TheDOGmagazine_issue_02/2016_Amstaff by thedogmagazine

EDITORIAL

THE DOG MAGAZINE NO. 02

February 2016

EDITOR Ewa Larsson LAYOUT DESIGN Snežka Kuralt ADVERTISING DESIGN Ewa Larsson Giota Bouranta Snežka Kuralt INFO: info@ thedog-magazine.com www.thedog-magazine.com

HI, Our goal with this magazine is to promote responsible breeding and dog ownership and to encourage ethical conduct and responsible breeding of purebred dogs. Our vision is to help promote responsible pet ownership and improve the quality of life of every dog show dog or pet. We make it our goal to provide the most up to date and honest

information every dog owner should know.

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THE DOG MAGAZINE 08

STANDARD BREED

GIANNIS GEORGAKOPOULOS INTERVIEW

ILKER ÖRKMEZ INTERVIEW

XII MONOGRÁFICA NACIONAL 2015, VALLADOLID SHOWS

CEREBELLAR ATAXIA HEALTH

THE TRAGIC LOSS OF BLOODLINES AND MENTORING IN AMERICA NREED

#1 AMSTAFF IN USA USING THE BREED SYSTEM SHOWS

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REBEL AND PROUD DAYDREAMER’S AMSTAFFS DE PACO’S BREEDER

FRANSTAL'S KENNEL BREEDER

NINA KOWALSKA HANDLER

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CEREBELLAR ATAXIA HEALTH

BREEDER

VERA DANILOVA HANDLER

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A severe neurological disease prevented thanks to a DNA test

CONTENT

REBEL AND PROUD

DAYDREAMER’S AMSTAFFS

BREEDER

DE PACO’S

FRANSTAL'S KENNEL

BREEDER

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CONTENT

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THETEAM EWALARSSON

SNEŽKAKURALT

I first started to be seriously involved in Cynology, when I bought my first Rhodesian ridgeback (Cubo) from breeder Mr. Andrej Fister – Kyala kennel. Since I had had a ridgeback, I wanted to spent some time and communicate with people who own the same breed. So I became involved and was one of the founding members of Club of Rhodesian ridgeback Slovenia. I was chief of organization of our first special show for Rhodesian ridgebacks in Slovenia. The show entered more than 50 dogs, which was a very nice number for such a small country. We even got Mr. Hans Mueller as a judge, for our first club show, even though the show was not CAC awarded. Soon after, I began my apprenticeship for a Cynology judge, and in January 2011 I acquired a license to judge Rhodesian ridgebacks. My name is Ewa Larsson, Britisher Show Bulldogs we are situated in Canterbury, England. My kennel was established in 1992. My bulldogs live with me inside my house and are raised in a loving environment as one of the family. I believe this approach is reflected in the behaviour of my dogs. Health, a correct temperament and dogs of the highest quality are my goal. Between Spring 2006 and Autum 2015, I was on the Bulldog Club Inc committee. The Bulldog Club Inc is the oldest Bulldog club in the world, and holds the prestigious Bulldog of the Year Show. I am a Bulldog Breed Specialist Judge currently on “ B” list.

I currently own two Rhodesian ridgebacks Cubo and Cana. Cubo, his pedigree name is Myollnir Kyala, is one of the most successful show ridgebacks in Slovenia and has always makes me proud. He is eight years old now and he is calm and mostly a gentleman. Cana (Dikeledi Ayaba) is our female ridgeback, 6 years old; she brings joy to my life with her silly stunts and happy nature. Cana was imported from Croatia, from Ayaba kennel. In my free time I make small products for dog owners, mostly for Rhodesian ridgeback lovers and do different graphic designs for all breeds.

GIOTABOURANTA

I am member of : The Bulldog Club Incorporated, The London Bulldog Society, The South of England Bulldog Society, The Junior Bulldog Club. My affix “ Britisher” is derived from a noun Brit·ish·er which stands for: “An Englishman- a subject or inhabitant of Great Britain”. Since 2001, I work as a graphic and web designer. Please feel free to visit my websites. www.britisher.co.uk || www.designbyewa.co.uk

My name is Giota Bouranta and I live in Athens, Greece. I have studied photography at AKTO, Art and Design college. For more than 12 years I work as a professional Dogs photographer. I cooperate with Kennel Clubs, breeds Clubs, working clubs, breeders, trainers and pet owners. A special part of my photos and my heart belongs to the Dobermann breed. It is a great pleasure and honor for me to photograph as a member of the authorized photographers' team 8 times the IDC Sieger Show (the World Championship of Dobermanns) and 7 times the Italian Dobermann Championship, the prestigious Campionato AIAD. Dogs' photography for me is enthralling, capturing wonderful moments of the relationship between humans and their best friend, highlighting in all its glory the beauty and charm of the dog, reminding its contribution to humanity and how respectfully dogs should be treated.

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

Illustrated

STANDARD

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The Dog Powerful, confiident, alert, alive, vigorous. He is all male dog. It should be obvious at first glance that he is definitely masculine. You should never have to look for plumbing to tell - If he looks at all like a bitch, he is incorrect.

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

The Bitch Although very powerful, she should appear totally feminine. It should be obvious at first glance that she is a bitch. If you have to check for plumbing - she is too doggy.

TYPE A blending of Bull and Terrier. A working dog bred for a specific job. These dogs still show traces of their heritage. All three types have some validity and all have their supporters. The American Staffordshire Terrier is NOT a cookie cutter dog. It is the job of the judge to select the best dog that represents the breed, without encouraging extreme individuals. Extremes should not be encouraged when judging - however, good sound representatives of breed can be found among all 3 types.

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Bully Type Characterized by heavier bone and more mass. This type falls more toward the bulldog ancestry shorter on leg and heavier moving, they also have tendency towards looser, thicker skin. Although pictured as a bitch, both dogs and bitches can be of this type. The same rules of general soundness apply - This type should not be preferred over the others as it can be quickly exaggerated, losing the athleticism and grace of the terrier influence.

Moderate Type The perfect blending of the bull and terrier background - with the strength and musculature of the bulldog, and the grace and agility of the terrier. If any type should be preferred, this would be the one.

Terrier Type Showing a strong relationship to the terrier in the background, this body type is quick, agile, tight, sometimes leggier, lighter boned, carrying less muscle mass. This type is often very stylish and elegant. This type should not be preferred over the others, as it can be quickly exaggerated losing the muscle mass that is desirable in the breed.

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America. The angle of light over this bitch's face shows off very clearly the beautiful bony structure of the American Staffordshire Terrier head - The prominent ridge below the eye, the bulging cheek muscle, the abrupt fall of muzzle below the eye. Note the tight skin over the bones of the face, with the exception of the quizzical wrinkles on the forehead. She has a nice close fitting muzzle that is only slightly light in lower jaw. Her eyes are quite dark, even in very direct sunlight, pigment is very dark, eyes are well shaped and set correctly in the skull.

Ears Natural Ears-Half-prick Good small ears, set high on head. Natural Ears- Rose Good small ears, set nicely on the head. Cut Ears Nice cut, set well on head. However, the standard says that natural ears preferred. Pleases remember this when judging the breed.

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The Dog Head in Profile

Good Moderate Dog Head

Muzzle too shallow for size of backskull, weak lower jaw, lots of cheek but lacking bone at rear or jaw

No lower jaw weak, pointy muzzle

Apple headed too much padding on backskull muzzle short, but strong Stop too deep Backskull too short Lowset ears

Lippy, lacking lower jaw all the way back forehead high, but back of jaw very shallow Too much angle on topskull. Short muzzle

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

The Bitch Head in Profile

Terrier head Bully head

Bully head

Good strong muzzle no depth of backskulII lacking cheek

Weak, pointed, too short muzzle, no lower jaw, forehead too steep

Muzzle too short, forehead too steep, too deep through backskull, not enough lower jaw

No lower jaw muzzle too pointy not enough stop lacking depth of backskull

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Pointy muzzle, lippy, doggy head

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HEAD Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop: The muzzle should appear to be about one half the total length of the head. The head is deep through, from the top down to the jaws. The depth is not achieved by a bulging forehead, but by deep strong jaws. The dog's mandible should be well developed far back to the skull. His skull is broad across, with a well defined stop and distinct eyebrows. The head should not be exaggerated however. The description of medium length mist be maintained. If the skull is too broad, the head will appear short in length, which is incorrect. The head is deep through, for strength, but the depth should extend to the lower jaw, not be achieved by an over deep stop with no lower jaw strength. The planes of the forehead and muzzle should be parallel when viewed from the side. There should be no tendency for a down face, dish face or a frog face. In males, the muscle padding on the top skull may make the plane rise slightly, (in bitches to a lesser degree) but it still should not differ greatly from the plane of the muzzle. The shape of the top skull should show the underlying bone structure, not be so overly padded with flesh or muscle as to totally mask it, and appear lumpy.

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

Muzzle: Medium length, rounded on

upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. The proper muzzle is of medium length, neither short or long, but approximately one half the length of the head. It is rounded and fairly broad on the top, falling away abruptly below the eyes. It should be heavy enough to provide good attachment for the upper jaw teeth, but not filled like a fox terrier or bull terrier. It is narrower than the black skull and cheeks, and wedges towards the nose, but the wedge is truncated, and he end of the muzzle is still blunt. Jaws well defined, not hidden by padding flesh. A strong and deep underjaw, with a strong visible chin. The lips are close and even, with no looseness or thick padding. The muzzle is without extra flesh and definitely not wrinkled.

Viewed From The Front The standard .calls for the forelegs to be set "rather" wide apart, rather according to the dictionary, means" to a certain extend somewhat, to a degree". The kegs therefore should be moderately wide apart, not as wide as possible. As a rule of thumb, the shoulders and forelegs should be about the same width as the rear, when viewed from above. The dog should never look larger in the front than in the rear, but both ends should be in balance. The width of the chest has a direct bearing on the total agility and ease of movement of the dog. There should be good chest development, with strong muscle attachment, but not overdone for the sake of being the "widest". The area of the chests between the forelegs should be rounded with muscle below the sternum. No hollow, concave or shallow look. The muscles of the lower chest should round and flow smoothly into the brisket. The sternum should not appear prominent or bony.

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Out at the elbows. Restricted at the Crooked leg shoulders, bonesA-Framed "Fiddle Front"

Overdone shoulders - legs set too far under body

Out at the elbows, too wide

Chest too shallow crooked at the wrist, toeing out

Pidgeon toes

Too wide between the legs- legs set too far out.

Too narrow, under developed shoulders, toeing out

Too narrow, shallow concave chest

Tail Carriage and Set The tails is set low on the rump after a "gentle short slope" as described under "Back". It should not reach past the hocks, and may be somewhat shorter. It is traditionally described as an old- fashioned pump handle in carriage. It should not be curled or held over the back. The pump handle is gently "S" curved. A slightly straighter tail, held in the correct low position should not be faulted. Many dogs carry their tails higher when excited, but the tail should be low set, and not be held above the level of the back. "Tail too kong or badly carried", is listed under Faults. A too long tail is one extending past the hock, and a badly carried tail would be one either curled or held over the back, as described in the standard.

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America. A tail held between the dog's hind legs should be considered a sign of improper temperament. The ideal specimen must always display courage and confidence to a marked degree. Absolutely no consideration should be given to an exhibit that lacks this quality.

Proper tail set and carriage when moving or excited.

Proper tail set and carriage at rest

Tail too long and heavy

"Cur" tail showing fear

Tail set on too high on a flat croup, carried improperly over back

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TaiI set on too high on a flat croup, carried properly

Tail set on higher, less curve, longer.

Tail set on too high on a flat croup carried too high

Legs and Feet The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front. Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact.

A good leg and foot

Pastern too upright - toes too short

Weak, spliayed foot weak pastern

Toes too long, pastern too long and too sloped.

Knobby, knuckled over toes too short

Pastern too short and upright. Thin paper foot - no arch to toes.

Foot too big

Viewed from the Rear The hindquarters show well developed muscles at the buttocks, and upper and lower thigh. The up per thigh particularly, should be well developed on the inside, between the legs. The hocks are well let down and parallel to each other turning neither in nor out. There should be no suggestion of cow-hocks, bowleg or stifles turning out. The stifle should show good angulation, and be set low.

Correct Rear View

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

Overdone. Too wide to move properly

Too Narrow Not enough muscle development

Stifles turned out

Hocks turned out

Cow-hacked

Tail Sets and Rears The topline is not level, rather it slopes slightly from the withers to the rump (croup) and then shows a "gentle short slope from the rump to the base of tail". This is also not a steep croup- but a gentle short slope. The loins are slightly tucked. The hocks are well let down. The stifle should show good angulation and be set low. The stifle and hock should both have good bend, but the bones of the lower thigh are not particularly long. The hind legs, when hocks are perpendicular to the ground, should not be set very far behind the dog's buttocks and should appear of moderate length. Moderate angulation proper teail set and lenght

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Not sufficient bend to stifle - short croup

Tail set too high Croup too short

Croup too steep

Flat croup tail set too high Hyperextension of hock- not enough angulation to any of the joints

High in rear leg set too far under - tail set too high -not enough bend to stifle

Legs too, long - set too far behind dog Possible sickle路 hooks

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SOURCE The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America.

Preferred Size The preferred height for dogs is 18" to 19" The preferred height for bitches is 17" to 18". Height and weight should be in proportion. Although a given weight is not specifically mentioned in the standard, a moderate type dog would weigh approximately 48 lbs at 18" up to about 60 lbs at 19". A moderate type bitch would weigh approximately 42 lbs at 17" up to about 50 lbs at 18". The other body types will weigh more or less at the same size.

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AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER Official Standard of the American Staffordshire Terrier

General Impression: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.

Legs: The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No semblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, wellarched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.

Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high.

Coat: Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.

Ears - Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes - Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle- Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black. Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.

Color: Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged. Size: Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable. Faults: Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths. Approved June 10, 1936

Shoulders: Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping. Back: Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins slightly tucked. Body: Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Chest deep and broad. Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.

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AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER FCI-Standard N° 286 / 01.12.1997/EN ORIGIN: U.S.A.

BODY:

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE OFFICIAL VALID STANDARD: 03.09.1996.

Topline: Back fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail.

FCI-CLASSIFICATION: Group 3 - erriers. Section 3 - Bull type Terriers. Without working trial. GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size; a well put together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial. HEAD: Medium length, deep through.

Loins: Slightly tucked. Chest: Deep and broad. Well sprung ribs; close together, deep in rear. TAIL: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to fine point; not curled or carried over back. Not docked. LIMBS: FOREQUARTERS: Front legs straight, with large bones. Set rather wide apart to permit chest development.

CRANIAL REGION:

Shoulders: Strong and muscular, with blades wide and sloping. Pastern: Upright.

Skull: broad. Stop: Distinct.

HINDQUARTERS: Well muscled.

FACIAL REGION:

Hocks: Let down, turning neither in nor out.

Nose: Definitely black. Muzzle: Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below the eyes. Lips: Close and even; no looseness. Jaws/Teeth: Well defined. Under jaw strong and to have biting power. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Cheeks: Very pronounced cheek muscles. Eyes: Dark, round, low down in skull, set far apart. No pink eyelids. Ears: Set high. Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. NECK: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.

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FEET: Of moderate size, well arched and compact. GAIT / MOVEMENT: Springy but without roll or pace. COAT HAIR: Short, close, stiff to the touch, glossy. COLOUR: Any colour, solid, particolour, or patched is permissible; but more than 80% white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged. SIZE : Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about eighteen to nineteen inches (46 - 48 cm) at the shoulder for the male and seventeen to eighteen inches (43 - 46 cm) for the female to be considered preferable.

Article FCI Breed Standard FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE (AISBL)

FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. • • • • •

Dudley nose. Undershot or overshot mouth. Light eyes. Pink eyelids. Tail too long or badly carried.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS: • Aggressive or overly shy dogs. • Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. N.B.: • Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. • Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation, should be used for breeding.

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INTERVIEWED BY Giota Bouranta

THE OFFICIAL AMSTAFF CLUB

Greece

An interview with the president Giannis Georgakopoulos 28 | THEDOGM AGA Z INE

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Name Giannis Georgakopoulos Country Greece Affix Spartan’s Spears Kennel Email/web http://spartanspearkennel.com/

My name is Giannis, I live in Greece, in Patras the third biggest city of Greece. It s a very beautiful city and has the second biggest port of my country. I adore dogs and painting. I finished my studies in Italy at the School of Fine Arts and I am a professional painter. I am also an AMSTAFF breeder and my kennel is Spartans’ Spears est. 2011. I brought my first Amstaff from Italy from one of the most known kennels in the world in 2009 and since then I am actively involved in the world of dog shows and cynology. As a child I grew up with the company of dogs, my grandfather had hunting dogs and I have always loved them. At this time, I breed A Amstaffs that are my big love and passion. Because of the fact that I was involved in breeding AMSTAFFS I decided to start the AMSTAFF club in order to make this amazing breed known to the public. We are a newly founded club full of enthusiasm. In June, we will hold our first show in Patras and we are very happy about it. I am the founder and president of the Amstaff club of Greece. The club was founded in 2015 and our dream is to make the Amstaffs known to the public. We will always try to improve our breed in all aspects of morphology and health. Our club ‘s priority is to promote the breed ‘s health and that is why we decided to make it obligatory for a dog to obtain the Greek champion title to have clear health tests specific to our breed and of course to be judged by a breed specialist. The road is hard up ahead and we

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I am the founder and president of the Amstaff club of Greece.

know that we will have many difficulties to overcome but our love and determination for what we do will bring the results we hope for in the end. The Amstaff is for me the one and only and it is the breed that has all the characteristics that I look for in a dog. Affection, companionship, protection duties and playfulness. It is a human oriented breed that has stolen my heart. The biggest problem of our club at the moment is to be able to find common ground among the different opinions of Amstaff breeders so that we may all together move forward with the common goal of improving our breed. As a breeder i do not think i will ever stop breeding which is my first and most important goal. As for becoming a judge it is part of my future plans as far as it concerns my breed.

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An interview with the president

“

Article

In my free time I paint and I spend time with my dogs.

In my free time I paint and I spend time with my dogs. I feel that my biggest achievement so far was the fact that at the age of 25 I had already finished my studies in piano, guitar, harmony and byzantine music as well as in painting and getting my degree from the School of Fine Arts. These demanded a lot of hard work from my part but in the end it made me feel a lot stronger and helped me evolve as a person.

My goal is to be as active as I could and offer with all my powers as much

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Article

An interview with the president

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Article

An interview with the president

thing, the passion and the love for our breed. I believe that the future is ours and that some time we will have some excellent Amstaff specimens bred here in Greece. I am optimistic that everything will evolve in the best way possible. I dream, I work, I create. Thank you very much for the hospitality and the opportunity you gave me to talk about the present and the future of the Amstaff world in Greece.

as I am asked and can for the Greek world of cynology. Closing I would like to mention that our first club show will be held on June 4-5th and the judge will be Mr Darko Zivanovic from Serbia a breeder of Amstaffs. There will also be a seminar held concerning our breeds morphology, health and breeding. My wish is to be able to inform as many people as we can on all that have to do with this amazing breed. We are still taking our first steps but now it is the chance to build the correct foundations. We are only a few Amstaff breeders in Greece each with his own dreams and goals but despite our disagreements we all can agree on one

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Article

An interview with the president

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INTERVIEWED BY Ewa Larsson

An interview with a President of the AST Association, Turkey Ilker Örkmez 34 | THEDOGM AGA Z INE

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Name Ilker Örkmez Country Turkey American Staffordshire Terrier Club Of Turkey / President FCI 3.Group AST Judge Web www.amerikanstaff.com Ataşehir /İstanbul /Turkey

I always dreamed about a star. A star that was more bright and self-evident. This star was a dog for me. My star was elusive to me because the features I sought were hard to achieve and seemed impossible to be available together. First of all, the dog breed we planned to raise should have a stong image, be playful but have a calm temperament and have watchful eyes despite being dignified. He/she should show a proud and upright posture under the imposing structure and at the same time be calm like a cat and strong like a lion. I started to make a research on various dog breeds upon these criteria I envisioned. My studies and research took a long time but I finally found my star, the dog breed I wanted to raise. This dog breed was American Staffordshire Terrier (AST). In our country, the Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation was established in 2006 by the cooperation of 5 different dog breeds associations. The Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation (KIF) was working fast and with great thoroughness and in accordance to these activites of the federation other associ-

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I always dreamed about a star. A star that was more bright and self-evident.

ations of dog breeds began to be established. Personally I worked with French Bulldogs for 12 years. After a while we formed the French Bulldog Association with some friends and breeders in 2010 which was also a member of KIF. But there wasn’t a KIF member association for the AST breed yet. During the national and international contests that were organized by KIF, I met people and friends who were breeding ASTs and our cooperation grew in time. We started to arrange meetings with some them discussing the establishment of an AST breed club. Our job was very difficult. The breeding of Pitbulls was forbidden in our country and AST was named as Pitbull because of the lack of breed and cynology research regarding AST in Turkey. The first challenge was get-

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Article

An interview with the president

ting permisson from the government to establish the association formally. Our first accomplishment was getting the official permission and we established our AST Association in February 14, 2012 with registration number 1132. Juliana Shestakova, our honored board member who took an active role during the establishment period, has an important part in the achivements of our association. In 2012, the number of AST dogs from Turkey who participated in the national and international contests we organized as an association was only 5. We started organized and planned activities as an association and first we made our association a member of KIF. To raise awareness of the AST breed we organized 40 seminars between 2012-2016. In 10 of these seminars the presenters were international ex-

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perts who actively made studies on AST breed. During this period I got the chance to know Damir Markov, whom I also address as my mentor. He gave advice to our association on matters that were not very well known by club members regarding club management, preparations to national and international contests, organizing contests, judging and handling. Also, our club participated in activities regarding animal rights which was very important because there was a “banned breed” concept in our country. We organized demonstrations against the “banned breed” concept some of which had nearly 50.000 participants. Our fight for animal rights is still going on. With the seminars and animal rights demonstrations as a club, we became very popular. The media started to pub-

Article

An interview with the president

lish our official accomplishments as a very successful club. We always participated with all of our board members in meetings, national and international contests and social activites organized by our federation KIF. In 2014, with the efforts of our AST club and the participation of bull terrier, yorkshire terrier and staffordshire bull terrier breeds and support, we organized the first terrier show in our country called the BOSPHORUS TERRIER SHOW. During this show our judges were Damir Markov and Torsten Himmrich. We organized the second show in 2015 and this time our judge was Vladimir Mhaljicic. Vladimir Mhaljicic also organized a seminar about terrier breeds. Also, Weronica Patricia Jurek from Poland organized a Handling seminar before the show. At the end of 2015, Larisa Ivanova

from the Russian Federation visited our country and gave a seminar and shared her thoughts about club management with our club managers. Our biggest project of 2016 is to organize the 3rd Bosphorus Terrier Show and invite Nacho Carballido for this event. In addition we will be participating in world and Europe championships. Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier breed and Cynology Association with its 60 members and 300 dogs registered to Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation (KIF), is participating in national and international contests, organizes informational and educational seminars, social events and “animal rights” activities.

I, specially thank to the American Staffordshire Terrier Breed and Cynolo-

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An interview with the president

gy Association board members and members whom I have been working with for a long time and to the Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation (KIF), who help us to be a more professional and makes us stronger through the contests, seminars and projects we participated with them. Also special thanks to, • Juliana Shestakova, our honored board member who is actively makling studies and research on AST breed for a long time; • Ozan Belkıs, the Deputy Chief of the Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation (KIF) who made the first studies and reaserch on AST in our country; • Ümit Özkanal, the President of the Dog Breeds and Cynology Federation (KIF) who always shows his support to the activities of our association • Agnieszka Onuk, for his support in studies and activities regarding the terrier breed, • Damir Markov, Vladimir Mhaljcic, Larisa İvanova, Weronica Patricia Jurek for their support to our association.

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XII MONOGRÁFICA NACIONAL 2015, VALLADOLID Spain

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Judge males: Chuck Nelson (USA) Judge females: Robert Paust (USA)

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Mejor de raza/ BEST OF BREED

Falkon Warrior of Duty

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XII Monogr谩fica Nacional 2015

Mejor de raza BEST OF BREED

Falkon Warrior of Duty

Mejor del sexo opuesto & mejor veterano BEST OPPOSITE SEX & BEST VETERAN

Thunderbully Diva

Mejor joven BEST JUNIOR

Rebel and Proud No Risk No Fun

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XII Monográfica Nacional 2015

Mejor joven del sexo opuesto BEST OPPOSITE SEX JUNIOR

Alea Jacta Est Celtiberia

CAC Machos CAC MALE

Falkon Warrior of Duty

RCAC Machos RCAC MALE

Atlas Teo King of Ring’s

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XII Monogr谩fica Nacional 2015

CAC hembras CAC FEMALE

Brave Fast Shosanna

RCAC hembras RCAC FEMALE

River Side Akeila Womack

Mejor cachorro BEST PUPPY

Alcatrazstaffs Kalahsnikov

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Article

XII Monogr谩fica Nacional 2015

Mejor cachorro del sexo opuesto BEST OPPOSITE SEX PUPPY

Karballido Staffs Kathalina

Mejor baby BEST BABY

Alea Jacta Est Una Di Noi

Mejor baby del sexo opuesto BEST OPPOSITE SEX BABY

Triumph of Victory

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Source: Dr Guillaume QUENEY ANTAGENE laboratory

CEREBELLAR ATAXIA OF AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER (AMSTAFF) A severe neurological disease prevented thanks to a DNA test

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Cerebellar Ataxia

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erebellar Ataxia leads to a nervous system degeneration. About 40% of AmStaff are carriers of the gene responsible for the disease. A reliable DNA test can screen stud dogs and brood bitches, in order to adapt matings and avoid birth of affected puppies and spread of the disease in the breed.

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Cerebellar Ataxia

A severe hereditary disease

Avoid the birth of affected puppies

Cerebellar Ataxia leads to a nervous system degeneration. The first symptoms appear between 3 and 5 years: “Wobbly” gait, tremors, incoordination, loss of balance. At the final stage, the dog is unable to move and euthanasia is generally practiced.

In order to secure its kennel and avoid the risk of production of affected puppies, the breeder must screen its breeding dogs thanks to the NCL-A DNA test.

A frequent disease More than 40% of AmStaff are carriers of the genetic mutation responsible of Cerebellar Ataxia. A breeder can mate without noticing a male « carrier » and a female « carrier » and produce a litter containing affected puppies. A dog « carrier » of the mutation will not develop the disease but transmits it to 50% of the puppies. A stallion « carrier » of the mutation which is used a lot for reproduction, spreads the disease through the breed and helps to increase the frequency of the mutation and multiply the number of affected dogs. A preventable disease A puppy can be affected if his two parents are carriers of the mutation. Breeders unaware of Cerebellar Ataxia can mate stud dogs and brood bitches carriers of the mutation and produce affected puppies which will not develop the disease before from 3 years old. A DNA test called NCL-A, can detect Cerebellar Ataxia of American Staffordshire Terrier with a reliability above 99%

When acquiring a puppy for breeding or when a stud dog is used for a mating, the breeder verifies the genetic status of the dog for American Staffordshire Terrier asking for the result of the NCL-A DNA test. A DNA test easy to perform The veterinarian performs a simple cheek swab and sends it to the laboratory. The result, delivered within few days, indicates if the tested dog is clear, carrier or affected for Cerebellar Ataxia. A genetic certificate displaying the result must be used as a guarantee for a mating or to justify the sale of puppies clear of Cerebellar Ataxia. The veterinarian who notices early neurological issues in a young AmStaff puppy can process a DNA test to confirm or refute the diagnosis of Cerebellar Ataxia. If the dog is affected, parents have to be screened as well. A breeder who knows the genetic status of the dog can select its breeding dogs, adapt matings, avoid the birth of affected puppies and limit the spread of this severe neurological disease in the breed.

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THE TRAGIC LOSS OF BLOODLINES AND MENTORING IN AMERICA by Carol D. Hawke

hese tremulous topics are subjects I have been carefully contemplating for better than a decade after we first began to hear rumors from British friends about the unsettling disappearance of renowned bloodlines and having personally witnessed the decline of individual mentoring here in America. The disconcerted whispers have evolved into various public outcries as numbers of long time breeders, handlers and judges worldwide have united in mutual concern.

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In all recorded decades past in America and over much of the centuries written of dog breeding, serious dog breeders have always worked diligently to produce “bloodlines.” Americans are still inclined to fondly refer in slang to their breeding programs as their “lines. These were typically direct canine lineages that traced back to one or more foundation stock of note. These “lines” remained consecutive as the decades pushed steadily onward, with breeders adding and removing characteristics in the same fashion as an artist adds

Carol D. Hawke Virginia, USA info@e-Ruffian.com www.e-ruffian.com www.facebook.com/ASTkennel Photos: e-Ruffian.com Amstaff Kennel

and removes detail from a masterpiece in progress. Sometimes that forward momentum came at a crawl and other times in leaps and bounds, yet serious fanciers rarely abandoned their “lines.” In actual practice, bloodlines were only rejected when a deadly defect or perilous plague allowed no other option. For a few breeders, such disaster spelled the end of a life’s work. The venture was over insofar as they were concerned. Others found opportunities to begin again with some related stock shared by a former pupil or two. The point remains; dedicated breeders remained intensely loyal to their original programs. Each major bloodline presented a differing view of the standard while all of them offered some presentable version. Every kennel or “line” did its’ own share of winning and staked-out a firm

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place in the annals of canine history. Large or small, each one made a contribution, of that there can never be any question or doubt. One could count on those “lines” inasmuch as they were identifiable types, to produce dogs that would in turn, produce more dogs that bore the distinct resemblance of “the line.” There was a notable, positive measure of consistency both phenotypically and genetically. A common practice was for the next generation of dog breeders (the mentored) to take up foundation stock from two popular “lines” and create, much to their own and everyone else’s great delight,

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a “new line.” Wisely mentored, talented individuals found ways to bring out the very best of differing “lines.” Such efforts frequently made fast friends of long time show opponents. After all, both lines contributed to a reawakened success in much the same fashion proud grandparents are spontaneously united. In a few cases where the “lines” clashed and the new efforts failed, each side could blame the other for the unhappy results. Regardless, a mutually satisfying proposition resulted however the tossed genetic coin may have landed. If one cross failed, another was attempted until success was

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The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

eventually obtained. The entire process was accomplished under the watchful eyes of scrupulous mentors. A successful breeding program of one’s own marked the rite of passage for the past two centuries of dog breeding in America until the most recent decades. Tendencies and trends in dog breeding have suddenly taken a series of sharp turns. Times have changed, yes, but times always do change while dog breeding as a hobby is manifesting an entirely new face. What shall we entitle this fallacious facade? Nobody I have the pleasure of knowing at length in dogs is able to fully grasp this anom-

aly and accurately identify it. Is this a transitional phase in dog breeding or is it the wave of the future rendering many of us the tail end of an ancient entity that will cease before our very eyes? The visible characteristics of this incomprehensibly unorthodox approach to dog breeding reveals first and foremost the loss of distinct “lines”

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as we knew them. Subsequently and secondarily we note the rapid decline of clearly identifiable variations within breeds owing to an apparent lack of resolve to preserve known lines or

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even develop new ones for that matter. Evidently, many of today’s trendy fanciers may view dog breeding as a sort of genetic ‘smorgasbord’ wherein it really does not matter what one starts with or ends up with as long as it produces a winner instantly. What we are witnessing is the rejection of the proven practice of long term breeding from a particular line or lines in order to manifest some version of the breed standard along with the essential fine-tuning

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The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

that it has always necessitated. I have personally noted (along with many who have arisen from the traditional role of dog breeding) that no apparent mental concept of the breed standard seems to be required by this new generation of dog breeders. In its’ place resides the quaint desire to refrain from producing a show specimen with any disqualifying faults or other serious refractions that might prevent winning. If every critter produced by such breeders and their typical, entangling alliances is entirely different in type, temperament and structure from the next, this is apparently incidental if not amusingly quirky - rather than appropriately humiliating. This recent phenomena poses a genuine dilemma for the mentors currently addressing dog breeders and doubtless, to our reigning judges. Much of the murmuring amongst long time breeders and judges reflects the rarity of locating two dogs with remotely equivalent virtues in any given breed, much less in any class at a dog show today. There appears neither rhyme nor reason to the breeding techniques being implemented. One might surmise from the evidence presented that today’s dog breeder expects to win at each outing with every show prospect entered. Infinitely worse, far too many are wont to sell as show prospects all remotely saleable individuals from each litter produced without regard to consistency of quality or future prepotency. Perplexingly overlooked is the simple fact that a great deal of time has always been expended at home by serious, ethical dog breeders planning, growing out and placing the majority of litters who are not and never will be, show or breeding quality dogs. That’s just the way dog breeding pans out. Only the best were brought forth for public exhibition. Every pup a con-

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scientious individual produces doesn’t rate ‘show prospect’ nor should they all be considered as breeding stock by virtue of the obvious fact that they share the same illustrious pedigree. This lack of common sense (or excessive greed, if the truth be revealed) is one of the primary factors that engenders severe anxiety for long time mentors who are valiantly risking their own reputations to educate and represent novice breeders, just as their illustrious predecessors once did. It has historically been stressed that no individual can successfully breed a line of dogs without a very specific breed template in mind. Similarly, ethical breeders have always been taught to conscientiously remove from the breeding program all stock that failed to meet those criteria. This is the foundational motivation behind judging dogs and the primary protocol for assessing them in a show ring. Today’s version of novice unfortunately tends to reveal the stereotypical knowit-all who eagerly acquires a dozen differing bitches from equally as many breeders (often worldwide) and pack them right off to the top winning stud dogs in their breeds. Such blatantly short sighted behavior is still preferable to nauseating scenario B. Consider the latter case wherein those same bitches are bred to the most local and convenient stud dog(s) the breeder can find or pick up inexpensively. The fact that these naïve newcomers are frequently financially raped by what should be ‘reputable’ dog breeders (especially overseas) is another issue entirely. Owing to a considerable lack of deep thinking or just glaring ignorance, countless modern breeders are more interested in health clearances than pedigrees and show records than prepotency. Health clearances are marvellous (we’ve promoted them for years

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ourselves) but they can never substitute for the intimate knowledge that will reveal exactly which lines tend to produce which defects. A series of health clearances achieved by a dog from a line that has consistently produced those defects is like a rubber sword. It’s not going to protect your breeding program in the end run. You may be inclined to disagree with this; but I would rather breed to a dog from a line I know rarely produces a certain defect even though my choice may have failed that test, than the previous candidate. Equally vitally, an experienced analysis of pedigree quality and depth is vital to the success of any breeding program. The inability to wisely apprehend each of these invaluable tools and utilize them from the standpoint of experience will render a pedigree little more than a fancy piece of paper and health statistics and show records no better than an interesting collection of facts. Widely available are wonderful books and new programs designed to help instruct the breeders of this era but again, I reiterate and strongly advocate; personal, individual mentorship has absolutely no substitute. Only a mentor can personally impart every detail of an intimate knowledge while role modelling ethical and conscientious conduct. Successful breedership is taught not bought! Herein lies my second key point today. Until a wannabe breeder develops a specific breed photograph (hopefully, based upon the breed standard) internally and makes the choice to honor proven, worthwhile mentors who will devote themselves to their pupils success, he will fail to create any long term impact on his chosen breed. Today’s candidates seem to compose a burgeoning group of rootless competitors that buy dogs left and right in each

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The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

breed and hop right into the ring with them longing desperately for winners or, at least wins. Every year they sport new dogs, new lines and a new look. It causes one to ponder precisely what happened to last year’s models! These people don’t have the groundwork to breed dogs of the merit they desire. Compare any such individual to another who is championed by successful mentors and is blessed with the wisdom and patience to actually heed their advice. Both individuals will out-

put similar amounts of time and effort but the former, self-appointed orphan will nearly always struggle vainly and likely abandon the effort. Others just switch from breed to breed, hoping for better “luck.” Worse yet, many become bitter renegades determined to regain their initial investment one way or another. Perhaps the impact being sought currently is a different one than that so admired in previous decades. If the motivation is simply to “win, win, win!” and subsequently, “any dog will do you,” then our nation’s mentors really ought to step back, take a deep breath, uncurl their toes and fingers and let come what may. My assertion has long been, “Big winds blow over,” but perhaps in this case; “Big wins blow over,” would be more apropos. The end result of each individual’s efforts will eventually become visible in conformation and performance circles and in the annals of canine history, as it always has. However, the likelihood of this fast-food mentality (as applied to dog breeding) ever producing consistency in type, temperament or soundness is well beyond the realm of a slim chance and if it were to gain foothold, we would be forced to concede that the days of bloodlines and prepotent producers may be nigh over. These strangely inspired opportunists will still manage to produce winning dogs hither and yon but never two and three in the same litter. Moreover, such dogs will seldom pass on the characteristics that caused them to win in the first place. Flash-in-the-pan winners may even produce healthier pups in the short term owing to the blessing of outcross vigor but in the long run, the progress will not be sustained. It takes generations of working through genetic defects to breed them out to a very safe distance, if you know “the

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line” and what it tends to produce consistently that is. It also requires generations to breed in virtues that will reproduce faithfully. Allow me to relate an incident at this point. It’s a true story so I hope all prospective dog breeders will sit up and pay attention. When I was a teenager I worked very hard for a lady who raised German Shorthairs. One day she informed me we were going to clean a large kennel owned by a wealthy fancier of the breed. My mentor warned me to be wary of the dogs and not speak openly regardless of what I saw. The elderly fellow who owned the place was no longer able to manage the operation properly but she also insisted that he had been “an eccentric” all his life. In fact, that is what everyone in our area called this man, “eccentric.” Over a period of decades the patron had built a beautiful, full-fledged kennel with indoor/outdoor runs on a lovely

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parcel of acreage. Inside this brick facility were special rooms designated to breed, whelp and rear pups and even space for displaying show and field trophies. A small home on the property had been provided for live in kennel help. Large yards to exercise the dogs were overgrown while previously wellkempt flowerbeds had withered away. In previous years they must have supplied a lovely grandeur to the exterior. Once inside the kennel, all lofty expectations fell desperately short. The dogs were as many types as one could ever dread coming across in any given breed. There were tall ones; short-legged ones, coarse headed and snipey dogs and not one that looked remotely like the next. There were friendly, tail-wagging dogs kenneled next to neurotic, circle-spinning, crazy dogs that would as soon bite you as look at you. To tell you the truth, it was rather nauseating. I had to seriously rethink the prospect of breeding dogs as a hobby for some time after we finished cleaning the kennel and departed. That chaos was the end result of decades of breeding based upon the incredibly mistaken premise that “winning is the only thing,” and little else mattered. What cemented the dismal failure in my young mind was the realization that the rewards (ribbons and trophies) accumulated over those decades were rendered utterly trivial and meaningless by the lack of consistent virtue in those dogs. This ‘breeder’s’ efforts provided nothing of value and in some ways, served to set the breed back locally. He had accumulated a few, tarnished trophies and wrinkled ribbons but nothing consequential was accomplished. If one can be satisfied with so little then I will admit that this fast-track mindset regarding dog breeding may be of an extremely limited value.

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The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

Here is another case in point for those who feel personal mentoring should remain a lost art. An individual whom had migrated from another breed decided to focus an effort at linebreeding on the most prepotent stud dog of the past century. Although himself a dog of many grand virtues, he possessed equal and grievous faults that he managed to set into his offspring. His main fault was a weak, round headpiece featuring a narrow, triangular shaped muzzle (instead of the broad muzzle required) with its’ accompanying narrow, wry jaw. To a lesser degree, he was also straight stifled. Without the meticulous, personal mentoring that should have been provided in order to point out to this newcomer those serious deficits, they became quickly overlooked. As time passed, this confused individual concluded that the miserable headpiece that came to characterize that breeding program should be promoted as a correct feature for the entire breed. These dogs were widely advertised throughout the canine world until many judges began to accept this outlandish conglomeration of faults as an acceptable version of standard breed type. This tragedy may not have occurred if just one particularly prodigious breeder had been properly schooled individually regarding the correct utilization of the breed standard and modern bloodlines. A qualified mentor could have steered this novice around the immobilizing point of blind ignorance. Those judges who fail to read and apply breed standards and who judge by advertisement (familiar faces) alone do purebred dogs an equal disservice. Very often, a simple lack of proper tutoring is all it takes to instill a negative trend into any given breed. There are invaluable concepts be-

coming lost to our recent generation of dog breeders. Either that or the wrong shaped pegs are being pounded against their will into the incorrect holes by the stubbornly ignorant for lack of other suitable explanation. I cannot personally conclude that the dog world is so lacking in serious, experienced mentors as it is deplorably void of dedicated, loyal students who are determined to ‘mind their mentors’ and invest more than their silly, petty funds. Rather, let them invest something into the Sport of lasting value such as their time, talent and devotion. I would cheerfully trade ten thousand of these ridiculous, “Top-Ten-Syndrome” devotees with fistfuls of dollars for one modest, respectful and loyal breed

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student. Moreover I would prefer one without a spare penny. Such a prodigy will be far less wasteful with my precious bloodlines than some exasperating, bill-folding biped that deliriously suspects she can magically create a breeding program from thin air by waving a few bucks in the right direction. Deluded individuals are further inclined to believe that currency can induce lost bloodlines to reappear intact at a moment’s notice. I suppose that our long time handlers feel equally plagued standing knee-deep in so many upstart “instant agents” who collect dogs to exhibit at sundry fees like garbage men do waste from our sidewalks on

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a weekly basis. This miserable misconduct readily explains what we end up with in our rings each weekend! Am I suggesting that all modern dog breeders are hopelessly sidetracked? By no means, only that peculiar faction that fit neatly into the trappings of the disclosed package. What if you wish to succeed as a novice breeder but dread falling into this pattern? How can you identify the wrong track if you are on it?

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INTERVIEWED BY Ewa Larsson

#1 AMSTAFF IN USA USING THE BREED SYSTEM by Di Fioramante Bifulco MDV

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#1 Amstaff in USA

Rebel and Proud No Secrets No Lies, “Abby” was the 7th and last puppy born from the litter between WW Multi Ch. Tauron de Cans Juansa and BIS BISS Multi Ch Rebel and Proud Old Moon “Army”. I love the number 7, I thought it would be a sign! She was “eye catching” from the moment she born. I hate to look the puppies until they are at less 2 months old, but she had a so lovely face just born hard to forget. We had planned to keep something out of Army, and for months I was crossing my fingers for that pretty face puppy to grow in the right way.

It was a great litter, that homogeneous type of litter were it’s easy to make a mistake, but the eye catching works. Milla was decided to keep her, and I couldn’t say no. She started her show career at the age of three months in baby class. She was rarely beaten in minor classes, and won many best in shows in puppy, and junior class. She also was #3 All breeds Jr. in Spain (Dogshow Magazine) with a very limited shows, and won some Best of Breeed and groups and a Specialty.

It was in 2015 when she started to bright seriously. She was CACIB win-

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#1 Amstaff in USA

ner in the prestigious Amstaff Major, with around 220 entered dogs, under the Terrier Specialist and President of Montgomery Council KC Mr. Bruce Swartz. It was her first entry in Intermediate class. During that weekend she finished her first adult title in Romania. After the Summer, Milla decided to attend the USA Nationals in Kentucky. They had a great time there. Abby was Reserve Winners Bitch and Major Pointed in the most important event for our breed. It’s a hard business coming from outside the states and handled by the owner!

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During the Nationals week, Ed Thomason (Alpine Falls Kennel) asked us to have Abby in the states. We should to regret the offer because she is our pet, but finally we found a deal to keep Abby in the states for a long time with Ed and his wife Karen. We like the job Ed and Karen are doing for the bred, they are obviously the best breeders at the moment, so we feel proud to work with them. One month later, Ed and Abby started the career in the USA. She finished the AKC title with style, winning a Best in Show in a very big entry under high re-

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#1 Amstaff in USA

spected judges like Mareth Kipp and Robert Patton. Abby finished the year as #2 bitch in the All breed system. Not a bad achievement if we note she was showing only two months there.

Actually, Ed and Karen are ranking Abby. She is for now #1 Amstaff in USA using the Breed System, and #1 using the Grand Champion Points.

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INTERVIEWED BY Ewa Larsson

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Name Luisma Benítez Country Spain Affix Rebel and Proud e-mail luisma.benitez@gmail.com

» Please introduce yourself and your kennel to our readers, and tell us why this particular breed. I’m 35 years old spanish breeder involved in the breeding and showing dogs for around 10 years ago who loves to breed, study the breedings and show the results. I choose this breed just by chance. I bought my first amstaff just to have a pet at home, but after read and study which breed to buy for around 1 year or more. Wanted a healthy dog, medium size and with a lovely temperament, and after all that time reading and attending some dog shows just for look, the answer couldn’t be other. I really get impressed by the amstaff for the first looking view, then I fall in love when discovered its temperament.

» What made you want to be a dog breeder in the first place?

I should to say I never wanted or followed the way to become a dog breed-

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Rebel and Proud

er. I think it was also a random question. I really got crazy with our breed, and I thought in that moment that the “fever” I had in that time, should be something that will go, but still here. I decided I would like to compete in the dog shows and bought a male amstaff who is still alive and was my partner in my first shows. Got some nice results for a beginner with him, what made me get crazy with this world. So become as a dog breeder should be something that should happen.

» How did you get introduced to this breed? As I wrote before, it was a lucky question, question that I don’t regret of course! When you start to attend dog shows you meet new people, and it’s you the one who should select the right ones. I think I was lucky to find the best ones who helped me a lot from the beginning. I know not all people can have the lucky I found finding the best ones. I will be eternally grateful to my friend

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Paco Cabrera (Frael Kennels) to help and advice me like nobody can do. After the years he has become one of my best friends. Unfortunately, the dog world is also cruel many times since some people need the money from selling puppies for living, I respect that but I think it makes some people lose their mind with the business and some of the new people get cheated just for ignorance or not been well recommended. So for me is essential get introduced in a new breed under responsible people or mentors.

» Please tell us about your past and present dogs. I’m not a big number breeder. I have only 4 dogs at home and around 1012 in co ownership living as a pets with families. I usually do 1 or 2 litters every year. Actually I’m waiting to be born my 5th generation. After some litters, I made my very best litter in 2009, when I bred my NgorongNgorong Las Vegas with an american dog living in Denmark, Royal Court

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Rebel and Proud

Winning Colors. It was a pretty litter with a lovely pedigree. Some of my favourites dogs ever are in that pedigree. I bred Vegas later with an impressive dog two years later, Ch. Frael Red Pure Passion. From that litter I got also nice results, marking two males: Rebel and Proud The Joker Bestiyana, who is a beautiful male with one of the best head I ever seen. He is champion of some countries and Jr. European Winner. Joker is owned and loved by Yana Romanenko in Ukranie. Rebel and Proud Winner Soul, “Papayka” living in Rusia with his co owner and friend Taisiya Zheltaya, who finished him 6 titles. Papayka is also a great proven producer, some of his kids got great results in events like Euro or World Dog Show. From the litter with Royal Court Winning Colors born the best dog I ever bred, not in dog show results, but for us at home. She was our Multi Ch. Rebel and Proud Sheena is a Punk Rocker. A lovely bitch, who can be IMMO one of the best producers bitches ever.

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Rebel and Proud

She was bred in her first litter with Ch. Fraja NE Gold Ticket, an american dog who was #1 Amstaff in 2009 in the states that I imported to Spain. And from that litter born our BIS BISS Multi Ch. Rebel and Proud Old Moon “Army”, a very special female who is living with our friend David Barragán. She was #1 Amstaff in Spain in 2014, around 20 FCI titles, first amstaff to be awarded with the spanish Grand Champion title, was also BOB in the Interra 2013 after WDS in Budapest from intermediate class, won some Best In Shows, many groups, etc. I bred Army only one time, with Tauron de Cans Juansa, a dog who was in my home from the age of puppy and

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was showing with us for a long time. After that period, he was WW in Milán! From the litter between Tauron and Army born 7 nice puppies, 5 of them are showing dogs, and 3 of them has finished some titles. One of them is Brody, Ch. Rebel and Proud No Risk No Fun “Brody”, a male who has all I love in a male. A correct size, a great temperament, and a balanced type, that I define as soundness. This dog is the father of out 4th Generation. Brody was best junior in our last National Specialty, and 2nd best male after the BOB! He won also some BIS in junior class before got the titles in Serbia and Romania last year, where

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Rebel and Proud

he made some beautiful litters. Brody is coowned by our friends Borja Thovar and Army’s mother co owner, David Barragán.

great results in minor classes in Spain, and become #3 Jr all breds in Spain for 2014 in a very limited year of shows (using Dogshow Ranking).

From that litter, born also Abby, BISS BIS GCh. Multi Ch. Rebel and Proud No Secrets No Lies, owned in this moment by my Milla Kanninen and Karen Thomason. Abby is living in the states with Karen and Ed Thomason.

2015 was a great year for Abby’s results. Got some nice achievements, she was CACIB in the Amstaff Major in Romania with only 20 months (with an entry of more that 220 dogs) and she was also Reserve Winners Bitch in the National Specialty in the USA handled by her owner Milla!. It was the best result for an amstaff bred in Spain handled by the owner!

Abby was our pick in that litter, a very well balanced girl with a lovely head and temperament. Abby got some

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During the Nationals in USA Ed, Karen and Milla got a deal to let Abby there for showing and breeding her. One month later, Abby got her first Best In Show under the very respected judge Mareth Kipp! Never a Spanish Amstaff got this result, and not sure about other breeds, this make us be very proud! She finished the 2015 as #2 female in USA allbreeds system in only 2 months! Abby and her handler and coowner Ed started the 2016 on fire, Abby is now #1 Amstaff in the USA. We are waiting now for our 5th generation. We bred our Paula, JCh. Rebel and Proud Cool to Hate, daughter of Brody and Zoey (Zoey is a daughter of our Sheena and Pancho, a powerful dog owned by our good friend Dalibor Antic in Serbia, who was Jr. World Champion in Paris, who I was lucky to import to Spain for a long time). Paula is co owned by our friend Raquel Gonzalves in Portugual. We used for him and american dog owned by Norbert Tibay in Hungary, Alpine’s Rios Grande, a really great producer with a stunning

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pedigree, bred by our friends Ed and Karen. A littermate of Zoey was Teisy, Multi Ch. Rebel and Proud Premium Selection, other stunning female out of Sheena owned by Maria Vaquerizo and Alberto Ligoiz. Teisy has the best type I ever seen in a female, just love that bitch! That litter was a close inbreeding with Royal Court Winning Colors, the male we used with Vegas, the litter that started all! There are many other good dogs that born at home and should be mentioned like Ch. Rebel and Proud Fight or Die, Rebel and Proud TZH Mazzel, Multi Ch. Rebel Eric de Cans Juansa, Ch. Rebel and Proud Trick or Treat, Ch. Rebel and Proud No Pain No Gain, Rebel and Proud Trick Me a Hat Dave, etc.

» What improvements do you want to bring to the breed with your breeding programme? I bred for fun, I like to bred and have puppies at home. Is not my target to

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Rebel and Proud

improve the breed, just because I bred rarely one or two litters a year, so I think I haven’t the power to improve the breed. I like what I bred and this is the reason because I bred, I like to have my dogs at home and look them every day. I love when somebody show my dogs and get good results using them. Is what make me feel proud and happy of my breeding work.

» How does ( name of the breed) differ from other breeds? Amstaff is a fireproof dog. A dog to share never ending training sessions in a bike or running, a lovely pet at home, lovely with the kids and very smart breed that can easily differentiate a real situation. Amstaff is also a very clean breed.

» Do you see any difference in (your breed) of today compared to the (your breed) of 10 years ago? If so, what are the biggest differences you see?

Breed is the same, now people have more chance to contact with other breeders and is easy to import better dogs. I see the people using or trying to use good dogs from the past. Luckily, in our country amstaffs are now better than 10 years ago, mainly because thanks to Internet, that helped people to import better dogs o bred with foreign dogs that can improve the breed in our area. IMMO dogs now in Spain are better balanced. 10 or 15 years ago, the amstaff here was a dog from other lines, that usually were coarsest dogs. Anyway, I think the most of the amstaff breeders are doing a great job anywhere. I’m happy we have in our country a high level of dogs.

» What in your opinion makes a perfect dog? Perfect dog should be that who have a great health, good temperament with a well balanced construction.

» What is the best example of the

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breed that you have bred till now? Maybe if I can make a mix between the body of our Rebel and Proud Premium Selection with the head of Rebel and Proud No Secrets No Lies and the drive and show temperament of Rebel and Proud Old Moon I could get something very interesting hehe… But finally the most of those adjectives are more close to our Abby, Rebel and Proud No Secrets No Lies or his littermate Rebel and Proud No Risk No Fun.

» What advice would you give to those who are starting breeding? The most important is to be smart. Be smart to be out of the people who want you for make business, be smart to find people who can guide you in the right way, be smart to be out of gossips and bullshit, be smart for read a pedigree and have the mind open to find what you really like.

» What are your efforts put into in order to build a great reputation (besides the dogs)? I bred for fun as typed before. I bred for myself and I don’t need to sell puppies, so I try to do my job in the best way thinking in what I like.

» How important is it for a breeder to have an online presence nowadays? My job is system analyst, I work developing websites and applications, but I have not a website. I use Facebook to post our success in dog shows or pics of our dogs. Would love to find time for myself!

» Would you like to add something? Thank you for the opportunity and for dedicating this issue of your magazine for our breed!

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The Amstaff... An high energy dog, full package of muscle and power.

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Name Christy van de Ven Country Holland Affix Daydreamer’s Amstaffs www www.daydreamers.nl

I’m Christy van de Ven, as a breeder of Amstaff I started my ‘hobby’ 12 years ago. I fell in love with the breed because of the Amstaff’s powerful look and apparent strenght, its powerful construction with lots of muscles but in the same time so sweet temperaments. A show dog but in the same time the best friend to a child. This breed is a family dog and crazy about children. The Amstaff is all man friend. I started with having an Amstaff as a family pet dog, but decided to try the dog shows and shortly after I have purchased my first Amstaff I went to dog shows, were my first dog started to win over and over, at last he was the #1 Amstaff in Holland. The dog was a great show dog but for us he was part of our family. This breed is very high in their energy and need their daily walks, runs, swims. Because of this it’s an ideal breed for sports, they enjoy joining racetracks, high jumps, weigh pulling, swimming,

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Daydreamer’s Amstaffs

flirt pole, hikes etc. Beside that in the house they are kind and easy going dogs. The Amstaff loves people and especially children.

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Because of years of breeding to a breed standard the Amstaff today is a real show dog, and became very popular for people to breed with.

testing, temperament testing or looking at them pedigree wise. Because of overpopulation and wrong people buying this breed, without any experience or information they come into the media the wrong way, which causes a lot of trouble for our beloved breed. Especially for breeders who breed within the rules of the Amstaff club it’s sometimes hard to fight for what the breed really is.

This may cause problems for our beloved breed, because a lot of people are breeding without any rules, health

This breed really needs a consequent owner, and regularity. Then you will have the best pet ever.

The Amstaff is very clever and quick learning dog, they are very willing to please their owner.

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Daydreamer’s Amstaffs

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Shamrock Draft Kennel

The Amstaff may be a little harder with other dogs, especially adult males, but as a puppy you can teach them anything you want and guide them into the best way in their future as an adult. It’s all in people’s hands :)

Old World Ren

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Old World Rosina 2.5 years

Old World Perseus

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Name R. Paco Zanoia Country Russia Affix De Paco’s www www.depaco.com www.facebook.com/DePaco

R. Paco Zanoia, born in Italy in 1959 was the founder and is currently the curator of the De Paco’s bloodline. Exclusive holder of the kennel name “De Paco X-Z”, since about thirty years he is a passionate expert of the history, pedigrees and genetics of the American Staffordshire Terriers. Estimated and recognized worldwide as one of the best and most capable breeders, he has been the first non-American breeder, since 1936, who has won - in the United States with his BIS/BISS Ch. De Paco XZ Gold Number male, the Best of Breed and the Best in Show in the A.K.C. breeding championship: the 2001 S.T.C.A. National Specialty in Hutto, TX.

BREEDER & EXPERT JUDGE

In 2009, as breeder and owner, he won again the Best of Breed and the Best in Show with the BIS/BISS Ch. De Paco XZ Hollywood Gold Bolt female in the historical Montgomery County & S.T.C.A. National Specialty in Philadelphia, PA.

Several times, in various editions and

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with different dogs, both male and female, he has won the F.C.I title of World Champion (B.O.B and B.O.S.). Author of several books and articles about “The Grand Old Breed”, since 2005 he moved to the United States a part of his dogs and the interest in the development of the breed, of which he is also an expert judge. Paco Zanoia held seminars and judged in Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Hungary and was the first non-American breeder, invited to judge in the United States in a A.K.C. National Specialty of the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America on October 10, 2013 in Lake Conroe, Houston - Texas.

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INTERVIEWED BY Giota Bouranta

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Name Rade Dakic "Kica" Country Serbia Affix Franstal's Kennel Email franstal@beotel.rs

» Please introduce yourself and your kennel to our readers, and tell us why this particular breed. Well, this question demand a very long answer. I will try to be short. Simply, I have started with Amstaffs by an accident !!! Before Amstaffs I had 2 Standard Bullterriers. In 1986 I was travelling on a bus, full of dog people who went to visit World Dog Show in Tulln. On that bus I met a couple who were one of first breeders of Amstaffs in ex Yugoslavia. We made a close friendship and after our trip they convinced me that Amstaffs are better breed than Bullterriers and presented me with a 6 months old amstaff bitch whom we owned in co-ownership. After a couple of months, I also bought her mother and those 2 bitches were my beginning in the breed. Back then, nobody in Europe did not know much about amstaffs. My knowledge about breed was also tiny.

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I did not know understand the pedigrees that well. Looking back now I am sorry because of that, because I did not know what I had in my hands. Now I understand. And what I had was a real treasure. Both bitches had the best possible blood line – The Old line (original) Fraja, Rolls, Har Wyn…… My kennel was officially established in 1987 under the affix “Franstal“. My kennel name Franstal associates to the name of one part of the city where I live and because I am a devoted local-patriot, I decide to use this name. But, I must say that I never was a big breeder. I am living in centre of city and I do not have so much space for a big kennel with many dogs.

Also, my style of life with so many travelers don't allow me to have so many

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dogs. That’s why I also did not bred so many litters in my life. In the past, I have always preferred to own males. I have imported some very important stud dogs to Serbia and I influenced a lot breeding programs of other people. That’s why, today is very hard to find some dog in Serbia which do not have at least some of my dogs in his pedigree. Now, with my age, I prefer females. They are much easier to keep and today I have 3 females in my home. Of course, all are champions, with really good results.

» Please tell us about your past and present dogs. I will share with you some of photos from my albums. I send you a photo of my first champion. It was “ARIS OD FRANSTALA” . He was strong dog, with strong head, good bones. He was also one of first Club (specialty) champions in Serbia. Also, I would like to share with you photo of my first International Champion. It was a bitch which I imported from Germany. Her name was Jessy of Tower. One of dogs which was very important for me was Zyrus Vom Simba Camp. He was grandson of Tryarr Diamondback redbolt and grandgrandson of Sligo McCarthy. Great pedigree !!! And finaly, there is a photo of my first overseas champion. It was Franstal’s Clarion of Ruffian. He was Canadian Champion, N4 dog in Canada for 1997. He also was Second Place at USA National Specialty 1997.

» Do you see any difference in the Amstaff today compared to Amstaffs of 10 -20 years ago? If so, what are the biggest differences you see?

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everything was with much more romance and love. If you won some show 25 years ago you would be sooooooo happy. Today, people are less happy. Even if you win a World Champion Title. And, this world champion title is important only at the day of the world show and maybe 2 weeks after that, but just 1 month after, everybody forget who was world champion!!!! I have impression that before people had much more love and passion for everything. Quality of Amstaffs is different from country to country. 20 years ago, Holland and Germany were leading countries in Europe. Today, they are far away from that quality. By my impression, I think that leading countries in the world today are Serbia, Spain, Italy, Hungary, USA and Russia. Just see results from World and European shows in last 10 years and you will see where from are coming Top dogs. Well, I must admit that I am old –fashioned guy. I like classics.

» As a breeder, what in your opinion is most important in breeding? We can use Franstal's as an example.

You ask me what has been changed? Like in our every day life, a lot of things changed if we compared life today with life 20 or 30 years ago.

What principles are you applying and following with your breeding to go there where you are now, a worldwide known breeder.

I must admit I prefer how life was looking before, no matter if we did not had mobile telephones , internet , or other technical things which are helping us today. In some way they help us, but in some other way, they are forcing us to live a way of life which we maybe do not like.

» Serbia also have a lot of well known Amstaff breeders and famous stud males, what is your opinion of Serbia as a Amstaff country?

But, this is philosophical question.

As I said before, I don't consider myself as a big and famous breeder. I think I did not give so much to the Amstaff world as a breeder.

I will just add that I think that life 20 or 30 years ago was more romantic. The same is with Amstaff world. I think

I did not bred so many litters and I think we can't speak about “Franstal’s“ as a blood line.

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I gave much more to Amstaff world as a judge, author of so many books about Amstaffs, I gave a lot as a founder of first special Breed Club in my country and as a organizator of so many seminars, specialty shows or as a mentor to so many rookies in the breed. If you want to be a important breeder, your dogs must be at shows. And for me it was never so important if I will sell my puppy to show home or in ordinary family as a pet. For me was important that my puppy have a good life. Also, if you want to become a important breeder, you should have a lot of dogs. Today , it is very difficult to compete as a hobby breeder with 1 or 2 or 3 dogs, with big professional kennels who produce every year 5 and more litters and come at some important shows with 10 dogs. This is the game of big numbers.

I will explain it on example of Serbia. Serbia is today one of the leading countries with Amstaffs. We have so many nice dogs. But, did you asked sometimes yourself how many bad Amstaffs have Serbia? Don’t be shocked when I tell you that Serbia produced in 2012 more than 1500 Amstaff puppies!!!!! If we play game of big numbers, lets imagine that only 10 % of them are of a very high quality. It means that Serbia will produce every year around 150 high quality Amstaffs!!!!! 1350 will not have that quality, but you will not see them. That’s why, some other countries can't compete with Serbia. Using the same logic, I can not compete with some big breeders, because they produce 10 or more times more than me and I can not follow it. That’s why, big breeders will

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always have 5 or 10 really nice dogs and I will have only one. If we compete at some show, I will come with 1 dog and they will come with 20. My chances for some big results are much smaller. But, if we are talking about principles for breeding, they are already known to everybody. It is written many years ago and we all know it, but unfortunately so many of us (in the world) do not respect those breeding rules, which are the same for all breeds.

» Can you name some of your favorite all time Amstaffs? Many times I got this question. It is not so easy to answer. I like some of Sindelar dogs, some of Fraja, some Barberycoast, some old Sierra, some Tryarr, some Touch o

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Class, some of Har Wyn, etc, etc… In every kennel you will, find good and bad. There is not any kennel in the world , in the history which produced only superb dogs. One of recent dogs which impressed me is a bitch from Castle Rock kennel. Her nick name is Maddy . Beautifull, with so much attitude. But, even she could be better in some points. If we are talking about American dogs from past, I can speak only by looking their photos. Like a lot Redbolt, Barberycoast High Octane, Touch O Class Clancy, Knight Crusader, Knight Bomber and many, many others….. I also liked a lot Italian bitch – De Paco Hollywood Goldbolt, I liked also De Paco Gold Number and his father Fraja EC Gold Standard, I also admire a lot

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An interview with a breeder

big numbers. USA is producing around 1000 puppies per year and whole Europe is producing a couple of thousands of puppies ( probably more than 10.000 puppies per year ). The biggest competition in USA was last year with something over 100 dogs and in Europe we have World and European shows even with 450 dogs. I agree with you about very different judge’s criteria. Strange criteria. I think it is not a good thing.

Don King of Rings by his results and as a producer. In the past I liked Tippitt’s Yankee Sunny and his brother Yerry Lee. In one word, there are a lot of very nice dogs which I liked and which are responsible why I felt in love with this breed.

» In your opinion does the Amstaff of Europe differ from the Amstaff in the USA? From a judges point of view, why do judge differ so much in their judging? For some judge a particular dog is considered as a champion quality for the next the same dog will not make the "line up". I do not think there is so big difference in type between USA and Europe. It was maybe the fact before, but today, I think it is not the fact anymore. Today, European breeders are much more educated, they are investing so much in their dogs and in knowledge and we learned what is excellent Amstaff. My personal opinion is that Amstaffs quality is now better in Europe than in USA. We can again speak about game of

There are many reasons for this. But one of main reasons is because judges are not well educated. Who is guilty for that ? We can discuss about that too? FCI system? National Kennel Clubs? Organizators of the shows? Another serious topic is if all judges are honest? Do some judges are taking money for their decisions? There is a many bad things in dog sport, but unfortunately I am too weak to solve all problems.

» Popular sire, top dog syndrome, good or bad for the breed? What will happen if breeders continue to use the top winning dogs? Also in your opinion what will happen if breeding rules restrain breeders possibilities to choose combination? Healthy dog is a happy dog, and health tests are important off course! From my modest experience as a breeder, I made a conclusion that in breeding 2+2 is not always 4. Can be 5 and can be 3 too. You do not know if some male will give good or bad puppies if you do not give him a chance. But, of course, it does not mean that you should give a chance to a male who is not healthy. Good breeders are clever persons and usually, with a lot

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I can advice that if you want to use some male for breeding, look what he produced before, with other bitches. You will easily make a small analysis : how many bitches he bred, how many nice dogs that you like he produced, check pedigrees of those breedings, check his health data and you will easily see which males are the best producers. Some dogs can have both virtues: to be great show dogs and great producer. Some dogs have only one virtue, some none….

» You have written many interesting books about Amstaff's, few years ago you have published a new book. Please tell us a bit about it. Yes, I wrote over 25 books about dogs and most of them are about Amstaffs. My latest project was to write a book about my friend and great breeder, Amstaff legend – Fred Sindelar. This book was finished for World Dog show in Budapest in May 2013. I am very proud of that book. Now, I am thinking to write a small library and to write such books about a few famous Amstaff breeders. After Fred Sindelar, I have intention to write a book about Cathy Prothro (Barberycoast). We will see….. of experience and they know to recognize what is good on some male . I want to believe that breeders are not stupid persons who decide to breed with some male only if he won some big show. We all are witnesses of many dogs which did not deserved to win some show. The best is to look by your own eyes and to see if some dog is good or not good. But you must be objective.

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I would like to thank you for trusting us making this interview and express my gratitude for spreading some of the features of this wonderful breed.

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Name Nina Kowalska Country Poland www or email www.foto-gold.com / pupil.serwis@poczta.fm Photos Anna's archive

INTERVIEWED BY Ewa Larsson

AN INTERVIEW WITH A TRAINER AND HANDLER Nina Kowalska

» Please tell us about yourself. My name is Nina. My whole life can be described with three words – dogs, horses, photos. Since I remember dogs were present in my life. As a little

girl I watched Cruft’s and Westminster shows and dreamt that one day I will not only enter but win such a show. Nowadays I am a dog handler, groomer, trainer and breeder. I also work with my dogs as a dog therapist.

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» Please tell us about your past and present dogs. As I already mentioned I grew up in the company of dog. They are present in all my memories. However those dogs were owned by my parents, not by me. My dream of having my own dog came true in the year 2002 when I bought Molly, my very own Golden Retriever, and Tyson, my very own German Shepard. Two years later I was the owner of Loyal Gold Kennel. Unfortunately both dogs have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. At this moment I am the owner of three lovely Golden Retrievers. One golden boy – Cosmo who will be 5 years old this year and two girls Reggae (2 years old, English crème. Daughter of Cosmo. She is coowned and lives with my dear friends) and Libby (10 months old at this moment Estonian Golden Lady).

» Please tell us about the club you train with. (if applicable) I am self-taught and train mine and other dogs by myself.

» Are you currently involved in any other aspects of the dog show world? I am not sure if the grooming, training and photographing aspects count. If yes then these are a huge part of my life. I also of course handle not only my dogs but other people dogs.

» What is your training and teaching philosophy? I always say that I train the owner and bring up the dog.

» What do you think are the keys to a dog/handler’s success ? First of all knowing the breed you are showing, taking time to observe the dog you will be working with in order

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to see his strong aspects and to spot his weak points. This will let you adjust the way in which you need to show the dog. Another important thing is to gain information on the judge to be prepared on his/her likes and dislikes. And of course training and grooming. You can hide a multitude of sins by adjusting the grooming. Even a dog with visible weak points can win with an outstanding dog if that dog doesn’t behave itself and the weaker dog is perfectly behaved.

» What in your opinion are the biggest mistakes novice handlers make? In my opinion the biggest mistake is that they don’t know how to manage their stress. The dog senses it perfectly and starts feeling the same emotions as the handler. They seem to behave as if it was something on what their lives where dependent instead of treating this as fun.

» What are the biggest mistakes experienced handlers make? I think most of them is too self-confident. They do not accept no for an answer and are sure that they are the winners. They start treating every dog in the same way and seem to forget that dogs are living creatures and have the right to have different characters and temperaments.

» Do you have any advice for other men and women who might be interested in learning more about Professional Handling ? Don’t give up, don’t believe those who will do everything to discourage you. Watch YouTube movies, visit dog shows and watch different kinds of breeds. Observe rather breeders (as they as specialists in their breeds and perfectly know their dogs so they are

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the ones who shows them the best) than handlers (as they usually show dogs owned by complete strangers so they don’t know them as well as they should.

» What do you do for relaxation, what pastimes do you enjoy? Walking with the dogs. Just me, the dogs and my camera. No phone, no tablet.

» Who has been your biggest inspiration? Actually I have no names for this question. I think the whole American country is my inspiration. Their dog shows and their handling. When it comes for grooming I think that the world leader is Russia. They gained the ‘master’ level of perfection in preparing their dogs to shows.

» Would you like to add something? Thank you for the ability to tell you about my modest person :)

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Name Vera Danilova Country Russia www vera-dan@ya.ru Photos

INTERVIEWED BY Ewa Larsson

AN INTERVIEW WITH A TRAINER AND HANDLER Vera Danilova

» Please tell us about yourself. Hello, my name is Vera Danilova. I'm from Moscow, Russia. I'm a professional handler, wife, good mom and very comfortable person. Let me tell you first of all about my carrier... This days I’m co-breeder of the ken-

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nel of Italian Cane Corso “Retro Roche” and this is one of my gold wins. Also I’m owner of 2 beautiful American Staffordshire terriers. Also I'm working and have very warm relationships with other kennels of Cane Corso such as "Rimskiy Kvartal" & "Ollada Arlekin". 12 years ago I have started to work as a dog handler and successfully working until now. But my work doesn't consist only of showing the dogs. I'm also trying to help people find the right way of communicating with their dogs; teaching dogs and of course grooming.

» Please tell us about your past and present dogs. My very first dog I had in my childhood

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Article

An interview with a handler

were Russian spaniel .I was 8 years old. This dog shows me all the love and I understood that days, that dogs will be my life passion. My first show dog was Cane Corso, which I’ve been showing for 11 years ago, her name was Stanly Pat Bonnie Blue ( the mother of the World Champion 2012 - Stanly Pat Tornado ). Another one of my dogs from the past was Cane Corso Stanly Pat Tiffany ( the littermate of S.P Tornado ). After 5 ½ year, I’ve bought my very first own dog (the new breed for me), American Staffordshire terrier - Anikord Non Stop To A Victory For Allvik. For now he has such wins: International Champion, Multi Champion, Junior Russian Club CH of AST, CH of Russian Club of AST and 18 CH of different countries, 12x CACIB, multi BIS, BISS winner. 1 ½ ago I’ve got the puppy from his first litter, his daughter - Anikord Charming Queen Non Stop To Allvik. At her 18 months old she has some nice results from the shows: Junior AST Major Winner -2015, V.Junior European Winner, Junior Multi Champion, Junior Russian CH of AST Club. For this moment, she’s successfully showing in USA.

» Please tell us about the club you train with. In Moscow we have handling hall “Zoosport” where i do trainings and teaching dogs and their owners to be a show dogs and handlers. There we have treadmill, grooming room, swimming pool and personal fitness trainers.

» Are you currently involved in any other aspects of the dog show world? I’m spending a lot of time travelling around the world with a dog shows in

Europe, in Russia I’m showing only on the biggest shows.

» What is your training and teaching philosophy? The main task of my work with a dog, to make them feel comfortable and enjoying the work with me.

» What do you think are the keys to a dog/handler’s success ? The keys to success to a dogs and handlers - this is understanding between the dog, handler and owner. The teamwork is very important for me. The owner should be supporting and trust to the handlers and be very responsible with the dogs.

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An interview with a handler

No less important to have respect to another exhibitors.

» What in your opinion are the biggest mistakes novice handlers make? The biggest mistakes novice handlers makes - they forced to work oblivious to the fact that the dog is not a robot.

» What are the biggest mistakes experienced handlers make? The biggest mistakes of experienced handlers, when they don’t want to learn more and when they thinks they knows everything. This is in my opinion the big mistake.

» Do you have any advice for other men and women who might be interested in learning more about Professional Handling ? My advice is: love your dog, love what you do, do not forget that the shows is not just a job for a dog. The dogs must always enjoy the process This is a 50% of success.

» What do you do for relaxation, what pastimes do you enjoy? At my free from the shows time I spend with my family and my 12 year old daughter. I'm happy to have good friends and usually spend perfect time outside. Fishing, barbecue and going outside.

» Who has been your biggest inspiration? Honestly, I never have had a mentor. I always wanted to have highest wins and I've been working hard towards it all by myself. I've been reading articles about handling in different countries and about different breeds. Watched lots of videos from the biggest shows and always tried and still trying something new.

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Article

An interview with a handler

禄 Would you like to add something? If you want to achieve the best results, do not spare time and efford, work hard, and then you will get the highest result and recognition of your work.

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JUDGES

AROUND THE GLOBE

PART 1

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Andras Korozs Judge Breeder

Mr Andras Korozs of Hungary is a well-known judge and breeder of Fox Terriers. Andras Korozs of Kerecsend, Hungary, acquired his first purebred dog a Wire Fox Terrier in 1973. Today, Mr. Korozs’s kennel also includes Smooth Fox Terriers, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds. Mr. Korozs has bred more than 150 Fox Terriers champion under the world-famous Agria kennel. These include many World- and Europeanwinner dogs. "I am most proud of U.K., U.S.A., Australian, and International champion Agria Giorgio Armani," he says, "the first foreign dog from Europe to gain the English Champion title in their country of origin." Mr. Korozs is an FCI all-rounder who has judged in more than 50 countries. He is the president of the Hungarian Board of Judges, and director of Hungary’s prestigious Lipizaner Show (where the Best in Show owner wins a Lipizaner horse). He was twice elected president of The Hungarian Kennel Club (Magyar Ebtenyésztők Országos Egyesülete – MEOE) and was director of the 2013 World Dog Show, held in Budapest. At the beginning of the 90s, he was asked to organize a national breed club. He was the president of the Hungária Terrier Club, one of the most influential club of MEOE for 16 years. He took the judges’ exam in conformation and working in his younger years.

HUNGARY

+ 36 30 982 7421 agriakennel@t-online.hu + 36 30 982 7421 Breeder of Fox Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie Authorized for

Mr Korozs says he thinks it is a sign of recognition that he has been member of the conformation Judges’ Committee of MEOE for 16 years, the 4th period. With his younger brother, Gábor Korózs, they envisaged and have been organizing the international show in Szilvásvárad, the most significant open-air show in Europe in every two years. Mr Korozs is married, he is a father to two daughters and a son, his wife Judit Korózs-Papp, is also a breeder and judge of international fame.

• Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) • Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs • Terriers • Dachshunds • Spitz and primitive types • Scenthounds and related breeds • Pointing Dogs • Retrievers - Flushing Dogs Water Dogs • Companion and Toy Dogs • Sighthounds • Best In Show (BIS) judge

In June 2006 as an acknowledgement of his cynological work the national general assembly of MEOE elected him as the president of the Kennel Club . Until today he still holds that post for the 3rd period.

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