Where are you located?
We are located Central Eastern Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa.
When is your next litter? Do you have any puppies available?
Please go to our Upcoming litter page for up to date information about puppy availability.
How much are your puppies?
Depending on the parentage and litter the prices will vary from $3000-$7000 for non-breeding contract.
How much do parents weigh?
Weights vary from 85lbs to 110lbs.
Are parents on site?
Yes, all parents are on site. We currently have three generations.
Do you take deposits?
We do not take deposits until the application process is approved and we know if we have the right pup for you. This will occur only after initial vet screening and BAER testing are completed. Deposits, if any, are around 8 weeks of age and full payment at time of pick up.
Do you offer Breeding Rights?
We do not offer breeding contracts at this time. Breeding contracts will be given to those with a solid breeding plan and/or current breeding programs. We will only offer top breeding quality to preserve breed standard and integrity. We reserve the right to picks of the litters for our own program. We expect a prospective breeder to follow our guide lines. We are looking for people who are as serious as we are and those who pay attention to detail.
What type of registrations do you offer?
We offer an AKC Limited Registration and non breeding contracts. This will not be made available until we have received proof of spay/neuter on official veterinary letterhead and invoice.
Do you need contracts?
All puppy purchases require an extensive contract signed by an individual or both parties.
At what age do you require your pup to be spayed or neutered?
All of our pups are required to be spayed/neutered at 12 months of age. From research and data we have found this to be the most beneficial age in terms of development and future health concerns (eg. breast cancer, joint development, etc).
What are any health concerns?
Deafness is the number one concern. All of our puppies are taken to Toronto to the Veterinary Emergency Clinic for full auditory testing (B.A.E.R.- Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response). Skin conditions can also potentially pose problems.
Heart Murmurs is an additional field we assess for. There are multiple levels of heart murmurs. Puppies receive there first vet appointment and screening for murmurs. Grades 1 and 2 are of little concern.
Hip Dysplasia is also a concern and we have not had any issues surrounding hip dysplasia. We do recommend no intense training in the first year to allow joints and ligaments to fully develop.
What’s the difference in pricing?
Puppies are priced according to health, temperament, physical attributes and suitability for working in different fields such as search and rescue, police, military, therapy dog, guide dog etc.
What socializing do your puppies experience in your care?
We start introducing puppies within the first week to new scents and neural stimulation. They have the opportunity to be in a challenging natural environment to help develop their confidence and problem solving abilities. They are introduced to different dogs within our program.
We are constantly developing and improving our socializing process. We will send you with and ebook to help you plan to properly socialize your pup to your environment and the outside world.
Here is a link to a free Ebook from Avidog International 97 Ways to Raise Great Puppies. Avidog is a great resource for all dog owners and breeders. They have puppy coaching programs that include all the very important information you would need for your first year of ownership. Also check out this video from Paus-n-Train on socialization.
Home Visits
If possible we try to perform home visits with our successful applicants. This allows us to see your home environment and to note any potentially unsafe areas or unrealistic areas for a pup in your home. It also provides us a chance to meet ahead of time to answer additional questions and give suggestions as necessary. During COVID times this is been restricted and we are approaching “home” visits on an individual basis.
Can you ship the puppies?
Puppies will be shipped according to provincial, state and country law. Cost of flight, shipping crate, and any other costs incurred to send the puppy will fall to the buyer, arrangements we be made in collaboration.
Do you do ear cropping?
Arrangements for ear cropping can be made. The cost will be included in the full price of the puppy. After care and follow up are the responsibility of the buyer. If you’re interested in ear cropping it is only applicable to younger pups less than 12 weeks of age. Older puppies will be sold with ears as is.
What do I feed my Dogo?
We request all puppies be fed a large breed puppy formula. We have found most Dogos do well with a low glycemic index. We have found success with many reasonably priced- Fromm Gold, Orijen.
Also you can use Dog Food Advisor for more information on the types of food available to you.
What do you do with retired dogs?
All retired dogs stay with us, we consider them a part of our family. We ask if you would like older dogs on our application if a dog is ever returned to us and needs to be re-homed as very last resort.
Dog Parks
We have our reservations about dog parks and Dogos. Dogos when well socialized from a young age, trained and routinely exercised can be social dogs. They are not to be aggressive to other dogs as they are to cooperate and hunt in packs. That being said if you are taking an additional dog with your Dogo to the park you must be vigilant for pack mentality at the park. Also you must be as vigilant of the other dominant dogs in the park. A Dogo has the ability to hunt down a wild boar and puma this can result in devastating injury to another dog if provoked.
If you cannot recognize the signs of escalating rough play and be able to intervene you risk your Dogo’s well being and ability to trust. The impacts of this could forever change your relation with your Dogo and their relationship with the world. Any negative incidents at the park would be solely your responsibility and liability.
Dog parks have potential for unknown parasites and diseases we recommend routine vaccinations and fecal screening of pup/dog.
Do you recommend Dogos for young family’s?
Dogos can be great with kids of all ages, however, young Dogos are very energetic and can be rambunctious which is not ideal around very small children or small spaces. You would want to be confident in your dog training and handling skills and your partners skills to ensure the wellbeing of both your kids and your pup. Dogos are full grown in height around a year of age but by six months of age can be mistaken for a full grown mid sized dog.
If you are going to have kids in the future it is imperative that you introduce your Dogo at a young age and consistently through their life to young children. Teach them to be around them to tolerate their sounds, fast movements and unpredictable touches. Ensure your Dogo can share their space.
What should I look for in a trainer? How do I address unwanted behaviour?
It is important that your trainer be familiar with hunting breeds, large breeds and be able to adapt to your dogs own specific needs. Dogos do not always do well with only positive reinforcement, they can be stubborn and pushy and this type of training can increase drive and not always redirect them. What is most important is to always be consistent on your boundaries and training. Dogos do best with routines and when they can anticipate the days events. Do NOT brush off unwanted behaviours. They will not go away on their own. Address them promptly and with a professional if necessary. Do not wait long to see if things resolve. If you are not seeing a difference in a short period of time then consult with a professional.
Here are a few links to trainers or online resources we find helpful and effective.
Complete K9 Care
Monks of New Skete
Cesar Milan
Avidog International– lots of information about health and how to properly socialize our pups and dogs.
Are they good around other animals? Cats?
Our dogs that have been housed with cats have been successful in their homes. Again the success would be dependent on you as an owner and trainer to set boundaries about what behaviour is appropriate in the home.