A Commitment to Excellence, One Puppy at a Time
At Lakewood Dobermann Kennel, integrity is the foundation of everything we do. Rick Pezzino, owner, describes the mission of his kennel and his commitment to the Doberman breed. The Doberman requires careful attention to both its temperament and health, and Lakewood Dobermann Kennel is dedicated to offering a breeding program focused on transparency, trust, and responsibility.
The recent Rosa × Ryu litter, born and raised under the care of the Pezzino family, exemplifies the principles that guide Lakewood Dobermann Kennel. This litter represents the results of a breeding philosophy built on years of dedication, care, and careful planning.
Rick’s journey with canines began with a desire to raise the standards of the industry. His approach prioritizes the well-being of the dogs, focusing on their long-term health, temperament, and overall quality of life.
The Mission: Preserving the Legacy of the European Doberman
Lakewood Dobermann Kennel is a passion project aimed at protecting the Doberman breed’s rich heritage and legacy. With bloodlines that trace back to elite working and show champions across Europe, Lakewood Dobermann Kennel’s dogs are bred with a deep respect for both structure and temperament. Rick and his team emphasize health, genetic integrity, and longevity rather than focusing solely on appearance or performance.
“Our dogs are bred to excel in real-world environments,” Rick explains. “This means healthy, stable temperaments, clear minds, and a willingness to work alongside their families. Our dogs are not just pets; they are lifelong companions.”
At Lakewood Dobermann Kennel, every pairing is intentional, every puppy is raised in the Pezzino family home, and every step of the breeding process is guided by a commitment to the highest standards. The program focuses on raising dogs that meet both FCI and AKC standards, ensuring that they can thrive in any environment, from family homes to canine sports and security work.
The Rosa × Ryu Litter: Proof of a Philosophy in Action
For Rick, the recent Rosa × Ryu litter represents the realization of a long-term, purpose-driven vision. Both Fortuna Rosa di Lakewood (Rosa) and Demonio di Lakewood (Ryu) are second-generation Lakewood Dobermanns — the offspring of dogs bred and raised within the program. They were whelped in Rick’s own home, developed under his guidance, and now raise their puppies under that same roof.
These are not purchased or imported dogs — Rosa and Ryu are living proof of a program that invests in each generation with care, consistency, and accountability. Both are fully health tested and certified: clear hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, DNA, echocardiograms, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Their stable temperaments and sound obedience are also proven through meaningful AKC titles.
“These puppies represent the results of our breeding philosophy,” says Rick. “They are the product of years of careful planning and development, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future homes.”
The Rosa × Ryu litter reflects everything Lakewood Dobermann stands for: healthy, intelligent, well-socialized dogs raised in-home and prepared for real-world roles. Whether as loyal family companions or capable working dogs, these puppies exemplify a breeding program built on purpose, not shortcuts — and on proving, not promising.
Transparency and Trust: A Rare Commitment in Today’s Breeding World
Lakewood Dobermann Kennel is committed to breeding healthy, well-tempered dogs and maintaining transparency at every stage of the process. In an industry where misinformation can sometimes cloud the decision-making process, Lakewood Dobermann Kennel strives to offer clarity and full disclosure.
“We share everything—pedigrees, health test results, competition titles, and more—because we believe that prospective dog owners deserve to know exactly what they are getting,” Rick emphasizes. “Our program is built for those who want to make informed decisions.”
Lakewood Dobermann offers full health testing through OFA, DNA health screenings, and detailed records of each dog’s lineage, ensuring clients can trust the history of the dogs they are bringing into their homes.
The Lakewood Difference: A Breed of Its Own
What truly sets Lakewood Dobermann Kennel apart is its unwavering commitment to the long-term well-being of both the dogs and their owners. Unlike breeders who prioritize speed and volume, Lakewood focuses on quality, not quantity.
Rick and his team raise each puppy in a structured, socialized environment, exposing them to various stimuli such as children, household noises, farm life, and environmental desensitization exercises. Early temperament testing is conducted to ensure that each dog is matched with the right family or environment.
“We don’t cut corners,” Rick says. “Our dogs are raised in our home, cared for 24/7, and given the attention they deserve. We also work with veterinary professionals from start to finish to ensure that every dog we produce is healthy and strong.”
By taking a slower, more intentional approach to breeding, Rick ensures that each dog is a well-rounded, balanced individual with the temperament, drive, and structure to thrive in any home.
Building Long-Term Relationships with Clients
The work at Lakewood Dobermann Kennel does not end when a puppy leaves the kennel. Rick and his team believe that the relationship between breeder and owner should extend far beyond the sale.
“We stay in touch with our clients long after they’ve taken their puppy home,” Rick explains. “Our commitment to them doesn’t end when the puppy leaves our care. We offer ongoing guidance and support to ensure that every dog continues to thrive.”
That ongoing support and connection is one of the key features of the our experience. Many clients come to Lakewood Dobermann Kennel after being disappointed by unethical breeders, and they stay because of the transparency, reliability, and long-term care Lakewood provides.
A Lifelong Commitment to Doing Things the Right Way
At its core, Lakewood Dobermann Kennel is not just a business but a lifelong commitment to excellence. Rick and his team have built a breeding program that honors the legacy of the European Doberman while ensuring that every dog is bred, raised, and placed with the utmost care.
“We don’t do this for fame, trophies, or recognition,” Rick says. “We do this because we love the dogs and enjoy seeing them thrive in their new homes. That’s the true measure of success.”
For those considering a Doberman, the Rosa × Ryu litter serves as an example of how Lakewood Dobermann approaches breeding responsibly and with a focus on the dogs’ well-being.
If you are looking for a breeder who prioritizes integrity, honors the breed’s legacy, and puts people and puppies first, Lakewood Dobermann Kennel could be the right choice. To learn more about their breeding philosophy, view their available puppies, or start a conversation, visit their website and get in touch today.
Connect with Lakewood Dobermann Kennel:
- Lakewood Dobermann YouTube Channel
- Lakewood Dobermann Facebook
- Lakewood Dobermann TikTok
- Lakewood Dobermann Instagram
- Lakewood Dobermann AKC Profile
