About Dartmoor Retrievers

Paul Botelho, owner of Dartmoor Retrievers, has trained retrievers for competition and hunting for almost 40 years. He started in 1982 after acquiring his first retriever to accompany him on his frequent hunting trips. Tiring of swimming for ducks himself, Paul began training his new companion to become the perfect hunting retriever.

In 1993, Paul attended the Canine Accelerant Detection School at the Frederick L. Warder Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, NY, where he and his canine partner Cody graduated at the top of their class.  Paul went on to assist the Fall River Fire Department and departments in surrounding towns with many arson investigations before Cody retired.

Background

When Paul first started competing, his goal was to win just one ribbon in a field trial.  He and his first dog achieved that goal and as Paul’s passion for training grew many more triumphs soon followed, including achieving success in both  AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials, finishing dozens of Master Hunters and seven Master National Qualifiers.

Paul continues to compete successfully at the Master National level. He is a licensed AKC Hunt Test judge and believes strongly in giving back to the sport by staying involved on almost every level.  He teaches seminars when possible and is an active member of several local clubs. 

Current Focus 

Paul's truck and trailer remain a familiar sight at AKC Hunt Test grounds up and down the Eastern seaboard.  These days he focuses mainly on the AKC Hunt Tests, as many of his clients train their dogs to be hunting companions in the offseason. Paul has trained many clients to handle their own dogs in AKC Hunt Tests, Hunter Retriever Club (HRC) tests, and AKC Field Trials. Paul also teaches more traditional hunting scenarios to those who are interested.  Inspired by Paul’s passion for the dogs, some of his clients have gone on to become professional trainers and breeders themselves.