About Epic Cane Corso
Epic Cane Corso is an award-winning breeding program with over 23 years of experience producing champion Cane Corsos in New England. Founded by Heather Vitcusky, we are dedicated to breeding healthy, balanced dogs with exceptional temperament and structure.
The Story of Epic Cane Corso
The journey for Epic began in 2002 when Heather Vitcusky and John King purchased their first Cane Corso. John had done extensive research on the breed, sparking their interest and desire to learn more. They had no idea this would become an integral part of their life and lead to Epic Cane Corso.
Although their first Cane Corso was simply a companion, their second corso “GCH Gator Country Athena” was something entirely different. She would take them on a path they had never imagined. As an owner/handler, Heather took Athena to 2004 ICCF Puppy of the Year followed by 2005 ICCF Bitch of the Year, learning together as they went.
Heather’s Background
Heather has an extensive background in horses and spent her entire young life training and competing multiple horses in eventing and dressage. She was fortunate to be a working student/apprentice as the groom/assistant to Susanne Owen Hassler (renowned dressage trainer) for six months just out of high school. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and quite an education. Her passion for competitive riding and training horses lasted well into her late twenties and made her transition into showing dogs seamless.
Experience and Accomplishments
Over the past 23+ years, Heather has taken several classes, attended multiple diverse seminars and clinics, and been instructed by many professional handlers, breeders, veterinarians, specialists, and dog enthusiasts. Her dogs continue to compete consistently in the conformation ring.
CCAA Leadership
Heather served 9 cumulative years as a board member of the CCAA (Cane Corso Association of America) in several positions:
- Director of Events
- Health and Genetics Director
- Club Secretary
She was given the honor, when the Cane Corso was competing in rare breed shows (up until AKC full acceptance in July 2010), to champion and grand champion several dogs from noteworthy kennels. As basically an amateur handler showing for other accomplished kennels, she handled:
- 2004 Cane Corso National Specialty Best of Breed winner
- 2005 National Specialty Best of Opposite Sex winner
- 2007 National Specialty Best of Opposite Sex winner
Breeding Accomplishments
Heather feels one of her greatest accomplishments has been producing her own champions and grand champions and finishing some of them in the bred-by-exhibitor class. She apprenticed for many years under accomplished US breeders before ever breeding a litter.
Since the breed’s full acceptance into the AKC Working Group in July 2010, Epic has produced:
- 29 AKC Champions
- 12 AKC Grand Champions
- 2 CCAA Reproduction Champions
Major Awards and Recognition
Epic Cane Corso has earned recognition at the highest levels:
2012 – CCAA Working Breeder of the Year
2015 – CCAA Breeder’s Cup Invitational Winner (Silver GCH Epic Diesel of CastleGuard)
2017 – CCAA National Specialty Best of Opposite Sex as owner/breeder/handler with GCH Epic Déjà Vu
2018 – Westminster Kennel Club Best of Opposite Sex with GCH Epic Fuego En La Sangre
2019 – CCAA Puppy of the Year: Bronze GCH Adibeir Epic Asha
2023 – CCAA Eastern Regional Best of Opposite Sex Winner with GCH Epic The Way Life Should Be, CGCA
These are amazing accomplishments for such a small breeding program. The hard work and dedication of Epic’s clients has made these prestigious awards possible.
Judging Experience
Heather was honored to be one of three breed club chosen judges at the 2018 CCAA Breeder’s Cup Invitational in Charlotte, NC. She also judged the 2021 CCAA 4 to 6 month Puppy Showcase and 2021 CCAA National Specialty Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes in Washington state.
Our Journey
In early 2014, Heather moved from Delaware to Massachusetts to join her significant other, Jeffrey Durr. In the spring of 2018, they made the exciting decision to move permanently to what was their second home on 24 mountain acres in Concord Township, Maine.
In the summer of 2024, Jeff received a job opportunity that brought them to Central/Upstate New York. They bought a beautiful home on 32 acres of lush farmland in Oriskany Falls, NY. Jeff has shown unwavering support of Heather and her breeding program and is an integral part of what takes place at Epic.
Although John King is no longer an owner or involved in the breeding program, his profound support for over a decade and contribution to the program does not go unrecognized. It truly does take a village!
Our Philosophy
Heather is a strong believer in putting only her best examples in the conformation show ring. She strives to produce consistent, balanced, sound examples with exceptional breed type, structure, and temperament.
No breeder is perfect, but she stands behind everything she produces and works to stay in regular contact with all of her puppy families. She is honest and forthright and has learned a lot from her vast experiences.
Our Breeding Policy
Heather will not sell any puppies outright for breeding. All puppies with breeding rights are sold with co-ownership contracts. All other puppies are sold as companions with spay/neuter contracts.
Recognition and Standards
Epic is an AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Participant and is recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit – Silver, which is an advanced recognition program.
Heather is still employed full-time as the administrative assistant to the chief of plastic surgery at Rhode Island Hospital. However, she works from home, traveling to Rhode Island only a few times a year. Breeding and showing dogs is simply a hobby she’s incredibly passionate about.
Our Motto
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Epic Cane Corso!
We truly believe in our motto here at Epic Cane Corso and our goal is to always be…
“The difference between acceptable and exceptional”
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