David Greene and Luigi du Dantero. All photos are from www.dantero.com.

German Shepherd Watchdogs would like to wish the best of luck to David Greene and his Belgian Malinois Luigi du Dantero as they head to the 2012 FMBB World Championship in Rocco Priora, Italy. David and Luigi have the honor of being selected for the American Working Malinois Association’s FMBB 2012 USA IPO team; the entire team will be traveling to Italy this month  to compete at the Malinois World Championships from May 3rd-May 6th.

While this year’s FMBB will be their first international competition, David and Luigi are no strangers to high-level competition; they have competed widely at both the regional and national level for the past several years. This pair is a very accomplished team, winning the Southwestern Regional Championship for three years in a row (2009-2011), and placing highly in many trials, including the AWMA Championships and the AWDF Nationals. They have earned three High in Trial Obedience awards at the regional level, plus an additional High in Trial Protection award at the 2009 Southwest Regional Championship.

Luigi working with John Riboni during protection.

David and Luigi have worked together for the past 7 years, ever since Luigi was a 7-week-old puppy. They worked  first under the guidance of the great Tom Riche, and have trained periodically under the watchful eye of John Riboni for the past two years. David and Luigi work very well together, demonstrating a harmony in motion that speaks volumes of their great working relationship. David’s handling is very smooth and relaxed, and Luigi’s movements are quick, precise, and enthusiastic. Luigi’s drive, obedience,  and control are excellent, and he displays speed, strong grips, and power in protection. Their presence at the 2012 FMBB is a result of all that they have accomplished together. 

Best wishes to David and Luigi, and to the rest of the USA team, at the 2012 FMBB (May 3rd-May 6th)!  Be sure to track their progress online on the FMBB Results page.

Luigi displaying his enthusiasm, drive, and athleticism during the dumbbell retrieve.