Terrier Courage. Lagotto Heart. Ideal Dale.

➤ Explore Our Mission

Our Story: More Than Breeding. A Life Devoted.

Ideal Dale is not just a kennel. It’s the result of a life shaped by animals, raised on instinct, and matured through passion. From childhood days spent on a rural farm with grandparents, to the unforgettable bond with our first pedigree dog — a golden Cocker Spaniel named Basko — dogs have always been more than companions. They’ve been family, purpose, and calling.

After years exploring breeds — Deutscher Jagdterrier, Fox Terrier, Dogo Argentino — one encounter changed everything: meeting a true Airedale. Her name was Cura, but her legacy became Ideal. That moment sparked full devotion to Airedale Terriers, and shortly after, Lagotto Romagnolos entered our lives through a serendipitous partnership with a nature-loving friend. Their presence resonated deeply. Erdeli became our signature; Lagotti, our soul.

In 2009, we opened our first grooming salon. Today, Ideal Dale is a full-scale canine life center — breeding, showing, grooming, training, and hosting dogs from all over Europe. We’re proud to have played a role in supporting the Lagotto’s rise to AKC recognition, and to have judged shows across continents including South Africa, USA, Finland, and beyond.

“We believe in character before titles, love before trends, and dogs before everything.”

Meet Our Family – The People Behind Ideal Dale

Goran Karanović

Founder & Breed Strategist

Architect of legacy. Lives by instinct, structure, and silent authority.

Biljana Bjekić

Co-Founder & Emotional Backbone

Shapes hearts before pedigrees. Keeps everything grounded in care.

Vujadin Karanović

Socialization Whisperer & Future Kinologist

Born into Ideal Dale. Bridges playful instinct and lifelong devotion.

The Life Behind the Legacy: Goran Karanović

Goran Karanović – International dog show judge and founder of Ideal Dale kennel

FCI International Judge · Breed Strategist · Dog Lover for Life

Where It All Began

Raised by grandparents Jova and Milica on a farm in Vojvodina, Goran’s bond with animals started long before school — through real milk, fresh eggs, wild landscapes and loyal dogs. From stray rescues to his obsession with German hunting terriers, the seed of Ideal Dale was planted in muddy boots and childhood instinct.

After finishing high school, he graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Subotica — a formal education that taught him structure, but never pulled him away from instinct. The kennel gates, the dog ring, and the grooming table remained his true classroom. As a married father and lifelong terrier devotee, Goran turned his passion into a purpose-driven career that honors both character and conformation.

His first show dog, Basko the golden Cocker Spaniel, wasn’t just beautiful — he was legendary. Loyal beyond measure, Basko even waited outside schools and followed Goran into cafes and fishing trips. Though stolen in youth, his memory echoed for decades — eventually traced to Osijek, where he passed in the hands of a veterinarian. That loss only deepened Goran’s understanding of canine devotion.

Legacy Through Learning

By 14, Goran was the youngest member of his local cynology club — shaping and grooming dogs before many could pronounce “FCI.” Over the years, he actively worked with breeds such as Deutscher Jagdterrier, Fox Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Dogo Argentino, Dachshund, American Staffordshire Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Cairn Terrier — gaining comprehensive understanding of their morphology, movement and mindset. He was one of the few who introduced Lakeland Terriers to Serbia, breeding the only litter ever born locally — a breed he still calls his future heart project.

As a judge-in-training, Goran focused especially on the American Staffordshire Terrier, blending discipline and empathy in his assessments. In 2015, he became a licensed dog show judge; in 2018, an FCI international judge specialized in Group III – Terriers. He is also licensed to judge the Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed he promotes with equal passion and knowledge. Goran is widely respected for his mastery of long-legged terriers and for his ability to assess anatomical precision while maintaining a human-centered interaction with exhibitors. His judging style combines clarity and empathy — offering detailed guidance, pointing out faults with tact, and encouraging growth across rings.

He has judged at national, international and specialty shows across Europe, the USA, South Africa and beyond, and has served as president of the Elit Cynology Club since 2011, curating the Elit Dog Festival with unwavering devotion to excellence. Goran is available for conformation shows, terrier group specialties, breed seminars and mentorship collaborations — bringing not only technical insight, but also heartfelt dedication to every ring he enters.

Beyond Titles

Together with his wife Biljana, Goran built Ideal Dale — not just as a kennel, but as a way of life. Biljana brought Lagotto Romagnolos into their home, softening the edges of instinct with soulful intelligence. Their work helped elevate the breed in Serbia and supported its global recognition, while maintaining purity, stability and heart in every litter. Ideal Dale became not only home to Airedales and Lagotti, but also a boutique dog hotel and grooming salon where quality is measured in trust, not trophies.

“We don’t just breed dogs. We raise standards.”
— Goran Karanović

Our Dogs, Our Philosophy

Behind every pedigree stands a principle. Here’s what guides Ideal Dale — in every dog we raise, and every family we welcome.

🧬 Temperament First

We prioritize emotional stability, clarity in character, and reliability — for families, competitions, and therapeutic work.

🏃 Form & Function

Movement matters. Structure matters. We breed dogs that are not only beautiful — but biomechanically sound and functional.

🧠 Intelligence & Instinct

From Lagotto truffle-seekers to show-ready Airedales — our dogs think, feel and respond with clarity and confidence.

🌱 Bloodlines With Purpose

Every pairing is intentional. Behind each litter stands years of study, instinct, and honest collaboration across Europe.

🤝 A Legacy of Trust

We build lifelong relationships — offering support, honesty, and presence long after the first handshake.

🩺 Health Is Not Optional

All our dogs undergo genetic testing and preventive care protocols. Health isn’t assumed — it’s planned, protected and proven.

Where The Story Continues

Ideal Dale isn’t a place, a kennel, or a name — it’s a rhythm, lived every day through devotion, care and instinct. Whether you’re a dog lover, breeder, judge, or just someone looking for meaning through four paws and one soul — you’re welcome in our story.

From Vojvodina’s quiet fields to show rings around the world — this legacy is still unfolding.
We’re honored to walk it with you.