BOMBÓN EL PERRO (UK)
aka EL PERRO (USA)
Year: 2004
UK: Pathe Distribution
Cast: Juan Villegas, Walter Donado, Rosa Valsecchi, Mariela Diaz, Claudina Fazzini, Micol Estevez, Kita Ca, Pascual Condito, Carlos Rossi, Rolo Andrada, Sabino Morales
Director: Carlos Sorin
Countries: Argentina / Spain
Language: Spanish (English subtitles)
UK: 98 mins
UK Certificate: 15 contains infrequent strong language
UK Release Date: 17 June 2005
Synopsis
Patagonia is a rough land, and for 52 year-old Juan Villegas, it's even rougher. A mechanic who's lost his job, Juan tries to make ends meet by selling hand-made knives. No one wants them, but Juan isn't bitter and never loses his calm. When he repairs a young woman's car one day, he is given a most unusual gift: a beautiful Dogo Argentino, a game hound of noble pedigree called "Bombón." Man and dog carefully eye each other, each weighing the pros and cons of a possible long term relationship. But Bombón is good-natured and willing, and Juan unquestioningly welcomes the dog into his life. More yet; Bombón begins to change his new master's life. Swept into a world of exuberant dog trainer Walter, Juan is talked into entering Bombón into a local dog show. For Juan Villegas, it's a first step in a promising new career as exhibitor - and the start of a beautiful friendship...
The Argentine Dogo was developed in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920's. He wanted a dog that was a good pack hunter and guardian, but could also be trusted with the family. He started with a now extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba. He added Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. The resulting breed, not only met Martinez' original expectations as a big game hunter and family guardian, but has also been successful as a guide dog and in military and police work. In 1973, the FCI established a standard for the breed, and, officially recognised the first and only breed ever developed in Argentina.