Meet the Breeder/Owner Handler: Richard Lee

Meet the Breeder/Owner Handler: Richard Lee

Hello. My name is Richard Lee. I have been passionately breeding and showing the Dogo Argentino for the past 33 years. My wife and I have produced the most award-winning Dogo Argentino in AKC (American Kennel Club) since full breed recognition in 2020. We have produced the most AKC Grand Champions and Champions. Our priority is not only to produce for conformation but, more importantly, for the health of our specimens along with proper temperament, as we believe form and function must go hand in hand. We are very selective in breeding and do not produce many litters, planning them two to three years in advance. Our vetting process for potential owners is very lengthy, sometimes up to three years for a puppy, and we firmly believe in lifelong support of all of our dogs.

My personal breed quote to myself is: “Their Courage Is Legendary and Their Devotion Is Their Legacy.”

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Richard Lee: The first time I was introduced to the sport of purebred dogs was when I owned my first Dogo Argentino, which I imported and showcased in Canada.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Richard Lee: I’ve been involved for 33 years now in Dogos as an Owner Handler and as a Breeder.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Richard Lee: I have attended handling classes and in-person seminars in the past and wish I could attend more.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Richard Lee: Virtual learning tools are essential, such as videos especially, as well as social media, which I can view at my leisure. AKC Canine College is essential for learning about the Breed Standard!

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Richard Lee: I take the greatest pride in competing in the National Owner-Handled Series as a Breeder and Owner Handler. Rankings are not as important for me; if my dog and I can compete with the best, then that is what gives me the greatest pride.

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Richard Lee: The Bred-By Class is very important to me, for not everyone can state that they bred that particular dog and are handling their own line. As a Breeder, this is one of the highest honors. Specialties are absolutely important to improve and/or maintain the Breed Standard by showcasing and representing the best of the best in the breed.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Richard Lee: In the beginning, when our breed was fully accepted by AKC in 2020, it was very challenging for me to compete as a Breeder/Owner Handler due to a lack of experience in AKC Conformation for Dogos, which was my first and only breed. The level of competition is very high.

8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Richard Lee: I have many mentors as an Owner Handler and as a Breeder. I learn as much as I can from everyone, verbally and nonverbally. I try to learn from the experienced and from those with less experience. I believe everyone has something to offer and teach, and I, as a student of life, have to make the decision as to what is true and what is false.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Richard Lee: I believe the Breeder/Owner Handler is very important to the future of our sport and our breed. Being a B/OH highlights the dedication and passion behind our work and allows us to stand alongside others who share that same commitment. Hopefully the best representation of the breed gets awarded based on the dog’s own merits, which encourages additional work toward meeting the Breed Standard.

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Richard Lee: The advice I would give to an Owner Handler who is thinking of breeding their dog(s) would be that if they can’t accept failures and heartaches, and can’t make a lifelong commitment, then they shouldn’t become a Breeder. If I had to do it all over again, I would only be an Owner Handler, even though I cherish every moment as a Breeder and don’t look back.

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Richard Lee: My goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler are to produce the best Dogos I can towards the Breed Standard; that is, health along with the proper temperament as fully functional dogs. My ultimate goal, which has eluded me and my program, is to produce my World Champion.

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Richard Lee: I don’t have many funny stories as a Breeder/Owner Handler, but in one instance at a major televised show I almost landed on my face due to my dog lunging forward; thankfully, I was able to regain my balance and recoup my composure.