1. Where do you live? What do you do outside of dogs? We live in Sanford, North Carolina. I enjoy spending time with my husband, David and being his guinea pig when he tries new things to grill. 2. Number of years owning and/or showing the Cane Cor- so? What attracted you to the breed in the first place? We’ve been in the breed for 6 years. I got my first one 4 years ago. I helped taking WD back in for someone, then took BOB with him. What attracted me in first place… I love their look and their loyalty to their family. 3. What, to you, is the ultimate hallmark of the breed? They are a true noble, guardian dog. 4. Describe the Cane Corso in three words: Confident, protective, goofy. 5. What makes this breed the ideal companion in the 21st century? These dogs can bring a smile to your face at any given time; however, they will lay down their life for you just as quickly. They are very athletic and can excel in any given sport. 6. What about the breed makes it a great show dog? They love to please their person and can remain very confi- dent and, at times, regal. 7. What, if any, are the traits breeders should focus on preserving? I think breeders should preserve their confidence and the total dog. It seems there are people who only want to concentrate on the working ability or the conformation dog when this breed can have beauty, brains and brawn also the dogs need to learn to walk with different people they have a tendency of being one person dogs. 8. What are the health concerns about which breeders should beware? I think like with any breed they should be fully health tested before breeding. I think too many are bred too early and too often with health testing being an afterthought. At that point you find out you have flooded the breed with issues that could have been easily prevented. 9. What advice would you give a newcomer? Do your homework; this can be a very tough breed, so it’s not for everyone. Also, socialize constantly. 10. What is your funniest experience at a dog show? Trying to move around the ring when the dog you are show- ing has grabbed your skirt and won’t turn loose. Praying the dog doesn’t rip it off and you can get it back out of the dog’s mouth prior to stacking up and of course you are laughing so hard, which isn’t helping.
8. What are the health concerns about which breeders should beware? Health issues to pay attention to are much like other large breeds. Orthopedics, while generally in a good state overall, merit attention. Cardiac testing is also recommended. Cancers and neurological issues are few, but they do appear occasionally. 9. What advice would you give a newcomer? Develop a mentor/mentee relationship with someone that has considerable experience with the breed. Don’t jump in trying to reinvent the wheel, there will be plenty of time for that later. 10. What is your funniest experience at a dog show? Having done many “Meet The Breeds” events, the same few questions get asked ad nauseam, prompting me to get creative with my answers… particularly to the, “What do they eat?” question. Could be dinosaur nuggets… CINDY & DAVID STROUPE FINAL FRONTIER FARM BIO
I started showing Appaloosa and Quarter Horses in Halter along with performance events before trying my hand with showing dogs. My husband, David, had Pit Bull Terriers and we got one right after we got married. When I decided to show dogs got an American Staffordshire Terrier and never looked back; we have been involved now with the bully breeds for 37 years. After David’s old Amstaff passed away, he
wanted another breed and that is when we started research- ing the Cane Corso. I helped show one and really enjoyed it so starting contacting a few people. I was lucky enough to meet JoAnne and Steel Campbell of Blue Ridge Cane Corsos and their boy Rocco that was the first Corso I finished and my sec- ond love affair with a breed began. I show other breeds but concentrate mostly on the bully breeds and the Cane Corso overall. www.finalfrontierfarm.com
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