have been speaking to a breeder from Council Bluffs IA and I haven’t decided what I think of them yet. They do know there stuff. He also immediately warned me that this breed IS NOT for everyone. He gave me straight talk about the negatives that the breed carries (Health problems (Especially in blues), dominance, exercise etc.) He was VERY happy to hear that I was feeding my dog high quality food (TOTW) he said that knowing I feed my dog a high quality food makes him feel more comfortable when selling a pup. He was also happy to hear that I have control over Boomer and do not allow him to run the house. All his dogs have been tested through OFA and are going to be Penn Hip examined within the next few months. He offered a kennel visit that Gustavo and I are going to take him up on. I will let you guys know how it goes. Here is his website (Not much on it- He prefers to talk to people and trust me he talks. Yesterday we were on the phone for 1 hour and 45 minutes talking about Corsos! I learned a lot though!!!) www.2ldk9.com/Also, I wanted to ask (Forgot to ask him yesterday): What the difference between American bred Corsos and imported? He breeds American bred and I’ve heard to run from American bred Corsos and I don’t know why???
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 13, 2010 16:10:05 GMT -5
Have you contacted any of the Corso organizations yet? Talking to someone who isn't trying to sell you a pup might mean you get more legit answers (not saying any of these breeders are misleading you, but going to the breed clubs might give you some guidance.)
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 13, 2010 16:16:53 GMT -5
No I actually haven’t! I found a Corso forum but am having difficulties registering.
I’m definitely going to have to look into that. I know where you are coming from; imagine if I would have listened to that first breeder!!! YIKES!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 13, 2010 16:26:22 GMT -5
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 13, 2010 16:35:23 GMT -5
canecorso.org is the website with the forum.
Thank you Mary! Definitely going to try to get into contact with someone!!!!
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Post by pitunia on Jan 13, 2010 18:23:56 GMT -5
Is there a dept of ag in IA to check these people out? A Cane not properly socialized is very dangerous and especially if they are not breeding for good temperament. I am waiting for steriod pit bull kills something news line.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 13, 2010 20:51:07 GMT -5
Yea, there is a Dept. of Ag... They will check breeders? I would DEFINETLY enroll my Corso in puppy classes and training classes from day one. I am hoping to find a breeder that does breed for temperament. I really wish I could find one somewhere in my area (Even if I had a longer drive-Council Bluffs is 3 hours away) so I could personally visit the kennels and dogs. Still, As of now Castle Guard Corsos are my first choice. I have emailed a representative from both organizations as well so hopefully I will get some feedback from people that aren’t just trying to sell me a pup.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 14, 2010 15:49:01 GMT -5
Another Update: I just spoke with an amazing Cane Corso expert/owner!!! He lives in Iowa City, Iowa!!! He does not breed. He gave me SO much info!!! Oh, I also found out I was pronouncing the breeds name wrong it’s not pronounced the way its spelt, it’s pronounced Kha-nay Kor-so. Kind of like Conni Corso! (Cane means dog in Italian) He has 4 Corsos all imported from Europe. The difference between American bred and imported is solely looks although he said there are A LOT more irresponsible breeders here in the US trying to make a buck. He more the less told me my best bet would be to buy from a breeder that sells pups from imported dogs. He personally knows Shauna (From Castle Guard) and said her dogs are wonderful. But, It completely depends on what you like. Castle Guard dogs are bred for their structure where as some breeders breed for the “correct” head. There is no right or wrong here, it’s just what you personally prefer. He invited me to come visit his dogs. He believes the best way to learn about this breed is hands on. Gustavo and I are going to figure out a time that we can go. He also shows his dogs and invited us to an AKC show that he is going to be participating in during the spring. He also referred me to a breeder that he has personally dealt with. He said they are also reputable and produce outstanding dogs. They breed for head rather structure (Like Castle Guard breeds for structure). Here is a link to their website: www.firehorsecanecorso.com/AboutUs.htmBeautiful dogs here! Rambo is one of the top Corsos in the USA!!! I am learning A LOT!!! Will (The guy I spoke with) said I am going at this the right way. He said he has WAY too many people contacting him only to try to find a good breeder. He declines them info. He said (Quote) “It’s refreshing to hear someone honestly researching this breed and understanding the set backs that go along with this breed. The more you research and seek advice, the better your chances of ending up with an outstanding Corso.” He told me that the breeder in Iowa I had been speaking with was a joke. Not good what so ever. He recommended I go to Council Bluffs to see those Corsos then go to Iowa City and see his dogs. He said it’s honestly like you’re looking at 2 different breeds of dogs. 2LD Corsos are American bred and not the best (To say the least) he has seen. I have a headache right now because of how much I just learned! We talked for 2 HOURS and about serious stuff, things I’ve been wondering about!!! He addressed American bred vs. Imported, aggression, possible DA, Corsos and kids, EVERYTHING! He told me the different temperaments each of his Corsos have (One is friendly with everyone (Strangers), One dislikes men, One is aloof until she gets to know you, and the other one ignores company). He also told me about temperaments from dogs he has worked with (From shy & skittish to Pushy and aggressive). He also emailed me lots of links...I’m giving my brain a rest before I take a look at them though! He says I have my work cut out but if I pace myself and don’t rush, I’ll be just fine.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 14, 2010 21:53:11 GMT -5
So, I’ve had a TON of organizations/people refer me to a breeder by the name of Mike Burgwald. He has been breeding Corsos since 1995 and had the 1st imported male champion. He shows a lot and really knows his stuff. Well, I called him and learned A LOT more!!! He told me the truth about OFA and Penn Hip scores. He also taught me how to tell an American bred Corso from an imported Corso just by looking at it. But anyway, his dogs are beautiful! He also spoke very well about Castle Guard and referred me to MANY other awesome breeders (Trust me, there are GORGEOUS Corsos out there!) Mike also told me if there is a particular breeder I am drawn to or a particular dog Im interested in, call or email him and he will help me evaluate them. We went through multiple breeders sites together over the phone and he pointed out things to watch for, good things about the dogs, bad things, and false info! It was amazing; he could tell many dogs blood lines just by looking at the dog! He attends many shows in my area (WI, NE, MN) and said he would also love to meet with me. He also had a litter born on Nov. 19 and has 1 female he was going to keep and now that she’s grown a little has decided that she is only companion quality not show or breeding. He said if I fill out an application and we talk more (Get to know each other) he would be willing to GIVE HER TO ME! NO COST! Well except for shipping! The only pitch would be I have to bring her to events in the area so he can watch her growth and development, which I would LOVE doing anyway! Gustavo and I are really thinking though...We don’t want to rush into things. I am going to continue talking with educators from Corso orgs and see what they all have to say. S o I have also learned that a Corso is a very sensitive dog. If trained correctly, they want to please and avoid discipline. They will test you ALL the time but when you correct them, they stop. So far all seems well! The more I research this breed, the more I like them. Here is a link to one of Mike's ads (His site is down): www.breederinfocenter.com/index.php?a_id=20080822203606
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 15, 2010 9:56:03 GMT -5
Oh, my...those puppies! I'm excited for you! Learning about and falling in love with a new breed is such a wonderful journey!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 15, 2010 10:37:45 GMT -5
Thanks Mary!!!! I have really learned a lot!!! I will keep you updated! Thanks for all the advice! I think Im on the right track!
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Post by pitunia on Jan 15, 2010 11:30:57 GMT -5
They are great with anything in their pack ....but be careful introducing outsiders...human or animal....to the pack. Common sense is a must.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 15, 2010 15:43:04 GMT -5
Mike told me his best advice is to tell company to completely ignore your dog (Don’t look at them, talk to them or even think about them) and if the person is afraid of dogs, lock up your Corso. The dog will pick up on that and act on it. Would you guys agree with this? Mike had one of his males pin someone in a corner because the person was afraid of the dog and didn’t tell Mike!
I really believe our family can handle it. I know for a fact I would enroll in puppy classes & participate in as many classes as possible! I would also bring my dog everywhere with me from day one!
Gustavo and I do think we are going to wait for a different litter. Mike will breed again in a year or two. We have decided we really like his dogs! The Corso forum I joined, he is also a member and posts lots of pictures, his dogs are amazing! He competes in agility with them and they do great! I’m going to show my Corso when I get one! I’m SO excited! ;D
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 15, 2010 16:06:06 GMT -5
Mike told me his best advice is to tell company to completely ignore your dog (Don’t look at them, talk to them or even think about them) and if the person is afraid of dogs, lock up your Corso. The dog will pick up on that and act on it. Would you guys agree with this? If that were true, only people who are afraid of dogs would ever get bitten Seriously, though, the only thing I can say in agreement with the idea that "dogs sense fear" is that people who are frightened of a dog might have stiff, jerky, or quick movements which could set a dog off. It's not so much about any sense of fear, it's just about the dog responding to human behavior that could be perceived as threatening. But trust me, many people who aren't afraid of dogs do things that dogs can perceive as threatening too. And I would think a person who is afraid of or uneasy around a dog could 'ignore the Corso' as well as someone who isn't afraid. Personally, if this is the barometer for deciding whether or not to put the dog away, I'd just go ahead and put the dog away if the company was afraid or not. IME, breeders don't really know too much about behavior and training (I dunno why this is, but I see SO many breeders/show people subscribing to old school training and still espousing myths that have long since been disproven). Doesn't mean the breeder can't know their breed or be producing excellent dogs. It DOES mean be careful about what a breeder tells you about behavior or training.
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 15, 2010 16:30:50 GMT -5
Alright sounds good Mary!!! Thanks! I guess I have you to help with training and behavior advice if/when needed?!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 18, 2010 8:32:49 GMT -5
Of course, I'm here for ya!
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 18, 2010 11:41:17 GMT -5
Awesome! Thank you Mary! ;D
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Post by AmyJo27 on Jan 21, 2010 22:26:53 GMT -5
Ok, Mike and I are going to be setting up a contract for when I purchase/receive a pup from him.
Long story short: He has a female that he was planning on keeping but has 2 dogs he kept from his last litter that he is spending a lot of time with and he doesn’t feel that he has the time this female deserves and I might get the female. I have not yet decided if I want this pup now but I have decided that when I do get a pup, I want a pup bred by Mike. He is so knowledgeable. He will randomly email me and have a like 10 pictures of Corsos and say “Lets see how much you’ve learned, which one is correct?” DANG ITS HARD! Especially when like 3 are his dogs! I dont want to hurt his feelings but he will be the first to admit that many of the dogs he breeds are incorrect. He says (Quote) “If anyone says every pup they breed is show quality, they are a liar”. But anyway, I really think that these “tests” he gives me are really helping me learn what to look for.
He is also the first breeder I’ve spoke with that is not begging me to buy a dog from him. He has referred me to SO many other breeders but I REALLY like his dogs. They are the TRUE working Corsos!
I was wondering what you guys think are good things to expect from a contract.
So far we have agreed that if the pup I get develops serious hip dysplasia he will refund my money and send me a different dog. I also want to work my dog (Agility, Tracking) and MAYBE show in conformation and he told me that if I receive ANY kind of title on my dog he would refund my money 100% that would also be added in the contract.
He requires that I get the pups hips tested at 16 weeks then again when the dog is 5 years old (Which I am fine with). This assures him that none of his breeding stock is carrying crippling genes.
What else should I expect/request?
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