Kings Court Kennel

“At Kings Court Kennel, puppy placement is not first-come, first-served. It is also not determined by deposit order alone. Our matching process is built around two non-negotiables: the right pup goes to the right home, and every pup gets the same evaluation rigor. We prioritize active homes. Presa Canarios are working-bred dogs with athletic drive, environmental engagement, and serious mental needs. Our pups thrive with handlers and families who are physically active, intentional about training, and committed to giving the dog real work and stimulation across its lifetime. Sedentary homes, yard-only setups, and "set-it-and-forget-it" owners are not a fit for our program — regardless of intent or affection for the breed. The active-home requirement is not negotiable. It is the baseline. Every puppy is independently temperament-tested twice — by two separate trainers. At 7 weeks of age, every pup in the litter undergoes a full Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) administered by a qualified trainer. The Volhard PAT evaluates: social attraction, following, restraint, social dominance, elevation dominance, retrieving, touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity, sight sensitivity, and stability. Within 5–10 days of the first evaluation, a second Volhard PAT is conducted by a different trainer, with no knowledge of the first assessment's results. This double-blind methodology eliminates handler bias, single-day temperament variance, and trainer-style subjectivity. The two evaluations are then cross-referenced to identify each pup's most consistent traits. Working evaluations with a protection decoy. In addition to the Volhard PAT, each puppy is evaluated for working drive and protection-relevant traits through structured exercises with a credentialed protection decoy. This includes assessment of: Prey drive (engagement, intensity, sustainability on rag/tug) Defensive nerve (response to mild pressure, recovery from startle) Possession (carry, retain, willingness to fight for the object) Bite mechanics (full-mouth grip vs. nippy/chewy) Environmental confidence (novel surfaces, sounds, sights) Hunt drive (problem-solving when the object disappears) Handler bond (reorientation to handler under stimulus) These working evaluations are not used to determine "the best" pup. They are used to identify each pup's natural strengths so we can match a pup with a home that fits its temperament — not the other way around. Pick order is assigned by Kings Court Kennel, not by deposit timing. After the dual Volhard PAT and working evaluations, we assign pick order based on: Whether your home matches a given pup's temperament profile Your working/training intent and infrastructure Sex preference (when biologically possible within the litter) Deposit and waitlist order, as a tiebreaker only We retain breeder pick — usually one puppy held back for our own program — non-negotiable. A "first-pick" deposit does not guarantee any specific pup. A buyer wanting a sport-prospect male, for example, is matched with the pup whose drive profile aligns — not the pup the buyer happens to think is the prettiest. We will turn down placements that are not a fit. If, after evaluation, no pup in the litter matches your home, we will refund your deposit and offer first consideration on a future litter rather than place a wrong-fit pup with you. We believe this is the only ethical path — for the dog, the home, and the integrity of our program. By applying to Kings Court Kennel, you are agreeing to this process. If our matching policy doesn't align with your expectations, we encourage you to seek a kennel whose approach better matches your priorities. We are not the right program for every buyer, and we don't try to be. ”