EL DOBERMANN - SU CRIANZA EN LA ARGENTINA

Although the origin of the Dobermann breed is German, breeding in Argentina is distinctly American in influence. In its early days, prominent breeders (Von Haus Thueringen, Zupay, Peñi Trehua, Von Duc, Sunset’s, Von Germania, Von Asby) imported or bred with European Dobermanns (mainly from Germany), producing important specimens that contributed to the development of the breed in our country. Among those first imported Dobermanns were “Haldo Von Furstenfeld,” “Artus Von Forell,” “Wonny Von Forell,” “Ulino Von Furstenfeld,” and “Una Von Furstenfeld.” However, over the years, virtually all kennels based their breeding programs on American bloodlines.

Imports over the past 25 years have mostly consisted of dogs from the United States. Breeders strive to mate their best females with well-known and highly respected American sires. The most important Specialty Shows are judged by American judges. This trend has increasingly distanced breeders from the European Dobermann type. This creates a contradiction in Argentina, since although European-bred dogs rarely succeed in our show rings, the breed standard is German. This is understandable, as the Dobermann Club Argentino is affiliated with the Argentine Cynological Federation (FCA), which in turn is affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which generally adheres to the standard of the breed’s country of origin.

In the history of the Dobermann in Argentina, there was one dog who marked a turning point for the breed: “Marienburg’s Genghis Khan.” He stood out not only for his show wins but also as an outstanding producer. He was imported from the USA by Mr. Porta and lived at the Mandinga kennel owned by Arminda and Ricardo Cavalli. “Genghis” was a son of the Top Producer “Am. Ch. Gra-Lemor Demetrius V.D. Victor.” Demetrius was born on February 17, 1966, bred by Mrs. Grace Moore of the Gra-Lemor kennel. She called him “Meats,” but in South America he was simply known as “Demetrius.” With a strong and well-defined temperament—transmitted through generations—he was the result of meticulous breeding combining the most outstanding American lines. His pedigree includes “Am. Ch. Steb’s Top Skipper” (sire of 48 American Champions), “Am. Ch. Dictator V. Glenhugel” (sire of 52 American Champions), “Am. Ch. Delegate V.D. Elbe” (sire of 55 American Champions), and “Am. Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm.” Demetrius sired 54 American Champions and finished his American championship at just 18 months of age. His structure, pedigree quality, and exceptional temperament quickly established him as a top producer.

Many famous dogs descend from him, including “Alisaton Damascus,” “Marienburg’s Red Baron,” “Marienburg’s Lone Eagle,” “Eagles Devil D,” “Glenayr Dufferinand,” “High Voltage,” “Electra’s The Wind Walker,” the incredible “Indy,” and “Cryptonite,” among others. However, it was in South America where the Demetrius line had a particularly strong impact. In addition to “Genghis Khan,” the same kennel imported “Marienburg’s Red Mari” (a granddaughter of Demetrius). These two were bred together, and although their offspring did not equal their parents, another son of Demetrius—“Ch. Altar’s Midas by Demetrius,” imported by the Alambarri family (Uruguay)—was introduced. From this line came the outstanding “Gr. Ch. Arg. Urug. Parag. Sudam. Mandinga’s Farah Roja,” winner of the first Top Twenty held in Argentina in 1985 and the DCA Ranking in 1984. Midas produced many influential dogs across Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, including “Farah,” “Denver,” “Pancho,” “Mariela,” “Bat Girl,” “Corleone,” and “Evita.” Another famous son of Genghis was “Bismark Von Evequoz,” the first International Champion of the breed born in Argentina, at a time when such a title was difficult to achieve. He was also the sire of “Gr. Ch. Black Shadow Henry Teral’s,” winner of the DCA Conformation Ranking in 1983. Demetrius died on May 10, 1977, and his influence in Argentina was immense.

Reviewing the history of the breed in the country, there was another specimen whose influence was outstanding: “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Sun Hawk,” another Top Producer. He was bred by the well-known Mrs. Mary Rodgers in January 1973. He was the #1 Dobermann in the United States in 1975 and 1976, winner of the 1975 Top Twenty, winner of Westminster in 1976, and winner of the National in 1976 and 1978.

“Sun Hawk” sired 86 American Champions, establishing himself as a renowned producer. Among his most famous offspring was none other than “Marienburg’s Mary Hartman,” winner of two National Specialties (1979 and 1983) and the #1 All-Breed dog in the United States in 1978. Other very famous offspring included “Am. Ch. Briric’s Abigail of Mikater,” “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Bewitched,” “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Discoteque,” and “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Lone Eagle,” who in turn sired another top Dobermann, “Am. Ch. Eagles Devil D.” “Sun Hawk” was also notable for nicking extremely well with daughters descending from “Demetrius.” In Argentina, the Sun Hawk line was widely used by leading breeders. Among his most prominent offspring were “Ch. Arg. Alexander Briric’s of Mikater” (brother of Abigail), owned by the Ustariz, Cavalli, and Iribarren families; “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Cannon” (full brother of Mary Hartman and winner of the 1981 DCA ranking), owned by Mr. H. Tashiro; and “Am. Ch. Titian Barque Sun Shade,” owned by Mr. Carlos Marchese and Mr. Oscar Muñoz. Also noteworthy were two grandsons of Sun Hawk, sons of “Lone Eagle”: “Ch. Marienburg’s Tyron” and “Ch. Arg. Gold Grove’s Only Mold,” known as “Ebano,” owned by Mr. Daniel García, Mrs. Mónica Caubet, and Mr. Daniel Riccio. From these remarkable sons and grandsons of Sun Hawk descend numerous well-known Dobermanns that stood out either for their show careers or as producers. Among them are “Gr. Ch. Arg. Mandinga’s Farah Roja” and “Gr. Ch. Arg. Denver de Doblado Grande” (both resulting from the cross of a son of “Demetrius” with a granddaughter of “Sun Hawk”); “Ch. Arg. Facundo de Doblado Grande” and his brother “Flash” (sons of Alexander); “Ch. Arg. Grayce de Vulcano” (daughter of Ebano); “Ch. Arg. Romy Red del Samurai” (daughter of Cannon and an outstanding foundation dam of the Samurai kennel); “Ch. Perkin del Samurai” and his sisters “Pinky” and “Pandy” (offspring of Ebano and Romy); “Ch. Flaming del Samurai” (grandson of Ebano and Romy); “Ch. Alba’s Imperative Marita” (daughter of Cannon and foundation dam of the Will Ross kennel); and “Ch. Will Ross Alexis” (granddaughter of both Alexander and Cannon).

“Ch. Arg. Argon de Impar” was the winner of the DCA Ranking in 1986 and 1987, and of the Top Twenty 1986. He descends from the famous “Am. Ch. Edehall Gigolo of Amulet” and was bred by Mr. J. J. Ahumada (Tucumán). This specimen, born in the country but out of imported sire and dam, was not widely used; however, important and outstanding dogs descend from him. Perhaps his most famous daughter was “Ch. Arg. Will Ross Dulcinea Black,” winner of the 1988 Ranking and the 1989 Top Twenty. She was an outstanding producer, the dam of 8 champions, and foundation bitch of the Macaco’s kennel, from which descend “Andina” (winner of the 1993 DCA Ranking), “Athina” (winner of the 1995 Top Twenty, National, and DCA Ranking), “Anahí,” “Catriel” (winner of the 1997 DCA Ranking), “Acayú,” “Ceidy,” “Cyndi,” and “Bruce.” It should be noted that both “Catriel” and “Acayú” finished their American Championships. Another famous son was “Ch. Arg. Flaming del Samurai” (himself a grandson of “Ebano”), sire of the breed Ranking winner in 1991 and 1992, “Ch. Arg. Ch. Urug. Sud. Toshi Red del Samurai.” “Toshi” was the sire of “Ch. Arg. Paty Red Von Shoo” (herself a granddaughter of “Crimson”), foundation bitch of the Hamlet’s kennel. She was bred in the USA to “Am. Ch. Carosel Make My Day,” known as “Basteque.” From this breeding came “Hamlet’s Red Brahma,” who was bred to “Nello’s Lex Luthor,” producing a female named “Am. Ch. Gr. Ch. Arg. Hamlet’s Black Ennia,” winner of the 1999 DCA Top Twenty. “Ennia” had an outstanding show career in the USA, finishing her American championship, winning Best of Breed and Group placements, and qualifying for the Top Twenty. A grandson of “Argon,” named “Am. Ch. Gr. Ch. Arg. Enola Gay Dino,” was the third dog born in the country to finish its championship in the United States, and he is also the grandsire of the famous “Lex Luthor.”

Another Top Producer who contributed his blood to the development of the breed in Argentina was “Am. Ch. Electra’s The Wind Walker” (a descendant of Demetrius), known simply as “Morgan.” Bred by Mrs. Judith Bingham, he was born on November 18, 1981. He distinguished himself as a sire, producing 45 American Champions and becoming the #1 producer of the breed in the United States in 1989. He died at eight years of age. Without a doubt, his most notable daughter was “Am. Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild As The Wind,” known as “Indy.” She stood out not only for her beauty but also in working trials, and for many years she was the most awarded Dobermann of all time until surpassed by “Am. Ch. Toledobe’s Serenghetti,” known as “Sera.” Other famous descendants of “Morgan” include “Am. Ch. Akela’s The Vindicator” (“Victor”), winner of the Top Twenty in the USA, and a grandson, “Am. Ch. Brunswig’s Cryptonite,” known as “Kafka.” This dog achieved the incredible record of 124 Best in Show wins, 3 American National wins, and produced more than 100 American Champions, becoming a historically significant sire in the United States. In Argentina, “Morgan” was used by the “Ave Fenix” kennel, owned by Mrs. Elsa Campisciano, who bred her female “Ch. Arg. Lluvia Dorada Le Lion’s” (a granddaughter of Tyron) to him. From this breeding came one of the most successful Dobermanns in the history of the breed in Argentina:

“Gr. Ch. Arg. Am. Ch. Gr. Ch. Urug. Ch. Bras. Ch. Chil. Ch. Pto. Rico Ch. Lat. Ch. Int. Ch. Mund. Enriko Rojo del Ave Fenix,” winner of the 1987 DCA Top Twenty and the FCA All-Breed Ranking. From this line descend numerous Argentine Champions and National winners, and perhaps the most famous grandson of “Morgan” in South America is “Nicol’s Amadeus” (known as “Toro,” and also a grandson of “Crimson”), winner of the DCA National and the Brazilian National. At the same time, the Black Shadow kennel imported from the USA a female named “Aquariu’s Tootsie V. Ravenswood,” descending from this line. “Tootsie” had an outstanding pedigree: she was a granddaughter of the Top Producer “Am. Ch. Brunswig’s Cryptonite,” and her dam was a daughter of “Am. Ch. Dexter Von Franckenhorst” and granddaughter of another famous dog, “Am. Ch. Cabra’s Dark And Debonaire,” from whom, curiously, there was very little descent in Argentina. Although “Tootsie” did not have a successful show career, she was an outstanding producer. She was bred to “Ch. Arg. Baden Baden Cash” (a descendant of “Mandinga’s Farah Roja” and Top Sire of the DCA in 1997, 1998, and 1999), a grandson of “Cryptonite” and son of “Am. Ch. Ravenswood Cairo V. Aquarius.” From this linebreeding were born “Gr. Ch. Arg. Ch. Urug. Cindy de Black Shadow,” “Am. Ch. Gr. Ch. Arg. Ch. Latinoam. Ch. Urug. Ch. Bras. Don King de Black Shadow,” and “Ch. Arg. Dharma de Black Shadow.” “Don King” had an outstanding career, winning the Brazilian National and Top Twenty in 2003, as well as the DCA Ranking in the same year. A sister of “Cash,” “Baden Baden Caira” (Top Brood Bitch of the DCA in 2000), was the dam of 6 champions, including “Am. Ch. Baden Baden Ornella,” a multiple Best in Show and Group winner in the USA. “Ornella” had an exceptional career in the USA, winning 41 Best of Breed awards, 4 Best in Show, 5 Group 1s, 5 Group 2s, and 3 Group 4s. At the 2003 DPCA National, “Ornella” achieved the remarkable accomplishment of winning Best Opposite Sex, finishing 5th in the DPCA Ranking that same year. She repeated this achievement by winning Best Opposite Sex again at the 2007 DPCA National. It is worth noting that at the Top Twenty held in October 2004, Argentine breeders had two dogs ranked among the Top 20 in the United States: “Ornella” and “Ennia.”

Argentina has always stood out for the quality and importance of its breeders. On February 26, 1996, at the “Nello’s” kennel, owned by Mr. Eliberto Lugueros and his wife, a remarkable Dobermann was born who would become the most successful in the history of our country and a Top Producer. Some dogs stand out for their extraordinary show records, others for their excellence as producers, but only a few have the privilege of achieving both. Such is the case of: “Am. Ch. Lat. Sud. Am. Int. Bras. Mex. Ch. y Gr. Cost. R. Gr. Ch. Bras. Panam. Gr. Ch. Arg. Ven. Am. y Car. BIS BISS Nello’s Lex Luthor,” a true pride of Argentine breeding. In his pedigree, the first three generations consist entirely of Argentine-bred dogs, and only in the fourth generation do two American-born dogs appear: “Am. Ch. Arg. Int. Ch. Marienburg’s Cannon” and “Ch. Arg. Urug. Gold Grove’s Only Mold.” Important Argentine producers such as “Romy, Perkin, Pandy, Flaming, Argon, Dino, Greta, Alexis” appear in his pedigree. He was purchased at 48 days of age by Mr. Norberto Díaz, who developed him into a true athlete and forged in him a strong and absolutely winning temperament. He had a remarkable show career, winning 5 Conformation Rankings and 6 DCA Nationals, the Brazilian National 2000, and twice Best All-Breed Dog of the FCA (1998 and 1999). He holds the incredible distinction of having won the Top Twenty in three different countries: Argentina 1996, Brazil 2000, and USA 2000—an unprecedented achievement. In the United States, he won 28 Best of Breed, 16 Group placements, and 2 Best in Show, becoming a true ambassador of Argentine breeding. He always lived in his home country, making only short campaigns abroad. At the American National, the most important Dobermann show in the world, he earned the “Award of Merit” four times and had the distinction of winning the “Stud Dog” class with three of his offspring. He also passed the Working Aptitude Certificate with distinction. He was named Top Sire in Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. He is an outstanding producer with more than 100 champion offspring in different countries around the world. His main progeny are found in Argentina, Brazil, and, remarkably, in the United States. The most prestigious kennels have used him, leading to the unusual situation of top American breeders sending their best females to Argentina to be bred. Kennels such as Marienburg’s, Aquarius, Ravenswood, Carosel, Holmrun’s, Horizon’s, Phillmar, A’Monde’s, Kalora’s, Athena’s, and Kansa’s produced more than 40 American Champions from his lineage. It is extremely unusual in Dobermann breeding in the United States for a Top Producer with such a number of champion offspring not to reside in that country. “Lex” produced the #1 Dobermann in the USA in 2000, “Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Repo Man,” winner of the 2002 DPCA National and Best of Breed at Westminster 2001. He is also the sire of “Am. Ch. Ravenswood Southern Cross” (“Río”), winner of the 2000 National, 2001 Top Twenty, and Best of Breed and Group at Westminster 2000. These dogs were also multiple winners of Best of Breed, Group, and Best in Show. Argentine breeders hold great respect and affection for “Río,” since although he was born in the USA, both of his parents were born in Argentina. When Betty Clark decided to breed “Am. Ch. Ch. Arg. Daiane Brown V. Kuldann” to Lex, it represented a significant challenge. I personally witnessed the breeding in a hotel room during the 1997 DPCA National in San Diego. In Argentina, “Lex” produced numerous offspring that finished their championships and won Nationals and Top Twenty competitions. “Ennia, Fanty, Havanna, Magui, Moira, Odessa, Madiba, Martinia, Atila, Bambi, Luna, Uma, Ray Sugar, Ebano, Mao, Jordan, Paola, Kevin, Kruela, Leyton...” are constant contenders at DCA shows. The 2003 DPCA National was considered an unprecedented event for Argentine breeders. The winner, “Am. Star A-Cross Texas Dob Mann,” is a son of “Am. Ch. Ravenswood Southern Cross” and therefore a grandson of Lex. Best Opposite Sex, “Am. Ch. Baden Baden Ornella,” as well as Winners Dog and Best of Winners “Am. Ch. Nello’s Ray Sugar,” are both sons of Lex and Argentine-bred, as is the Winners Bitch, “Bad Land’s Crazy Gab Cindog,” who is a granddaughter of Lex Luthor. However, perhaps the greatest merit of this remarkable sire was that he brought recognition and prestige to Dobermann breeding in Argentina.

There were other imported specimens from excellent bloodlines that did not become influential in breeding, and others that have yet to write their history. Nevertheless, all of them, in one way or another, attempted to contribute to the advancement of the breed in Argentina and are remembered with respect by all Dobermann enthusiasts.