Mad River Cane Corso was founded by Darrel Hamren and his mother, Darlene Hamren, in 2006 when they bred their first Cane Corso litter. Since then, Mad River Cane Corso has grown to become one of the top breeders in the country.
Darrel has traveled all over the world, gaining knowledge and acquiring some of the top examples of the breed. He has been to Italy three times, spent a week in the Czech Republic and has traveled to many different kennels throughout the USA. The consistent quality of the dogs used in the Mad River program today is the result of years of hard work and dedication. Darrel has a natural eye for structure, movement, and temperament and is the “mad scientist” behind the genetic genius of the program. Darrel also worked as a Journeyman Union Carpenter and has over a decade of experience installing commercial doors and hardware. Darlene played an important role in the early stages of the breeding program, too. She is a puppy-whelping expert and whelped most of the litters at her house in the early days of the program. In 1984 she married her husband, Blair, with whom she has nine children, Darrel being the oldest. In 2015, Darlene handed the Mad River reins over to Darrel and Jen, who now run the breeding program in its entirety. Darlene still helps out where she is able, along with Blair.
In March 2012 Darrel married Jennifer, who quickly took to the Corso world. Over the years, Jen has become an expert on the breed. She loves the puppies and is great at socializing them. Jen is a licensed PTA and has worked in nursing homes improving the residents’ quality of life. She has a huge heart for others! Darrel and Jen have 4 children, Aksel who was born in 2015, Jones 2017, Utah 2020 and Clay 2021. The kids absolutely love the dogs, especially the little puppies. With young children being around constantly, the temperament of the dogs is of utmost importance; each one must be great with kids. Darrel and Jen are active members of their Christian church and believe in honesty and righteousness. They stand behind the puppies they breed and are there for you for the lifetime of your Mad River Cane Corso. Their goal is to produce the best dogs possible and for you to enjoy the best breeder experience you’ve ever had! If you’d like to meet the Hamrens and their dogs in person, don’t hesitate to reach out. They would love to hear from you!
