The German Shepherd Skaye, born in Matanzas and trained by Cuban Ale Sabina, has made a historic mark in the demanding world of canine sport IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung), previously known as IPO or Schutzhund. This past weekend in Miami, Skaye achieved remarkable success, earning the BH-VT title, the IGP 1 title, and the Best IGP1 of 2025 award. This discipline tests the working ability, obedience, and protection skills of dogs, making it one of the most prestigious and challenging competitions worldwide.
Skaye's story is one of loyalty and determination; before these victories, she traveled across multiple countries to reunite with her owner and overcame two life-threatening illnesses.
The Bond Between Man and Dog
In an interview with CiberCuba, Ale explained that Skaye is a beauty-line German Shepherd. Born on the island, but within a private cynological association, she was his cherished puppy from the start. When he moved to the United States, leaving her behind was not an option. "Family means everything to me. I left my wife, children, and my dog in Cuba. As soon as I could, I gathered enough money to bring Skaye over first. She arrived in the U.S. on August 8, after a complicated process, extremely weak and nearly dying," Ale recounted.
Skaye arrived suffering from canine ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease causing internal bleeding. Additionally, she was afflicted with filariasis, a heart condition caused by parasites transmitted by mosquitoes.
"It was an incredibly tough time because I was alone in the U.S. and couldn't stop working. I had to feed her, clean her, and administer expensive medications along with costly veterinary visits, but I managed to save her life," Ale stated.
A New Chapter for Skaye and Ale
"Once she recovered, I had the chance to enroll her in a legitimate club, the American Schutzhund Club. As a working dog, she needed all her skills honed, so we trained rigorously every day." Ale and Skaye dived into the IGP world, a globally recognized sport that evaluates dogs' tracking, obedience, and protection capabilities.
After months of training, Skaye earned the BH-VT title, the initial step in the IGP certification. Her performance was outstanding, and she was awarded the Best Utility Dog prize.
The duo achieved 100 points in the written test Ale had to take, an excellent rating in the German Shepherd temperament assessment, and a distinguished score in the BH test, overseen by the demanding judge Tiem Karchnak.
This victory makes Skaye the first beauty-line German Shepherd born outside a Cuban state club to achieve this certification in the U.S. and join the United Schutzhund Club of America. Their journey doesn't stop here; their next challenge is to obtain the IGP2 title, a more advanced certification in the IGP world.
Dedication to the German Shepherd Breed in Cuba
Ale Sabina, born in Cárdenas, Cuba, has devoted his life to the German Shepherd breed and restoring its functionality on the island. His friend Luis Manuel Reyes Portal also plays a crucial role in breeding quality litters in Matanzas.
"This is a lifelong commitment," Ale emphasized, as he continues training Skaye for future certifications, aspiring to elevate the status of the Cuban German Shepherd on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skaye's Achievements
What titles did Skaye win in Miami?
Skaye won the BH-VT title, the IGP 1 title, and was recognized as the Best IGP1 of 2025.
How did Skaye overcome her health challenges?
Skaye overcame canine ehrlichiosis and filariasis through dedicated care, including feeding, cleaning, and administering costly medications.
What is Ale Sabina's commitment to the German Shepherd breed?
Ale Sabina has dedicated his life to advancing the German Shepherd breed's functionality in Cuba and continues to train Skaye for international recognition.