22 July, 2025
Tauro Kennel: When a Hobby Becomes a Successful Business
Meet the foundation of the entire KIKA world – the Tauro Kennel breeding program. Founder Janita J. Plungė could talk for hours about life at the kennel. What started as a hobby has grown into a globally recognized and successful breeding program that now serves as the cornerstone of KIKA GROUP’s success. It was for the future world champions raised here that the natural “Nature’s Protection” pet food and “Tauro Pro Line” care product line were originally developed. These products have long since outgrown the kennel and are now sold successfully around the world.
As Janita says, some people raise horses, others climb mountains – she chose dogs. But not just any dogs – dogs that compete on the world stage, known for their stunning appearance and lovable temperament, proudly representing Lithuania across the globe. This isn’t coincidence – it’s the result of Janita’s careful, years-long, systematic work.
Potential – You Just Have to Know How to See It
One of the most important stages in a breeder’s work is evaluating puppies. Janita always does this herself, relying on her trained eye and experience. This is where each puppy’s journey into the world begins – she assesses each one’s potential: will it be a champion, or a wonderful family companion?
“A show dog is a unique combination of qualities – every millimeter matters. The shape of the eyes, ear placement, muzzle, bite, movement – everything must be perfect,” she explains.
But it’s not just a physical analysis. “The dog must be a fighter – brave, happy, and eager to work,” Janita emphasizes. A true show dog must have a character that won’t be shaken by noise, unfamiliar environments, or a new handler.
Training Intensity Like Professional Sports
In the first few months of life, a puppy lives like a true athlete: specialized nutrition, exercises for joint and bone development, various types of training on different surfaces and in different environments. The dog is trained to react to sounds, smells, and changes in surroundings. It must learn to work with any person – any handler – under any conditions.
“It’s a thousand scenarios every minute. In the show ring, the dog has just two minutes to show everything it’s got,” says Janita.
Victories Don’t Happen by Accident – They’re Earned
Champion dogs don’t just happen. They don’t appear overnight. Even the best-prepared dog can act differently in a new environment – it takes patience, consistency, and a lot of experience. Victory, according to Janita, is not about luck. It’s the result of steady, long-term effort.
“Is this a business?” she asks rhetorically. “Calculate how much Benediktas Vanagas earns from the Dakar Rally. The result will be about the same as mine.”
Janita’s work at the kennel is a hobby that demands everything: finances, emotions, total dedication – but in return, it brings satisfaction, recognition, and global visibility.
Tauro Kennel dogs are known worldwide – in Europe, Asia, and the USA. But most importantly, they helped Janita take the next step.
“These dogs led me to a new path – product development,” says the founder.
Out of love and deep understanding for dogs came the creation of the natural grooming product line “Tauro Pro Line”, the natural dry food “Nature’s Protection” for dogs of different coat colors, and many other internationally recognized products, which are now exported from Lithuania to 65 countries worldwide.
Learn more about TAURO Kennel Philosophy there.
