the stafford knot jan/feb2012, issue 1, vol 3
DESCRIPTION
The Stafford Knot is an independent publication and not affiliated with any specific breed club. TSK is a collaborative effort from like minded Stafford enthusiasts whose common goal is to support the health testing of purebred Staffords. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted. All material on this site is copyright protected & cannot be used unless indicated without the written consent of The Stafford Knot Thank you.TRANSCRIPT
JAN/FEB 2012 P R O M O T I N G T H E S T A F F O R D S H I R E B U L L T E R R I E R ISSUE #1 VOL 3 FREE
A DOG NAMED TILLY
PAGE 20
The Stafford Knot The Stafford Knotpromotes
Health TestedStaffords
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
‘IMPORTS’
PAGE 45
BSL - BANNING
LASSIE
PAGE 26
HEALTH TESTING
INFO
PAGE 49
BRAGS
PAGE 47
MEET THE BREEDS
PAGE 35
Cover Story on Page 4
FEATURED RESCUES
PAGE 51
FAULTLESSNESS VS. VIRTUE
PAGE 11 WHAT IS YOUR
TARGET?
PAGE 38
www . amb e r l y s t a f f o r d s h i r e b u l l t e r r i e r s . c om
CHOICE OF STUD
DOG
PAGE 41
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COVER STORY
CH CORNERSTONE QUINN OF SONSYLEA - “FINN”
IN 2009, WE DID AN OUTCROSS MATING WITH OUR TRADITIONAL SOUTH AFRICAN LINES OVER A BLEND OF UK AND AUSSIE LINES THROUGH OUR CO-OWNED BITCH, CH DAYDREAM SNOW DOUBT AT CORNERSTONE BEING MATED TO CH THORAX SOLO THYME. DAYNA LEMKE (DAYDREAM) HAD SUGGESTED TO ME THAT WE MIGHT CONSIDER PLACING A SHOW POTENTIAL PUP WITH A LADY SHE HAD MET IN CALIFORNIA--MILDRED GLEASON--KNOWN TO MANY OF HER FRIENDS AS "MAGIC MILDRED". SO WE DISCUSSED POSSIBILITIES WITH MILDRED AND SHE INDEED WAS INTERESTED. SHE SHOCKED US WHEN SHE SAID SHE WAS COMING OUT TO GET THE PUP--BY WAY OF HER VAN--TRAVELING ALONE--FROM ARIZONA TO ALABAMA....AND SHE WAS ABOUT 80 YEARS OLD AS I RECALL! WE TRIED TO GET HER TO LET ME MEET HER SOMEWHERE OR SHIP THE PUP, BUT SHE WOULD HAVE NONE OF THAT. SHE INSISTED ON COMING TO SEE THE PUP, HIS PARENTS AND US, MAKING SURE WE WOULD "GEL".
SHE MADE THAT TRIP (TOOK HER ABOUT A WEEK AS I RECALL), TAKING HER TIME --"I ONLY DRIVE IN THE DAYLIGHT HOURS, AND THEN ONLY WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT!", SHE SAID. WE HAD A DELIGHTFUL TIME GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER AND ALL WENT WELL UNTIL WE GOT TO THE SUBJECT OF A NAME. WE HAD AN "O"/"OPH" THEME GOING AND SHE DIDN'T LIKE ANY OF THE NAMES WE CAME UP WITH. CONSIDERING THAT SHE WAS OUR ELDER, A DELIGHTFUL LADY AND HAD DRIVEN A WEEK TO GET HOME I TOLD HER SHE COULD NAME THAT PUPPY WHATEVER SHE WANTED TO....SO SHE DID, AND OFF SHE & QUINN WENT....VISITING FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY.
SHE SHOWED QUINN HERSELF IN SPITE OF HER PHYSICAL CHALLENGES AND WAS ABLE TO GET SEVERAL POINTS AND GROUP PLACEMENTS ON HIM AND HAD PLANS IN 2011 TO COME TO CHICAGO, PERRY, GA AND OTHER SHOWS EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI AS TIME PERMITTED. UNFORTUNATELY IN DECEMBER OF 2010 WE RECEIVED A CALL THAT MILDRED HAD PASSED AWAY---DIED OF A HEART ATTACK IT WAS PRESUMED--IN THE PARKING LOT OF WAL-MART HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME, FRIENDS & FAMILY, AFTER PICKING UP SUPPLIES EN ROUTE TO A DOG SHOW. QUINN & HER OTHER DOGS WERE IN THE VAN AND BY LAW WERE KEPT IN THE POLICE IMPOUND/SHELTER UNTIL A FAMILY MEMBER COULD CLAIM THEM. HAVING NO CHILDREN THIS PRESENTED A SITUATION WHERE HER MORE DISTANT RELATIVES HAD TO COME & TAKE CARE OF HER AFFAIRS.
THANKFULLY MILDRED HAD MADE WRITTEN ARRANGEMENTS FOR HER DOGS TO BE CARED FOR & SHE HAD STIPULATED THAT QUINN COME BACK TO US. WITH 2 OTHER MALES IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME DAYNA SUGGESTED THAT LYNN & JIM CASWELL FOSTER HIM UNTIL WE COULD FIND A MORE PERMANENT HOME FOR HIM. WE THOUGHT THAT WAS A GREAT IDEA AND JIM & LYNN GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO DO SO. WE ALSO ALL FELT A NAME CHANGE WAS IN ORDER AS ANOTHER DOG--VERY POPULAR ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT WAS NAMED "QUINN"...SO A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN DAYNA, THE CASWELLS AND US CAME UP WITH FINN. THE CASWELLS NOT ONLY FOSTERED & HELPED RE-NAME HIM, BUT INTRODUCED HIM TO ALL KINDS OF GREAT ACTIVITIES AT WAVEMAKER STAFFORDS & LYNN EVEN SHOWED HIM TO A 4 POINT MAJOR! THANKS LYNN & JIM FOR HELPING US FOSTER FINN!!!
IN APRIL OF 2011 WE MET WITH JOHNNY MILLER OF AMBERLY STAFFORDS WHO AGREED TO CO-OWN FINN WITH US AND HAVE HIM AS A FAMILY MEMBER. SINCE THAT DAY FINN HAS LIVED AS A VALUED MEMBER OF THE MILLER HOUSEHOLD AND WAS RECENTLY PILOTED TO HIS CHAMPIONSHIP BY DAWN HITCHCOCK.
DAMON & FRAN FOLMAR
CORNERSTONE STAFFORDS
BRED BY FRAN FOLMAR & DAYNA LEMKECO-OWNED BY DAMON FOLMAR & JOHNNY MILLER - AMBERLY STAFFORDS
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L2-HGA & HC DATABASE PROJECT
THE STAFFORD KNOT ONLY ACCEPTS ADS FROM OWNERS AND BREEDERS OF DOGS WHO HAVE BEEN HEALTH TESTED. THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE L2-HGA & HC TESTING. WE PROVIDE INFORMATION ON WHERE TO GO TO HAVE THESE SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE TESTS PERFORMED.
DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED TO BE SCANNED AND SENT IN TO THE EDITORS FOR APPROVAL. FURTHER HEALTH TESTING (CARDIAC, CERF, PHPV, HIPS, ELBOWS, PATELLA, ETC) IS ALSO ENCOURAGED. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO BUYERS THAT THEY SEE THESE DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO PURCHASING THEIR NEW STAFFORD.
IF ALL BREEDERS AND OWNERS WERE TO TEST, STAFFORDS WOULD ALL BE BETTER OFF SIMPLY BY THE FACT THAT WE WOULD HAVE MORE INFORMATION REGARDING WHERE THIS BREED IS GOING AS FAR AS HEALTH MATTERS ARE CONCERNED.
TO FURTHER THIS POINT, IF ONLY CLEAR TESTED (L2-HGA & HC) STAFFORDS ARE BRED FROM - THESE TWO GENETIC DISEASES COULD BE ERADICATED IN THREE GENERATIONS OF BREEDING. THAT’S CERTAINLY SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
SOME ARGUE THAT THIS WOULD NARROW THE GENE POOL TOO MUCH AND IS NOT A NEEDED STEP TO IMPROVING THE FUTURE OF THIS BREED. TO THOSE I SAY, POSSIBLY, HOWEVER - IS THAT CARRIER STUD DOG SO STRUCTURALLY SUPERIOR TO HIS CLEAR TESTED BROTHER THAT YOU WOULDN’T CONSIDER USING THE BROTHER INSTEAD? JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT.
TSK IS COMPILING REGISTERED NAMES AND SCANNED DOCUMENTS OF ALL TESTED (CLEAR, CARRIER AND AFFECTED) STAFFORDS FOR A FUTURE DATABASE PROJECT SO THAT DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ON HAND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. IN THE U.S. OUR REGISTRIES DO NOT DOCUMENT THESE TEST RESULTS AS THE K.C. DOES IN THE U.K. THEREFORE TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN ‘CLEAR BY PARENTAGE’ STAFFORDS HAVE NO PROOF IN HAND SEVERAL GENERATIONS DOWN THE LINE. IN TIME, WE AT TSK HOPE THE DATABASE WILL HELP THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW THE STATUS OF A PARTICULAR DOG OR LITTER.
IF YOU HAVE A TESTED STAFFORD - PLEASE SEND ONE EMAIL TO [email protected] CONTAINING THE FULL REGISTERED NAME, REGISTRATION NUMBER, SIRE AND DAM REGISTERED NAMES AND SCANNED COPIES OF ALL HEALTH TESTING DONE ON YOUR DOG. PLEASE ONLY SEND ONE EMAIL PER DOG. IN TIME, WE HOPE TO BUILD A NAME ONLY DATABASE WITH THIS INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
We are also working on a database of semen stored from health tested stud dogs. If you have semen stored from a tested dog and wish to have him included, please email [email protected] with health scans, pedigree information and contact information. Also please indicate whether or not the semen is available for use.
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[email protected] & HC DNA Clear, CERF 2011, OFA Cardiac
The Stafford Knot is an independent publication and not affiliated with any specific breed club. TSK is a collaborative effort from like minded Stafford enthusiasts whose common goal is to support
the health testing of purebred Staffords. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted.
All material on this site is copyright protected & cannot be used unless indicated without the written consent of
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Contact Us
Many people assume, I suspect, that
technical accordance to a breed
standard is the highest level of
perfection a breeder should strive
to achieve. To these fanciers, the
aim of breeding purebred dogs is to
have all these pieces of the puzzle
assembled in the same animal.
There are, of course, two problems
with such thinking. The first
problem is assuming meeting the
breed standard signifies excellence
or perfection of the trait. If this
were the case, one could easily
argue the state of purebred dogs
today is quite exceptional as most
show dogs meet the breed standard
in most ways. To test the
effectiveness to which a breed
standard describes perfection, I
would challenge anyone to take the
written breed standard to 10
artists, none of whom have ever
seen the breed, and have them
provide illustrations of the written
descriptions. I suspect some
renderings would be unrecognizable
as breed specimens.
The second issue which closely
follows this thinking puts a reliance
on the identification of faults as the
tool of separation between the
exceptional specimens and the less
valuable dogs. Here I am using the
term “fault” in its most classical
meaning. Many breed standards
specifically list out faults while the
few remaining others have the
rather more enlightened caveat that
“departure from the standard is a
fault, the degree of which is
determined by the extent to which
the characteristic departs from the
standard.” Consequently the dog
must possess a specific departure
from the standard in an area to be
“faulty”. This also literally means if
two dogs possess headpieces, both
of which meet the standard, then
neither can be considered
preferable to the other.
Odd thinking, isn’t it? We know, if
we are truly students of one or
more breeds, that there is some
invisible ideal out there, our “vision”
of perfection, which is far more
specific and detailed than what is
described by most breed standards.
It is the existence of this very
specific “vision” in the mind of a
judge which makes his/her opinion a
valuable assessment. It also is an
extremely critical understanding for
one to become a successful
breeder. I cannot ever recall
meeting a truly successful breeder
who did not carry with them a very
clear mental vision of what the ideal
of their breed should be.
So I think it is fair to say just
meeting the physical description of
a breed standard is not enough for
most keen fanciers of a breed.
There is something above and
beyond this which is recognized as
“excellence”. Quite naturally, this
idea of excellence may vary
amongst individuals, but it is a vision
which each person holds in their
mind. And generally speaking, those
who have something akin to an
expert’s knowledge of a breed will
tend to agree on what these
exceptional attributes look like.
Think for a moment, if you will,
about the front in your breed.
Surely you have seen a majority of
which are acceptable and totally
meet the standard, but are “nothing
special”. But can’t you also envision
the front of perhaps a few
specimens which were over and
beyond the basic requirements and
weren’t they truly beautiful? Both
type of fronts meet the standard
but only the latter group are what
you might consider truly virtuous.
Faultlessness vs. Virtue by Jonathan Jeffrey Kimes
Continued on next page
If one would agree that meeting a
standard is technically “fault-free” or
“faultless” then I think we begin to
understand what being faultless
truly means. I think we can agree
there is obviously a difference
between being faultless and being
truly virtuous. This is not, by the
way, new thinking by any regard. In
fact, the late extraordinary
Raymond Oppenheimer (a partner
in Ormandy/Souperlative, the
phenomenally successful English
kennel of bull terriers) expounded
on this very topic quite nicely. He
once wrote, “The absence of fault in
no way signifies the presence of its
corresponding virtue.” What he
meant is what I have just written
about – just because it isn’t
technically wrong doesn’t mean it’s
anyone’s ideal. I began reading
RHO’s writings when I was 13 and I
still find them profoundly
perceptive.
It is this thinking which supports the
notion of specialist judges – those
who are supposedly most likely to
have in-depth knowledge of a breed
to the extent they have clearly
envisioned the ultimate, virtuous
animal in their mind’s eye. It’s not
quite that straight-forward, of
course, because experience in a
breed is needed for an individual to
understand how to properly weigh
departures from this vision. For
instance, while both small and
closely-set ears may be a fault in a
certain breed, the experienced
judge (or breeder for that matter)
may come to understand that small
but properly placed ears are less
threatening to correct breed type
than properly sized but close-set
ears.
The true reason for my essay is to
understand how we breed the dogs
who possess such strength of
virtue. We would not breed two
dogs with bad fronts together with
an expectation of obtaining good
fronts. We generally breed dogs
based on a concept I call
“complementarity.”. It is based
on this notion that one would
cross-fault one’s bitch with a
stud dog who complements
her where she has failings, and
vice versa. I fully realize dog
breeding is not quite so simple
or systematic, but this is the
basic methodology used. So
for the bitch with the poor
front, one would use a stud
dog with a good front in the
hopes some of the puppies will
have the sire’s good front. We
use, in fact, phenotypical
attributes to help determine
the genetic consequences.
That is to say, we make
assumptions about what a dog is
likely to produce based on how s/he
appears. This is the whole basis for
holding dog shows at all. If
examining a dog provided no insight
into how s/he would produce, the
point of dog shows would be not
for the judging of breeding stock,
but for the celebration of show
dogs unto themselves – a
perspective which I am certain
pervades the minds of those
fanciers (and here I mean judges as
well as breeders!) who tolerate or
participate in the coloring and ear-,
bite- and tail-fixing which is endemic
in some breeds today.
Faultlessness vs. Virtue Continued
Wychbury Kimson 1950
Continued on next page
If one were to think about the
challenge of manifesting in the flesh
that vision in one’s mind, there are
really the same two kind of
methodologies one can use. The
first is to breed away from faults. If
the bitch has characteristics which
are considered faulty, the breeder
will complement those by finding a
stud dog who is not faulty in the
same area. If this process is
followed religiously, I suspect the
eventual outcome would be dogs
who possess few faults. The
program might produce, dare I say
it, faultless dogs! However, to the
breed student, dogs who “just”
meet the standard in all areas are
most likely considered “common,”
“without quality,” or “boring.” The
bull terrier fancy refer to these sort
of animals as “faultless non-entities.”
The second approach is to breed
for virtues. This means to select a
stud dog based on the fact he has a
“gorgeous” head, or a “great”
sidegait. The breeder is seeking, in
point of fact, something beyond the
minimum standard. For the
forward thinkers, they know just
meeting a baseline standard is not a
very successful manner in which to
expect any degree of consistent
success or satisfaction. They strive
for something that stands out,
something that is better than the
rest. So this breeder will tend to
search for strength of virtues.
Quite naturally, the ideal scenario is
to obtain a high proportion of
virtuous characteristics with no
faults. What we find in practice,
though, is that the dogs who are
very virtuous in some aspect or
aspects sometimes are also saddled
with faults. If I were the breeder
who bred for lack of faults, such a
dog would be sent out to a pet
home for his faults. If I were the
breeder who is striving for that
ideal in my mind, I would hesitate
and determine whether the dog,
overall, was worth using despite the
fault or faults. The frustrating fact is
when these “phenoms” appear they
not only have extreme virtues but
often extreme faults as well! I
euphemistically think this is Mother
Nature’s way of keeping things in
balance. The “house rule” I use in
this instance is quite simple. I ask
myself, “Can I obtain these great
virtues elsewhere, in a less faulty
dog?” If the answer is yes, the
animal can be discarded from the
breeding program. If the answer is
no, there is the distinct possibility
that discarding such an animal will
ensure those characteristics will
never be bred to such a high
standard again. For the judge, the
question is the same, “Have I seen
such strength of virtue exhibited in
this breed before?” If not, then one
must ponder the value that animal
has in a breeding program before
deciding his/her placement amongst
the competitors.
The challenge the breeder is faced
with, when presented with a dog of
extreme virtue and extreme fault, is
to determine if such a dog can be
leveraged in a breeding program
successfully. It really takes
considerable cleverness to
accurately determine if the risk is
worth the potential value. Some
breeders fail at this miserably and
possibly end up breeding a line of
beautifully headed cripples or some
other sort of ill-conceived
manifestations. But given the right
opportunity by the person who
somehow has the ability to
understand when these
controversial dogs are useful, they
typically make profound influences
on their breed. I shall not delve
further into the needed importance
of a judge’s ability to possess the
same talent in order for their
opinion to be truly useful. little
middle-ground with these guys.
Faultlessness vs. Virtue Continued
Continued on next page
Inevitably, these extreme animals
have two long lines of followers –
those who love the dog (for his/her
virtues) and those who despise the
dog (for his/her faults and
sometimes virtues!) There is very
little middle-ground with these guys.
Enough theorizing, I’ll now provide a
couple of examples. My first
example comes from the bull
terrier breed. I will freely
acknowledge that progressive,
liberal thinking was practiced by this
fancy long before such posturing
was fashionable and I suspect it was
largely due to Mr. Oppenheimer’s
genius. He was wealthy,
opinionated and generally right in
his thinking – a formula for
becoming a mover and shaker! So
to begin, there appeared from the
smoke of WWII a very impressive
colored bull terrier.
Notwithstanding the fact this
particular dog had the gall to be
colored (whites were historically
considered superior in those days),
he had a simply phenomenal head.
Much of bull terrier breed type is in
the head, so when an extreme
headed dog has appeared, I have
often read stories of how the judge
almost fainted! being overcome but
such extraordinary perfection. At
any rate, this dog, who became
English Ch. Romany Reliance, was
such an animal. He had a superb
gunbarrel front, bone, substance, a
lovely neck and an auspicious
headpiece. What were wrong were
straight shoulders, straight stifles, a
high-set tail, a certain lack of body
shape and an imperfect bite – he
was, in short, riddled with faults.
Plenty of ammunition for both sides
to rally around! Suffice it to say he
was an extraordinary link to vast
breed improvement and is probably
single-handedly responsible why the
breeders of whites mutinied against
their parent club to allow them free
use of coloreds and color-bred
whites in their breeding programs.
In Cardigan Welsh Corgis, I can
illustrate such a case in which I
played some part. There existed in
the seventies a most beautiful
brindle dog by the name of Ch.
Brymore’s Taliesin. While he
possessed many exceptional virtues
he was not a particularly up-to-
standard mover. He won well for
his day, competing in the Working
Group as Cardis did in those days,
with two Best in Shows and two
CWCCA National Specialty BBs.
But he was most controversial and I
very much remember overhearing
much debate about his value. Being
a teenager I tended to keep my
mouth closed (or at least that’s how
I remember it) but I always thought
him of exceptional virtue without
question. In the event he was, in
fact, very little used at stud. When I
reached a point where I was actively
involved in breeding dogs, I
championed his use, but by now he
was nearly 12 years old. Eventually,
a daughter of Taliesin was put to a
dog of mine, Ch. Kennebec Ice
Anchor. The bitch was a decent
sort, she was long-coated, barely
acceptable in movement but typical
in many ways and quite obviously
carried many of the good points of
her sire. What came out of the
litter was a rather glorious bitch by
the name of Ch. Davenitch Shiloh
Luca. She became the first
Cardigan bitch in the world to win
an all breed Best in Show and won
two national specialties and was
BOS to her sire at another. She
was, indeed, a phenomenal
specimen. Before and after the
advent of Luca, I crossed the Taliesin
descendants I had with the
complementary Ice Anchor and
they proved extremely valuable in
breed improvement, counting for a
large number of national specialty
and all breed winners among their
descendants.
Faultlessness vs. Virtue Continued
Concluded on next page
The point of my essay being that truly, it is strength of
virtue - intelligently recognized and utilized - which
moves a breed forward, not a mad pursuit for lack of
fault. Judging by faults is far easier but far less
satisfactory in the end. I will insert the comment
that I am by no means asserting a characteristic
carried to extreme is always virtuous! But I do
believe it true that as one approaches what we
consider “perfection” the horizon ever recedes and
our concept of perfection then alters. I do believe,
with great conviction, that without the recognition
and use of these rare occurrences in dog breeding,
we lose momentum and great opportunities for
breed advancement.
So when we come upon these phenoms and they are
saddled with shortcomings, let us recognize both the
good and bad and evaluate them in the light of breed
improvement and not just as a static manifestation of
an imperfect rendering of the breed standard.
Copyright © Pluperfect Kennels & Cattery - 2005
Faultlessness vs. Virtue Concluded
Fearless red of Bandits, 20 months
www.staffordbook.com
Solace Staffords - www.staffordsofsolace.com [email protected]
The phone rang last Wednesday night, I picked it up and
said hello, on the other end was a tiny quivering voice
that was full of agony and heartbreak. It was my son;
he will be 12 in March and the softest, gentlest soul
that you’ll ever meet. He has such a great compassion
and empathy for animals that makes me proud. He has
had this gift since he was a baby, he couldn’t watch the
humane society commercials on TV without shedding a
tear and when he got older and was trying his best to
be a boy, he would leave the room when the
commercials came on.
He went on to tell me that Tilly was dead. His Dad had
taken her to the vet to be euthanized because she had
collapsed from issues with her kidneys. She would have
been 14 years old on March 14th. Tilly came from
Gloucester in England. I bought her when I was living
in Scotland and brought her back to Canada with us
when we had moved before the kids were born. My
kids had never known life without her. She was an
amazing dog. No really, everyone says that but she was
an exceptional guardian to my children. She taught
them, patience, responsibility, laughter, compassion,
empathy, sensitivity, tolerance, then grief and loss.
There were so many other life lessons that could not
have been learned in books or schools or from people.
The things that have to be felt with the heart, who else
can teach unconditional love, without judgment or
disappointment other than a dog.
I was devastated for him and my Daughter and I wept
openly with them. Partly for the pain they were feeling
and partly for the emptiness her passing had left in my
heart. I couldn’t be with her when she left and I wasn’t
there to console my children. A week has passed now
and we are all remembering the fond memories she
shared with us.
The loss of Tilly brought out many sad memories too.
It reminded me of my loss of my first dog. A tragic
accident that shaped my life…
I started looking for my first purebreed dog when I was
19 years old. As soon as I finished college and knew
that I was moving to a rental property that had over
100 acres. I had always had little mutts growing up and
was so excited to be able to go out and purchase my
first LARGE dog. I spent a short period talking to
Rottweiler breeders and then Bernese Mountain dogs
and Belgian Shepherds but my true love was the
German Shepherd Dog. I visited what seemed like
hundreds of breeders in my area and some not so in
my area. Eventually I found my breeder and settled in
for the wait. The Bitch that I decided on was
spectacular; she was the daughter of a famous German
dog that was number one in Europe two years in a row
for Schutzhund competitions. I knew nothing about
this type of training and sport but was extremely
impressed although I was more impressed with the
structure of the dog and the ethics of the breeder. The
litter was finally born, a little female was picked for me
and home came “Mustang”, my awesome girl. We went
everywhere together, did everything together. We
started training in tracking, obedience, agility, freestyle
and disc. Mustang was my window to behaviour and
training and she made it so enjoyable that I decided to
pursue it on a professional level. She led me to a
second education in animal Behaviour. She came with
me to school and we taught each other positive
reinforcement, we threw away the choke chains and the
pinch collars together, we investigated jackpots. She hid
under chairs in restaurants, hid behind doors in the
cafeteria, hid under books and my jacket in the library
and we loved every minute of our time together.
A DOG NAMED TILLY
Continued on next page
While we were learning about communication and
respect we also learned about health and nutrition. She
opened doors for me to learn about Ethoxyquin, BHA
and BHT. We started attending seminars and lectures
about the problem with vaccines and the pet food
scams. As time went on we became well known in our
part of the dog world for great things like our therapy
dog program, the school programs, obedience demos
but we were also known for our not so great things, like
when Mustang decided to eat my pet duck and I
thought she was a “killer” and I couldn’t understand why
she would do such a thing! After all she was OUR pet
duck!
Mustang had her evil moments, like running over to the
neighbour’s farm and playing with her pal ‘Mickey’.
Mickey was a German Shepherd also and not so
dissimilar to Mustang, Black and Tan but with a thicker
coat. Unfortunately Mickey’s life wasn’t nearly as
fulfilling as Mustangs. She spent most of her time tied to
a chain in front of her house. She suffered from
epilepsy, probably as a result from being hit by the many
cars she chased. Mustang went over on occasion to
play with her and I am sure I could see the concern in
Mustangs eyes for her friend.
On one particular occasion we had just come back
from a 4 day camping trip. We pulled into the driveway
and when I opened the back of the van; Mustang
hopped out and looked at me as if to say “Can I go see
how Mickey is”? at which I replied “Ok, go see Mickey”.
So off she ran across the road to the neighbours.
I finished unloading and went to the edge of the drive to
call Mustang home. We lived on a little dead end dirt
road with only our farm and the neighbours so traffic
was practically non-existent. Well usually…As I called
for Mustang; a blue truck pulling a matching boat started
coming down the road going much faster than he
should have been. As I saw the truck coming I also saw
Mustang coming down the neighbour’s drive. I stood
paralyzed, I couldn’t yell for Mustang to stop and I
couldn’t move my body fast enough to get to the other
side of the road. I stood completely and absolutely
paralyzed. I watched both Mustang and the truck
making a straight line towards each other. Neither
knew the other was there. What seemed like an entire
lifetime happened in a split second. Mustang hit the side
of the truck and was killed instantly. I was crushed. My
life had been sucked from of my body. The truck kept
on driving and there my little girl lay. I was in shock; I
slumped over her body and lay beside her in the middle
of the road for nearly two hours before I found the
strength to lift myself. Not a single car had passed... I
wandered, blurry-eyed back to the house. I got a
wheelbarrow and a blanket; I picked her lifeless body up
and placed it in the wheelbarrow and wrapped her in
her blanket. I brought her into the garage and waited
for her to wake up. I was stupefied, devastated, I was in
another world. Words cannot explain. I did not leave
her that night: I wanted to be there in case she woke
up. Part of me knew she was dead but another part of
me could not believe it.
She was my first tragic loss; Human or Animal.
The next morning I brought her to the local
Veterinarian and had her cremated. When I picked her
up I had heard the bones rattling inside the urn. I asked
if they had put pennies inside! I had no idea there
would be anything other than ashes.
A DOG NAMED TILLY CONTINUED
Concluded on next page
I live hundreds of miles away from that little country
road now but for many years after I left I would visit. I
could never travel down that road without breaking
down in the most profound way. Even as I am telling
this story, nearly 20 years later my heart still aches.
Mustang taught me to appreciate what you have and
never take things for granted. She taught me not to be
judgmental and that accidents can, and do happen to
even the most cautious and conscientious of people.
Mustang taught me about Karma and my higher self. I
had experienced things with her that I never
experienced with any other being.
She taught me about loyalty, devotion and commitment.
She is greatly missed.
We all lose our animals too soon. Even if they live a full
long life, it is still too short. Each and every animal
brings lessons and as mentioned earlier these are
lessons that cannot be learned in any other
way. Mourning the loss of our pets is a normal and
necessary process but when the pain subsides and the
wonderful memories surface, that is the time to search
for the meaning of their presence in our lives. What did
they teach us and what did we learn? I believe we are
chosen and our lessons are our own and unique to us.
A DOG NAMED TILLY CONCLUDED
A student of Animal Behavior/Nutrition and Alternative Medicine since 1990. She has studied at Guelph University in Canada, Glasgow University in Scotland and attended the British institute of Homeopathy. Erika has bred, raised and competed with many breeds of dogs in all aspects of dog sport. She currently consults on Animal Nutrition, Animal Behaviour and Alternative Health , including herbs and homeopathy and owns The Controversial Canine. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada.
Typical Stafford Head Shapes
Jaime Smith
La Rossa Cane Corso
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), is a pointless and prejudice campaign. “Any breed of dog has the potential to be
dangerous. Even tea cup poodles are capable of biting and maiming. But studies have proven that proper owner
care is important” (Meece, 2008). Statistics that support BSL are non-standardized and not reliable, people who claim they have been bitten, are
often unaware of which breed they have been bitten by, and are often wrong with their reporting. (Harlewik,
Breed Discrimination, 2010) The fact is, it isn’t a bad breed that bites; it is a bad owner of a bad dog, that has been
improperly socialized, that ends up being the violent dog. If we were to ban a specific race of people because we have been violated by someone of that
race, society would look upon us as a bigot, the same thing should hold true for dogs. All dogs, regardless of breed,
including wolves, have DNA that is 99.8% the same. (Briggs, 2006) Their personality is not negated by this
discrepancy in DNA, but by the fact that the species is intelligent, and has the ability to learn and be taught by
their owner or pack leader, which dictates their individual personalities.
Dogs have had an intimate
relationship with man for at least 14,000 years. (Lange, 2011) It is thought that dogs were domesticated from wolves. The wolves that proved to be
the least likely to shy away from people or to bite the hands that fed them, were often allowed to stay around early
hunter-gatherer camps. Having dogs around helped to guard the hunters in the middle of the night from larger
predators and proved to be quite useful in helping to find food with their superior tracking methods. From that point on, they have developed into
“man’s best friend.” “Certainly, as man rose in the world, dogs came with us, perhaps even aiding the advance. They
continued to guard us and help with hunting, but they did more. They marched with armies into war; they
worked by our sides, hauling, pulling, herding, retrieving. We manipulated their genetic makeup to suit our purposes, cross breeding types to
create animals that could kill the rats infecting our cities or search for those lost in the snow or the
woods.” (Gorant, 2010) Humans have designed dogs to function in a wide variety of roles, from hunting, to
protection, and most of all for companionship. To ban any one breed, or variety of similar breeds, goes against everything mankind has strived for over
the last 14+ millennia.
Proponents for Breed Specific Legislation often use horrific stories of
small children being innocently mauled by a ferocious “pit-bull.” Often, the full story is never told. What were the
conditions that the dog was kept in?
Was the child properly introduced into the home or yard? Was the dog in question even a pit-bull? More often
than not, dogs are mislabeled as a “pit-bull” simply for having a muscular form, or more often than not, to overly sensationalize an attack in the media.
The truth is any dog is capable of inflicting harm to humans, particularly small children and the elderly. Pit Bulls,
Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers are not the only dogs to pose a threat if not properly socialized and monitored.
I’m reminded of the story of a little girl who was mauled by a Pomeranian. “The most horrifying example of the lack of breed predictability is the October
2000 death of a 6-week-old baby, which was killed by her family's Pomeranian dog. The average weight of a
Pomeranian is about 4 pounds, and they are not thought of as a dangerous breed. Note, however, that they were
bred to be watchdogs! The baby's uncle left the infant and the dog on a bed while the uncle prepared her bottle in the kitchen. Upon his return, the dog
was mauling the baby, who died shortly afterwards.” (Baby Girl Killed by Family Dog, 2000) Any dog is capable of
harming people or other dogs. By limiting legislation to one breed, you fail to accomplish your goal of preventing
dog attacks.
Breed Specific Legislation: Banning LassieBreed Specific Legislation: Banning Lassie
Continued on next page
Pick up any book regarding dog training and the one thing they’ll have in common is socialization. Dogs do not
inherently know how to behave in a domestic setting. Dogs look to their human masters for guidance in how to behave. Studies have shown that 84 %
of dogs involved in attacks on humans were maintained by reckless owners; dogs that were involved in these attacks
were abused or neglected, not humanely controlled or contained, or allowed to interact with children
unsupervised. (BSL Facts, 2007) We all know that it takes a village to raise a child, in the same sense; it takes the entire household to raise a puppy. Dogs
are pack animals and will look to their human owners to be the “alpha dog.” “If your dog is showing signs of aggression
(growling, nipping, biting, excessive mouthing or barking/lunging at people & other animals), get help from a
professional NOW instead of later. If you see a dog in public and have an overwhelming desire to interact with it, remember to never approach a dog
without asking permission; approach slowly, sideways, and offer a closed fist; allow the dog to come to you. Pat the
dog under the chin, or on the back; avoid reaching over or at a dog.” (Harlewik, Common Sense
Around Canines, 2010) Remembering that dogs are animals, and not humans that live by different predispositions, is inherent to understanding the problem
of attacks. Instead of criminalizing a breed of dog, we should require proper dog training in our communities.
Throughout history, man has tried to annihilate specific groups of people. Adolf Hitler tried to rid the
world of all Jewish people with his
concentration camps. The goal of the Crusades was not only to spread the Christian faith, but to prevent the
spread of the Islamic faith. After Pearl Harbor, the Japanese-American population was discriminated against and many were incarcerated simply due
to their race. By banning a breed of dog because of the way it looks, we’re doing the exact same thing. Our society has
come a long way in terms of tolerance for all races, yet we seem to have channeled that same destructive nature
into breed discrimination. “Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, when properly trained and guided, even though its breed is considered to
be potentially dangerous. A responsible owner can win the love and respect of a dog, no matter its breed. One cannot
look at an individual dog, recognize its breed, and then state whether or not it is going to attack.” (Phillips, 2011)
Luckily, several prominent agencies have publicly denounced breed specific legislation (BSL). According to the ASPCA (American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), “Breed-specific laws must also be evaluated from a welfare perspective.
Although intended to improve community safety and comfort, ultimately these laws can cause
hardship to responsible guardians of properly supervised, friendly, well-socialized dogs.” (Position Statement on Breed Specific Legislation, 2011)
The CDC (Center of Disease Control), has begun holding prevention programs that should educate both
children and adults about bite prevention and responsible pet ownership. (Gilchrist, 2003) Across the
country, you can find an anti-BSL group
that is actively fighting with local ordinances to prohibit implementation of discriminatory laws. These groups
suggest that rather than banning an entire breed, local communities should seek to better educate pet owners and offer spay/neuter clinics and dog
training seminars.
Breed specific legislation (BSL) supporters have argued that Pit-Bulls
and other dominant dog breeds have been known to attack people, and when they do the damage is irrefutable.
Instead of examining each individual case, these groups would rather ban the ownership of these breeds altogether. Unfortunately, there are still those, like
the mayor of Douglasville, Georgia, who favor overly restrictive measures. The mayor recently noted in support of the
city’s proposed pit bull ordinance, that he had no problem singling out pit bulls, because he sees them “on TV”
causing “incidents.” (Barr, 2010)
Breed Specific Legislation: Banning Lassie Continued
Concluded on next page
All dogs have individual personalities and it is every pet owner’s responsibility to recognize these personalities and to properly train all dogs, especially ones with dominant
personalities or those prone to aggressive tendencies. The focus should be on education and responsible ownership, instead of banning all Pit-Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Malamutes, and even Cocker Spaniels just
because they might bite a person. Local jurisdictions should focus more on further criminalizing irresponsible pet owners and educating the public and owners on how to properly
train and handle their dogs. To ban a specific breed, because of its breed, and perceived personality is a ludicrous and ineffective way of reducing dog attacks, based on only
emotion and lack of education.
References:
Baby Girl Killed by Family Dog. (2000, October 9). Los
Angeles Times, pp. Home Edition, Metro Section, Page B-5.
BSL Facts. (2007). Retrieved April 30, 2011, from Anti BSL, Spread the Word: http://antibsl.com/bsl-facts
Position Statement on Breed Specific Legislation. (2011). Retrieved April 30, 2011, from ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/about-us/policy-positions/breed-specific-legislation-1.aspx
Barr, B. (2010, September 29). Federal Law Takes Steps Against BSL. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from Anti-BSL: http://antibsl.com/
Briggs, H. (2006, May 9). Exploring the wolves in dogs'
clothing. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4965516.stm
Gilchrist, J. M. (2003, July 4). Non-Fatal Dog Related Injuries.
Retrieved April 30, 2011, from CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm
Gorant, J. (2010). The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and
Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption. Gotham Books.
Harlewik, M. (2010, April 6). Breed Discrimination. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from The Real Pit Bull: http://www.realpitbull.com/laws.html
Harlewik, M. (2010). Common Sense Around Canines. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from The Real Pit Bull: http://www.realpitbull.com/commonsense.html
Lange, K. E. (2011). Wolf to Woof: Evolution of Dogs. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from National Geographic: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2002/01/01/html/
ft_20020101.1.html
Meece, T. (2008, December 22). Dangerous Dog Breeds. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from Activisim by Suite 101: http://www.suite101.com/content/dangerous-dog-breeds-a85096
Phillips, K. M. (2011, April 02). The Breeds Most Likely To Kill. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from Dog Bite Law: http://dogbitelaw.com/dog-bite-statistics/the-breeds-most-likely-to-
kill.html
Thank you again John Cocchiola for the use of your cartoons
Breed Specific Legislation: Banning Lassie Concluded
Merchandise also available at www.cafepress.com/thankdog
OUR READERS & THEIR CHILDHOOD PETS
http://www.staffie-rescue.org
www.sta f f iesonl ine .org .uk
w w w. wa ve m a ke rs t a f f o rd s . c o m w w w. t h e s t a f f o rd k n o t . c o m
By John Cocchiola
(Gold Coast Staffords)
This past Nov. 19 and 20, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the The International Cat Association sponsored their third annual “Meet the Breeds” event at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center.
The event provides a way for people to do a little research on dogs, cats and the different breeds, and actually get their hands on the animals and talk with knowledgeable people that are there to answer questions, and represent their breed of dog or cat.
There were individual booths set up for more than 160 different dog breeds in 1,600 square feet at the Javitz Center. Each booth was manned with people that could answer questions, along with their dogs.
Tens of thousands of people pay about fifteen bucks to get in, and they get to pet, hug, kiss and play with a huge number and assortment
of lovable animals and chat with their owners. The people love it, and I know our dogs loved it too.
The breed my family chose when we decided to get another dog was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier; they’re compact, high spirited, tough but friendly little characters, not a breed for everyone, but I can’t imagine not having one or two underfoot. They’re a big part of our family.
Since the AKC and the Javitz Center have been putting these Meet the Breeds events on, two Staffordshire Bull Terrier clubs, one local (the North East Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club) and the other
national (the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America) work together to set up, and man our breed’s booth.
This was the third year my dog Elvis and I had the opportunity to help out. Our clubs provided information to the guests about our chosen breed, their temperament, their
suitability for certain homes, Breed Specific Legislation that affects our breed, ways to screen for genetic health issues, and just about any
other questions people could throw at us: Do they shed? Do they eat a lot? Do they need a lot of exercise? Do they do O.K. in apartments? How can I find a rescue? How long to they live? Do they bark a lot? Are they good watchdogs? Are they good with kids? Are they easy to train? Do they make good therapy dogs?
The event also gives us the opportunity to show people in an up-close-and-personal way, that our breed is really misunderstood. If I told people how much Staffords love people, they might shrug it off, but when you’re with a Stafford, it’s undeniable.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, I wonder how much a YouTube video is worth? If you’d like to see ‘em in action, please take a few minutes and peek at the videos of the event I have included.
Link to Video 1
Link to Video 2
IF I TOLD PEOPLE HOW MUCH STAFFORDS LOVE PEOPLE, THEY MIGHT SHRUG IT OFF, BUT WHEN YOU’RE WITH A STAFFORD, IT’S UNDENIABLE.
Meet the Breeds - NYC
www.staffordwelfare.com
[email protected] www.cornerstonestaffords.net
"To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call
whatever you hit the target."
This article is aimed at breeders. Preservationists of
any breed. Those charged with improving your
chosen breed.
How certain are you that where you began and who
you mentored under, if anyone, and who your
influences were/are haven't put a distorted lens on
your perspective? How sure are you that when you
read your breed standard that you aren't reading it
through distorted glasses? Are you sure that you can
be unbiased? Are you sure that you can be impartial?
How can you NOT be influenced by where you
began?
if you began learning about your chosen breed during
a particular period of time when there were certain
trends in that breed - have you clung to those trends
with tiring hands and determination....or have you
allowed yourself to let go either ever so slightly or
wholeheartedly and see new trends and then, further
- see past ALL those trends to find what you feel may
be a closer interpretation of the standard?
The only way you can be certain that you aren't
'stuck' is if you are open to change. Open to new
thoughts. Open to admitting that you may be wrong.
Open to admitting that those you trusted to mentor
you, to teach you, those you listened to - may have
been off, or had their own agendas.
Too often people become so passionate and proud
that they cant admit they may not be right. I'm sure
this goes for just about any hobby, but particularly is
true of dog sportsmen. Part of this is natural ego,
part is stubbornness....and I suppose to be honest
part could be contributed to the admission of being
wrong would mean a costly new beginning.
Let me repeat - To be sure of hitting the target, shoot
first and call whatever you hit the target. Too often
the target becomes whatever we have in front of us
often enough.
Wouldn't it be beneficial if we could see past that?
Of course this is a naive stance to take but lets for
one second think how much greater off we would all
be if we could be open to admitting that maybe, just
maybe, our neighbor has something beneficial to
offer what we have. What if we could somehow work
together towards a common goal?
Here’s an interesting exercise which some may find
challenging. Take a good look at 5 dogs randomly
chosen but in your breed. Get your hands on them.
Pick 5 virtuous characteristics each of them hold
close to the standard in your eyes. Then choose
which of the 5 most closely meets the standard
based only upon those 5 virtues you picked out.
Has the one dog you have chosen hit your target?
Does that dog closely resemble the dogs in your
own home? Or does this dog remind you of another
type? Its only an exercise after all but you may be
surprised at the outcome or how difficult this
exercise may be for you.
Try to choose your target first. Take your time in
choosing this target. Remember, you are not alone -
ask for help. Ask a lot of people and read all you can
about this target. Then take careful, steady aim and
shoot. Good luck to you, targets are known to
move!
L. Caswell, Wavemaker Staffords
What is YOUR Target?
www.ca fepress .com/thankdog
The reason for peoples choice of a particular stud dog can vary in peoples minds. Estimates of a dogs ability to
combine with an intended bitch vary. Different ideas, rationally and studious contemplation of a particular stud dog’s service is required.
For the discerning breeder the choice of stud dog can be quite an onerous
task. The choice of stud dog can be quite an onerous task. The following will no doubt ring true in many breeders
minds who only wish to produce the
very best of stock to improve their line and at of course further any success in the show ring. Fortunately, breeders in
the UK rejoice in the free choice of creating satisfying advantageous selection without the demands and intrusion from an elected breed
controller as is the case in some countries.
Temperament must be foremost in every breeders mind whether novice or expert it is the responsibility of all
concerned to ensure that dogs they intend to mate are of a reliable and affectionate temperament sound in mind as well as body with confidence of
further generating the attribute to all future progeny. The breeder/vender
consideration towards prospective buyers must be an imperative. All stock ranges from good to indifferent in
varying degrees and therefore all sales cannot be guaranteed. Disappointment may also lead to dissatisfaction due to poor after sales service and in some
cases unpleasantness develops.
Physical conformation will indicate any faults that are obvious as well as any
desired specific virtues. The affects of fault related recessive genes, undesirable traits brought to light with
later development may destroy great hopes of an outstanding specimen.
Close scrutiny of pedigrees would be
priority to the discerning breeder by combining pedigree knowledge with past experience of generations of the
animals involved the elimination of inferior anomalies is hopefully possible. Consider the mating of two preposed
animals displaying the same faults - without question this option would be regarded as near lunacy. We should be mindful of the fact that most faults are
recessive and may be lying dormant ready to catch out the unwary breeder. No doubt in the past attempts to
eradicate these faults may have proved unsuccessful.
Haphazard decisions can result in grave deterioration in type. This disaster can occur when the bitch owner requires an occasional litter often unconvincingly
deciding it is for the bitches sake rather than for an increase in the bank balance.
Consideration must be given to the bitches make up during selection. This
can only be gleaned from her obvious phenotype and pedigree.
Choice of Stud Dog
THIS DISASTER CAN OCCUR WHEN THE BITCH OWNER REQUIRES AN OCCASIONAL LITTER OFTEN UNCONVINCINGLY DECIDING IT IS FOR THE BITCHES SAKE RATHER THAN FOR AN INCREASE IN THE BANK BALANCE.
Should a top winning dog beget a top class litter from a certain bitch it should not be taken for granted this excellence
will be repeated with an other mating. In fact it could be his best result yet from many amorous associations. Cognizance at the fact that many earned him the
title of champion are likely to be present in single strength only.
Continued on next page
Many breeders have realized that certain lines combine well. For instance the mating of certain animals is often
likely to produce progeny of better type than their own parents. This phenomenon can easily be explained in terms of genetics. The genetic
suggestion is that in the union both are dominant with respect to their good points and recessive to less desirable
ones. In many cases the defects are not displayed in either parent.
Unfortunately faults can appear in later generations. Vigilance must be applied to prevent dominance of the relevant
defects occurring.
Good results from a mating would be worthy of a repeat mating. Some
breeders seem to refrain from this exercise preferring to go to some other speculative matings for reasons best
known to themselves. A further attempt may prove uneventful; I suggest the odds are of a favorable occurrence
toward the latter which would appear to demonstrate that the lines of the parents are complimentary to each other. “Better the devil you know than
the devil you don’t”. A further error of judgment is to assess a studs value by the qualities revealed in the odd one or
two of his more worthy offspring. Without the knowledge of the number of earlier litters he has produced may
result in time and money wasted in pursuit of the seemingly improbable.
A FURTHER ERROR OF JUDGMENT IS TO ASSESS A STUDS VALUE BY THE QUALITIES REVEALED IN THE ODD ONE OR TWO OF HIS MORE WORTHY OFFSPRING.
Choice of Stud Dog Continued
It must be taken into account that there is far more poor quality bitches mated than there are inferior dogs.
Outstanding bitches are fairly uncommon and are only mated in smaller numbers than the average male. overseas breeder to rely on
photographs and confirmation from visiting judges, or their hopeful imagination.
Close breeding may influence some fanciful breeders. This must involve
well bred animals. A fundamental knowledge of basic genetics can be an advantage both in breeding and further more, health care. It doesn’t
take a genius to mate brother and sister or mother to son, father to daughter to account for 25%
homozygosity in the offspring. The Kennel Club have now of course banned this type of pairings.
However, mating half brother to half sister will produce 12.5%. Cousins at 6.25%. of ‘Coefficient of Inbreeding’.
Higher scores can be achieved by back crossing many times over by the assistance of the now available
‘pedigree calculating machines’. These, designed on the theory of the celebrated American geneticist and
biologist Sewell Wright. By their use, a higher concentration of common ancestors can be dredged up by this method. Common ancestors refers
to the pairing of similar bred dogs appearing on both sides of the pedigree. The absence of such
renders a dog to be considered a complete out cross.
Concluded on next page
The Kennel Clubs dictate with regard to close matings due to health reasons has created difficulties for
those wishing to compound their breeding lines but there is still great satisfaction from complimenting the pedigrees they wish and are allowed
to follow. The two intended animals must be worthy of their makeup and appearance and should be displaying
similar attributes as their parents and grandparents. Hopefully, from this application a good line will be firmly
established.
Finally, there are breeders who select their choice by chance – or educated
guess. Usually, a complete outcross is their preference. This should not be condemned even if pedigrees are
disregarded, however, only the best individuals must be used. Given time a fancier may produce meritous
specimens, especially if they confine their area of selection to reliable good looking type stock.
Many outstanding animals have been bred using this method. I am aware of a well known kennel from another breed
which proved to be most successful in the world of its breed. The owner rarely studied blood lines or spent
hours burning the midnight oil pondering the combination and complexities of pedigree virtues and faults. The breeders ability to select
wisely would seem to be a gift. By formulating an impression in his the mind of a certain studs ability to nick
successfully with the intended bitch, this, along with long time experience and understanding of the breed helped
him to make full use of this blessing. Unfortunately, this accomplishment is
not available to all, just limited to a talented few.
Notwithstanding, other avenues of approach must be considered if advice is not available. On occasions advice has been ignored and disappointing results
have produced a jumble of different types, shapes and sizes. The opportunity for these people to involve themselves
is immense by finding an exceptional strain which may be produced within the breed by the careful use of certain
breeding methods and experience. Unfortunately, there are the one's who quite happily carry on in their own way by disregarding advice, satisfied by the
fact the financial gains keep rolling in enough to pay for the next holiday at some far away exotic location.
Norman Berry
Choice of Stud Dog Concluded
UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE THE ONE'S WHO QUITE HAPPILY CARRY ON IN THEIR OWN WAY BY DISREGARDING ADVICE, SATISFIED BY THE FACT THE FINANCIAL GAINS KEEP ROLLING IN ENOUGH TO PAY FOR THE NEXT HOLIDAY AT SOME FAR AWAY EXOTIC LOCATION.
www.sbtcv.org.au
http://forum.bullbreedsonline.com
Send your letters to [email protected] or - Send your Q&A question to ASK TSK
Letters To The EditorDear TSK, I will put on my flame suit and offer the following - I see so many people importing Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I worry that they are being sold to people who perhaps cannot buy well bred, health tested SBT’s in their own country so they look elsewhere to purchase them - hoping that their reputations have not preceded them.
No matter where you decide to sell your puppies, it would be smart to check references and get to know your buyers - well - before shipping a puppy overseas. You never really know why that buyer is looking overseas to purchase rather than in their own country. Shouldn't that question be answered prior to selling a puppy? Take advantage of the internet and ask your friends in that country whether or not they know of this person and what their local reputation may be.
So many times I see a high volume breeder adding to their breeding ‘stock’ - they can then say they ‘imported’ this dog so it must be good and they can charge more for puppies. Or a collector who buys from whatever affix sounds famous so they can say - ’ look at me and my import’ with no knowledge or intent of doing the right thing and getting health certificates and caring for the dog like a pet - they just want the notoriety of owning a dog from a well known kennel no matter the quality. Or someone who is ignorant of the breed purchasing a pup and thinking because its imported that it surely must be better somehow. Then when it doesn't turn out as expected they are either very disappointed and the breeder is 1000’s of miles away, or they may decide to breed it no matter since they spent so much money getting it here - even if the dog has glaring faults, hasn't been health tested or has health and/or temperament issues.
The responsibility lies on both ends. Breeders - beware where your puppies are going. Buyers - get to know your breeder!
I appreciate a publication such as TSK which not only promotes health testing in the breed, but also offers good information about the breed so that buyers, breeders and enthusiasts can learn responsible ways to communicate with one another.
Wilf Randolfe, UK
L-BELLE
NEW TITLE
FO URO3 UCDX UWPO UGWPCH1 UACH UNJ GRCH Dynamo Sureshot Smart as a Fox CDX RE AX AXJ SPD NJ-N TT CGC (UKC SUPERDOG)(AKC/UKC CH Sureshot's King Louie x Edna Mae Leedee)
‘Foxy’ scored big at the UKC Gateway National held at Purina Farm, MO. She earned a "Total Dog" with 2 BOBs, two perfect 200s in agility. Also HIGH IN TRIAL + finished her United Agility Championship!
Owner: Christine EdwardsL2-HGA & HC Clear, PennHIP 0.39/0.39, OFA Hips Good, OFA BAER/Cardiac (Echo),Patella/Elbow/Shoulder Normal, CERF, DNA
Send us your BRAGS, Litter Announcements, Seminar and Show announcements and we can post them here. Be sure to fill out the BRAGS form
found HERE
The Stafford Knot Brags, Shows, Litters
WAVEMAKER
NEW TITLE
UWPCH AM CH Ramstaff's Black Eyed Pea, CA, RN, CGC, TT(CH Dauntless Duking It Out, CD x CH Ramstaff’s Im No Pansy)
‘P-nut’ gained yet another title at nearly 8 years old - this time ‘Coursing Ability’ (CA) dog at the
Greyhound Association of North Georgia AKC Lure Coursing CAT tests in Calhoun, Ga.
Clear by DNA L2-HGA, HC, OFA Cardiac, CERFSpayed - Bred by Kevin & Angie Beezley, Co-owned by Angie Beezley, Lynn & Jim Caswell
Send us your BRAGS, Litter Announcements, Seminar and Show announcements and we can post them here. Be sure to fill out the BRAGS form
found HERE
The Stafford Knot Brags, Shows, Litters
MAT - STAFF
NEW CHAMPION
CH Double Impact Mat - Staff Penn - Staff(Ch. Dark Side TWM x Ch. Eclipse Mat - Staff Komisarz)
Proud to announce our new CHAMPION ‘Mishka’ (subject to AKC confirmation)
Type, Temperament & Soundness Since 1992
Clear by DNA L2-HGA, HCBred by Tomasz Matusiak/Michal Paprocki
ELVID
LITTER ANNOUNCEMENT
WEBSITE
We are thrilled to welcome a litter of seven healthy baby staffords, free-whelped on 11-22-11! Puppies and dam are thriving, and we are enjoying every minute with them.
Pups spoken for(Ch/U-Ch Heaven's Warrior De El Doradostaff x Ch/URO1 U-GRCh Brick House Sweet Caralena RA CGC)
Breeders/Owners: Elizabeth Kester & David Csernak
L2-HGA & HC Clear by parentage - certificates on file and available by request
Wanted Samples for PHPV/PPSC Research.If you own or have bred a dog diagnosed with either of these eye conditions, could you help by supplying mouth swabs from the affected dog plus its parents and litter-mates.
Any PHPV positives found in litter screenings are not reported in the Breeds Record Supplement, nor are any cases of PPSC - hence this appeal.
If sufficient samples from affected cases can be obtained, it is hoped that research to determine the inheritance of both conditions may be commenced, possibly leading eventually to DNA tests similar to those available for HC and L-2-HGA.
A copy of the eye test certificate and a copy of the dogs pedigree would also be appreciated. All samples and information will of course be confidential just in case anyone has any concern's about that.
If you can help with this and thus help the Stafford , can you please contact one of the following who can supply swabs and any information required.
Diane Taylor - 01670 823635 email - [email protected]
Lesley McFadyen - 01205 871762 email - [email protected]
Archie Bryden - 01772 715807 email - [email protected]
Many thanks for your co-operation.
The Stafford Knot wishes to provide the following information for your convenience. TSK encourages health testing of all Staffordshire Bull Terriers, especially those used for breeding purposes and/or performance events. The testing is made available to be used as a tool to eliminate certain diseases from a breeding program. Used wisely, this can be accomplished. The following testing information is provided as a service to you, however should not be used as the only health checks your Stafford receives. There are many more health issues to be considered when breeding dogs, caring for dogs and when looking to buy a purebred dog. As always, please seek the advice of your personal veterinary specialists for your day-to-day needs of your dogs. Thank you!
***PLEASE send in your test results for the databases. Accurate records are valuable to the breed***
Remember, if you choose to breed from a carrier you must test the entire resulting litter to determine clears & carriers. Thus if you choose to keep a carrier from that litter, the same must be done for each subsequent litter resulting from
breeding carriers. If you sell carrier pups, please consider spay/neuter so that more carriers are not produced. With the advent and ease of genetic testing many of these diseases could be eliminated by only breeding clear to clear. To use a
known carrier requires an extra step of responsibility. There is no excuse to breed an untested dog.
Testing Facility For L2-Hga & HC
Animal Health Trust
Lanwades Park, Kentford
New Market, Suf folk CB87UU
Phone: 01638 751000
Fax: 01638 750410
Email Website Direct Link
Testing Facility For L2-Hga Only
Canine Genetic Diseases - University Of Mo.
321 Connaway Hal lColumbia, Missouri 65211-5120 USA
Phone: 573-884-3712
Fax: 573-884-5414
Email Website Direct Link
Testing Facility For HC in USA:
http://www.animalgenetics.us/Canine/HC.htm
* * * Please note - a CERF or PHPV test done by a canine ophthalmologist is NOT the same test as the DNA test for HC - BOTH tests should be carried out * * *
Other labs offering L-2-HGA test in Europe:
France www.antagene.com
Czech Republic www.genomia.cz
Germany www.laboklin.de / www.laboklin.co.uk
Testing Facility For Hip, Elbows, Patella and Cardiac Certifications *
Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA)
2300 E Nifong BoulevardColumbia, Missouri, 65201-3806 USA
Phone: 573-442-0418 Fax: 573-875-5073
Email Website
*Note: A Board Certified Cardiologist must perform all Cardiac exams.
A qualified licensed Veterinarian can provide X-Ray films for hips, elbows and Patella.
Testing Facility For Eye Certifications*
Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
1717 Philo RdP O Box 3007Urbana, IL 61803-3007 USAPhone: 217-693-4800 Fax: 217-693-4801
Email Website
*Note: A Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist must perform all CERF exams.
CERF exams are annual exams for breeding stock.
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The Stafford Knot Featured Rescues
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CoCo - Female - AZCoCo is a lovely fawn, born November 29, 2008, with a docile seal face, a sweetheart, lives with a full family of parents, three children and they have five staffords total. All staffords run happily together (2 males and the three females). They must move and can only take two of them with them. They do not like cats, but are fine with people, dogs, children, all are house-trained, crate-trained, knows commands like sit, stay, come and down. CoCo is very loving and caring for her family and loves being in the house and has a great temperament. We have till mid-october to find forever homes for each of the three and if not will need to be fostered and placed still. Located in Arizona. CONTACT
Staffords In Need - Victoria AUStaffords in Need is a small Victorian based group of volunteers helping to connect people who love the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed and wish to make a difference to those in need. It grew as the number of Staffordshire Bull Terrier and crosses appeared in pounds and shelters across Victoria. Our aim is to save one dog at a time, we foster them ourselves until a suitable home can be found. This ranges from one day to several weeks. During this time each dog is vet checked, socialised and prior to being rehomed vaccinated, microchipped and desexed. They live with their foster carer as part of their family. The temperament of each dog is then assessed so that we can match dog and owner according to both of their needs.
Our aim is to help dogs who, for reasons wide and varied, are looking for their forever homes. We can also offer help with transport and other requirements to assist in the rescue or the rehoming of any Stafford who finds themselves in desperate need. For some of these dogs it is a matter of life or death.
Together we can make a difference - one dog at a time. CONTACT
Pepper - Female - NYPepper is a female Staffordshire Bull Terrier just recently pulled from a New Jersey Shelter. She appears to be over 5 years old. Very sweet and loving girl - She is being fostered in LI, NY - Her foster family tells us she is a fantastic dog and they really cant believe someone left her at a shelter! Pepper is looking for a forever home to spoil her!CONTACT
The Stafford Knot Featured Rescues
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PLEASE consider rescuing a Stafford needing a home before purchasing a puppy. SBTCA always has wonderful dogs who have been screened and are looking for permanent homes. All the applications can be found on the rescue pages of the National club website. We list these dogs as a courtesy. The dogs are NOT here with us. They are in different parts of the country. Thank you for considering rescue. Donations and advertisements in TSK benefit Stafford rescue.
Baby Girl - Female - CAThis is a pretty, sweet, & young Stafford that was brought to the shelter as her owner had to be hospitalized due to mental illness. She has no training and knows nothing about the world. She seem to be ok around other dogs. She is very social with people and like a normal Stafford wants to be with someone. We believe with socializing and training and she would be a nice pet. We really need to get her out of the shelter so if anyone can take her on it would be great. A few weeks of training will go wonders to making her a great pet. At this time we need a qualified forever home or foster. CONTACT
Rebel - Male - FLRebel's breeder/owner recently passed away due to a terminal illness. Rebel is an AKC Registered Champion, neutered and up to date on his shots. He is six years old and very thunderstorm phobic. Born in 2005.
CONTACT
Leo - Male - FLRed & White Male, in South Florida, Born 2005, AKC registered, was adopted out and the home he went to was foreclosed on and they returned him. Current on all shots, is neutered, crate-trained, house- broken, heartworm negative. Leo is dog aggressive but does like little Kayla, the girl in the photo. CONTACT
The Stafford Knot Stud Gallery
The Stafford Knot lists health tested stud dogs in the gallery, however, it is up to you to verify this testing by asking to see the certificates for each test if they are not made available here for download. We have screened this to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee dogs listed have been tested. PLEASE ask for copies of certificates before using dogs at
stud for the health and the future of our breed. Thank you.Stud Gallery Ads run annually - Form to advertise in Stud Gallery is found HERE
STILL TIME TO RENEW FOR 2012!
DayDream Ch. Slam Dance, CGC (Imp UK)“Nigel”
DNA - AKC - #P24384L2-HGA, HC, PHPV Unaffected, OFA/PennHip Hips, Patella, CERFhttp://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=678935#animal
Tel 530-306-0305
Frozen semen available to health tested bitches only.More photos of Nigel available. Health documents available by request.
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Continued on next page
AbsoluteBIS BISS CH Belnore Dream Keeper OFA‘Beau’
AKC DNA - V426729Clear of L2-HGA, HC, OFA/PennHip Hips, OFA/PennHip Elbows, Patella, OFA Cardiac - documentation available upon request
Tel 337-255-3508
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RamstaffRichmax Dreamcatcher“Eddie”
L2-HGA, HC, OFA Cardiac
Tel 770-888-5255
Available to clear tested bitches onlyHealth documents available by request
RamstaffCh Ramstaff American Ikon, TT“Ike”
L2-HGA, HC, OFA Cardiac
770-888-5255
Available to clear tested bitches onlyHealth documents available by request
The Stafford Knot Stud Gallery
The Stafford Knot lists health tested stud dogs in the gallery, however, it is up to you to verify this testing by asking to see the certificates for each test if they are not made available here for download. We have screened this to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee dogs listed have been tested. PLEASE ask for copies of certificates before using dogs at
stud for the health and the future of our breed. Thank you.Stud Gallery Ads run annually - Form to advertise in Stud Gallery is found HERE
STILL TIME TO RENEW FOR 2012!
Continued on next page
=======================================MoonstruckCH Moonstruck The Stamler Express, TT“Stamler”
L2-HGA, HC, PHPV Unaffected
"Available to Heath Tested Bitches with Correct Stafford Temperaments Only"Health documents available by request
MoonstruckMoonstruck Blue Asher, TT“Asher”
L2-HGA, HC, PHPV Unaffected
301-261-4202 "Available to Heath Tested Bitches with Correct Stafford Temperaments Only"Health documents available by request
The Stafford Knot Stud Gallery
The Stafford Knot lists health tested stud dogs in the gallery, however, it is up to you to verify this testing by asking to see the certificates for each test if they are not made available here for download. We have screened this to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee dogs listed have been tested. PLEASE ask for copies of certificates before using dogs at
stud for the health and the future of our breed. Thank you.Stud Gallery Ads run annually - Form to advertise in Stud Gallery is found HERE
STILL TIME TO RENEW FOR 2012!
Concluded on next page
=======================================The Stafford Knot is an independent publication and not affiliated with any specific breed club. TSK is a collaborative effort
from like minded Stafford enthusiasts whose common goal is to support the health testing of purebred Staffords. We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted.
All material on this site is copyright protected & cannot be used unless indicated without the written consent of The Stafford Knot
Thank you.Contact Us
Merchandise now available - proceeds benefit Stafford rescue worldwide!CLICK to shop and donate to SBT Rescue!
ElvidCh/U-Ch Heaven's Warrior De El Doradostaff “Bruce”
L2-HGA and HC Clear, PHPV Unaffected, CERF, OFA Hips Good, OFA Elbows, Patellas, & Cardiac Normal, AKC DNA - V615701
[email protected]://www.elividstaff.com
"Health documents available by request. Available at stud to approved, health-tested bitches only."
The Stafford Knot Classified AdvertisingThe Stafford Knot is offering classified advertising of goods and services which are dog related.
Ads are limited to 20 words, no images. For larger ads please consider gallery advertising. The Stafford Knot cannot be held responsible for any items sold through this page. All sales are between seller and purchaser.
TSK makes no warranties either written or implied.
Information on how to advertise in TSK classifieds can be found HERETIME TO RENEW!
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Thankdog - All Breeds Equal Help fight BSL promote responsible dog ownership. T-shirts, Calendars, Stickers, & more. Proceeds benefit Stafford [email protected] www.cafepress.com/Thankdog
Scentsy Wickless Candles - safe for pets and children, environmentally friendly. Contact Lori Divine, 678-516-7567 http://divinelori.scentsy.us, [email protected] Avail in UK
Take advantage now of this incredible deal on classified advertising! These prices wont last long!
Bull Breeds Online Your online forum for all Bull Breed lovers and canine enthusiasts! www.bullbreedsonline.com‘Like” us on Face Book
YOUR AD HERE!
Limited Editions FitPaws Canine Conditioning Equipment, Natural Treats + Chews, Toys, Tugs, Collars. Unique accessories for your unique pets. www.limitededitions1.com [email protected]
Young Living Experience therapeutic benefits of essential oils for your family - pets too! Use Independent Distributor Referral #1166695CLICK for more info
YOUR AD HERE!
YOUR AD HERE!
YOUR AD HERE!YOUR AD HERE!
The Stafford Knot Breeder DirectoryThe Stafford Knot cannot be held responsible for the breeders listed below. Please do your homework and ask to see health certificates, discuss terms and decide whether the Stafford is the correct breed for you prior to purchasing a puppy. Remember, Stafford rescues are also available and make be wonderful pets in the right homes! A Stafford is not the breed for everyone. Please be responsible dog owners and take responsibility for you and your dog in all situations. Contact us with questions.
We reserve the right to approve or disapprove any material submitted Form to advertise in Breeders Directory can be found HERE
AlabamaCornerstoneThe FolmarsAlabamahttp://www.cornerstonestaffords.net205-966-8114L2-HGA, HC
"Staffords that are exemplary in type & balance"
GeorgiaWavemaker StaffordsJim & Lynn CaswellGA, USA EMAILwww.wavemakerstaffords.com770-666-6121L2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, Patella, Cardiac, CERF
“Naturally reared - Promoting health, exercise & the Breed Standard - Wavemaker Staffords....naturally”
CaliforniaChavier StaffordsKim Washington-SmithSouthern CaliforniaEMAIL 213 - 760-9081L2-HGA, HC, CERF
"Breeding Staffords with Charm"
Illinois1 of a Kind StaffordsAndrew CurrierPeoria IlEMAIL 309-691-7134L2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, Patella, Cardiac
“Unequalled in type, balance, fitness & health”
CaliforniaGemini KennelBeth LloydSouthern CaliforniaEMAILwww.angelfire.com/ca2/geminikennelL2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, Patella, Cardiac, CERF
“From show dogs to GO dogs.”
MarylandHi-Impact Staffords (Reg)Rich NewbergerBaltimorehttp://hiimpactstaffords.com410-323-4141L2-HGA, HC, PHPV, Hips, Elbows, Cardiac, CERF
“Bred to standard not by design”
GeorgiaRamstaff StaffordsAngie & Kevin BeezleyGeorgia, USAEMAILwww.ramstaffkennels.com770-888-5255L2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, Cardiac, CERF
“Ramstaff...focusing on the standard blend of bull & terrier with true stafford temperament...always”
MarylandMoonstruck StaffordsJudy HellerEdgewater, MD 21037EMAILwww.moonstruckstaffords.com 301-261-4202L2-HGA, HC
Quality Staffordshire Bull Terriers of Correct Type & Temperament for Show, Performance & Companion "The Ultimate Nanny Dog”
Continued on next page
MichiganBlessings' KennelCathy Micallef Southeastern MIEMAILwww.blessingskennel.org 734-634-9328L2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, Patella, Cardiac, CERF
“Wonderful companions with show & working potential!”
Wellington, New ZealandBattleaxeGrant & Louise [email protected] http://www.battleaxekennels.com0064 478-9313 L2-HGA, HC, PHPV
VirginiaElvid StaffordsSterling, Virginiahttp://www.elividstaff.comEMAIL
“Staffords that exemplify the Standard both in the home and show & performance rings"
WisconsinMSLF KennelsCindy BundyEMAIL 262-857-9412L2-HGA, HC, Hips, Elbows, CERF, Other
“We strive to promote sound minds and bodies.”
TIME TO RENEW FOR 2012!
WHAT IS THE STAFFORD KNOT?
The origin of the Stafford Knot is a distinctive three-looped knot that is the tradition symbol of the
English county of Staffordshire and of its county town Stafford.
Although not heraldic in its own right, the Stafford Knot is an ancient symbol that is steeped in history.
The earliest recording of the Stafford Knot is the shaft of a stone cross located in Stoke-on-Trent
churchyard. The cross itself is traceable to between 750 and 850 AD. However, the knot device could
have been added at a later date.
There is a seal existing in the British Museum London which was the property of Lady Joan
Stafford (later Lady Wake). It would seem that Lady Wake used on her seal a border made up from her
husband's badge, the Wake Knot, made up from the initials W and O (for Wake and Ormond) intertwined. The seal quite clearly depicts a cordon of four knots
in the shape of the Stafford Knot.
The knot was passed down through the Earl's family, and it was gradually used by the citizens and
freemen of Stafford, until it was eventually included in the Stafford Borough Coat of Arms. It is
incorporated into the badges and symbols of many organizations and companies, viz., Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire Service, Staffordshire
Ambulance Service.
A popular romantic notion of the Stafford Knot is that it was used in barbaric times by a Stafford County
Sheriff who invented it to hang three criminals at the same time, but the evidence above clearly
contradicts this idea.
The motto of the arms of the County of Stafford is
"The Knot Unites"
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Continued on next page
Balance = Lack of Exaggeration
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
"Non-conformity with these limits is a fault" Any departure from these limits should be considered a fault and the
‘SERIOUSNESS’ with which the fault should be regarded, should be in exact proportion to its DEGREE.
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
Illustrations below taken from “The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Handbook” by John F. Gordon, 1951
The head should appear clean. No wrinkle or bunched up expression. One should strive for 2/3 to 1/3 ratio head to muzzle with a definite stop but not an EXAGGERATED stop or lack of stop. The stop itself should be almost vertical. The easiest way to determine accurate stop is to place your thumb on the stop and look at the angle of your thumb. Do not be fooled by the profile view of the eye socket and mistake this for the stop. The lip should be very clean, thin and tight to the teeth meeting top and bottom with no flews or wrinkled, fleshy or spongey excess thus giving the Stafford a somewhat serious expression at times. The lip should not turn down at the end or be excessive. Exaggerations of under jaw include total lack or under jaw, weak under jaw or too strong an under jaw. None of these are correct. Depending upon the cleanness of the lip - this can be difficult to asses without a hands on going over.
The nose itself may turn up slightly at the tip, but keep in mind the plane of the muzzle and the head - they should be parallel to one another. When the muzzle turns up more than the plane of the top skull the dog has a dish face and if the planes dip downward - a down face - neither is clean, balanced and will be exaggerated in expression. When the muzzle is too short or too long they will lack balance. Ears can deceive on a glance so best to get your hands on the dogs head and feel for placement, thickness of leather and size. More on heads in a later article.
Does the dog have sufficient length of leg? Can you see daylight under him/her? If not is it due to a short upper arm or just overall shortness of leg all around? A balanced Stafford should measure the same from the withers to the ground - as it does from the withers to the base of the tail set. Staffords are a square breed. They are not low to the ground or squatty. They are not way up on leg either. Enough leg, enough back - not too much, not too little. Is there massive bone or fine bone? Neither is balanced. Staffords are square - BALANCED with no EXAGGERATION..
Is the animal wider in front than looks natural or is it pinched in front? Neither is correct. The front legs should appear to drop directly down from the shoulder. The front shouldn't appear to be ‘in’ or ‘out’, and MOST CERTAINLY certainly shouldn't look like a bulldog. The legs straight, no weakness at pastern but the tight well padded feet DO turn out a little. Not a lot, and not straight as in other terrier breeds. The rear should appear strong - not HUGE and not weak and narrow - somewhat even to the front when viewed from above.
There should be a definite waist line with approximately 4 fingers width between the last rib and the hip bone. One should see that last rib as well, showing no fat or wrinkle and sufficient tuck up from the profile.
A Stafford is certainly well muscled, yet not bunched muscle - long and lean muscle is much more suited to the breed and its original intended purpose. Not a heavyweight boxer but more like a middleweight. It must be able to move easily, be active and agile. Too much bunched muscle is exaggeration and the dog will lack balance. Not enough and he will appear soft and will not function correctly. Exaggeration of muscle in either direction will affect movement as well.
Its all about a balance. NO EXAGGERATION.
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
It is possible that some breeders and exhibitors do not completely understand what a correct scissors bite should look like. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian or spend some time with an
experienced mentor who can give you some hands-on education with a variety of dogs. Remember that bad bites are hereditary and breeding Staffords with incorrect bites will assure the continuation of the problem for generations to come. As breeders, it is our job to let judges know that correct bites are important to us. Similarly judges can let us know that they will accept no less.
Faulty BitesCorrect Bites
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
Males 14”...... 28lbs14 1/2”..30.45lbs15”........32.85lbs15 1/2”...35.5lbs16” ....... 38lbs
Females14” ........24lbs14 1/2”...26.25lbs15”.........28.80lbs15 1/2”...31.31lbs16”.........34lbs
“Heights Being Related to Weights” Size, Proportion, SubstanceHeight at shoulder: 14 to 16 inches. Weight: Dogs, 28 to 38 pounds; bitches, 24 to 34 pounds, these heights being related to weights. Non-conformity with these limits is a fault. In proportion, the length of back, from withers to tail set, is equal to the distance from withers to ground.
Ideal Stafford ears should be
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
We are seeking volunteers to help update this project. Please email [email protected] if interested. Knowledge of the breed, structure, genetics and movement is suggested.
Illustration at left taken from “The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Handbook” by John F. Gordon, 1951 - showing a correct Stafford front - “Legs reasonably straight in line from shoulders, showing no weakness at pasterns, from where the feet turn out a little.”
Illustration at right taken from “The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Handbook” by John F. Gordon, 1951
The Stafford Knot Back Issues
January 2010Issue #1, Vol #1Articles include: Joseph Dunn - Hints to the NoviceSBT=Bulldog+Terrier
February 2010Issue #2, Vol #1Articles include:SBT Breed Seminar, Raymond Crilly - Judges EdBreeders Code of SilenceSBT Exhibition Center(Past Crufts Wnners story NOT included)
March 2010Issue #3, Vol #1Articles include:Info on Health TestingIllustrated Breed StandardBalance & Movement - Judges EdPHPV - Tala’s Story - HealthDemodectic Mange - Alternative Therapies for Treatments - Health(WKC stories NOT included)
April 2010Issue #4, Vol #1Articles include:Info on Health TestingIllustrated Breed StandardRX For Whelping & Caesarians - Breeders Ed What You See is What You GetThe Tragic Loss of Bloodlines & Mentoring in America - Breeders EdA Very Special Boy Meets His 1st Stafford
May 2010Issue #5, Vol #1Articles include:Info on Health TestingIllustrated Breed StandardTan Point Markings - AKA Black & Tan Judges/Breeders EdStaffords in Working TrialsFibro Cartila....what? - HealthHow to Select Against Genetic Disease with Knowledge, Not Hope - Breeders Ed
June 2010Issue #6, Vol #1Articles include:Info on Health TestingIllustrated Breed StandardGDC Genetics Interview Breeders EdBalance in the SBT Judges/Breeders EdOne By One - What YOU can do!The Disappearing Sperm - Breeders Ed/HealthSBT Breed Record Holders, Part 1
July 2010Issue #7, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardDogs Who Fly - Dock DivingJudging My Way - Judges/ Exhibitors EdThe Holy GrailHow to Weight Pull with your Staffordshire Bull TerrierTrack Training - Starting OutFlyball - “Organized Chaos”
August 2010 - Veterans!Issue #8, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardGrey Muzzles & Puppy Dog TalesStaying in the GameMy SunshineTammyAlfALSO may be viewed HERE
September 2010 Issue #9, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardTraining Your StaffordForequartersWhat Price GloryEarly Neurological StimulationALSO may be viewed HERE
October 2010 Issue #10, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardLiving With CushingsDon't Steal My JoyWhat is Natural RearingUsing Genetic PedigreeALSO may be viewed HERE
email [email protected] for copies of articles if not linked here
The Stafford Knot Back Issues
November 2010 Issue #11, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardMiracles Do HappenNostalgiaThe Versatile StaffordThe Genetic PedigreeArnica MontanaAlso may be viewed HERE
December 2010 Issue #12, Vol #1Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardThe Breed TodayPuppies For ChristmasPets As TherapyUnderstanding Recessive GenesA Tribute To TrilbyWhen Things Don’t Go As PlannedAlso may be viewed HERE
January-February 2011 Issue #1, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardArthritisHow Cassie Became an AustralianObedience ChampionWhat is L2-HGA?Teaching Bite InhibitionThe Truth About VaccinesThe Eukanuba ExperienceQ&A - ToplinesAlso may be viewed HERE
March - April 2011 Issue #2, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardCherish Every MomentImportance of Nutrition in Natural HealingWhat is CERF?Competitive ObedienceUnderstanding Judging ConsistencyHow Diatomaceous Earth WorksQ&A - UnderjawAlso may be viewed HERE
May - June 2011 Issue #3, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardTally Ho - Lure CoursingThe Topline of the SBTThe Rule of FivesInterview - Norman Berry (Rendorn)Renal Disease in CaninesHereditary Cataracts in StaffordsQ&A - BitesAlso may be viewed HERE
July - August 2011 Issue #4, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardBreed Specific LegislationHip DysplasiaPreferred Breed TypeThe Problem with Dog ParksWhat Veterinarians are Saying About the Raw DietInterview with Tony Brindley (Cabrindle)How It All BeganAlso may be viewed HERE
Sept - Oct 2011 Issue #5, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardGot Itch?The Backyard PuppySportsmanship, Part 1Sportsmanship RevisitedDog ShowingQ&A - Slipped HocksAlso may be viewed HERE
Nov - Dec 2011 Issue #6, Vol #2Articles include:Illustrated Breed StandardThe SBT Standard - A Personal InterpretationBreeding - The Big PictureWhere Have All The Pure Breeds Gone?The Ostrich SyndromeFoster Mom Finds RewardsThe Head of a Staffordshire Bull terrierQ&A - Hocks Let DownAlso may be viewed HERE
What’s your point?
Is voicing your opinion worth losing sight of reality?
Sometimes we get so caught up in ‘being right’ that we lose sight of our goals. Is it so important to be ‘right’ that you forget to open your mind/ears to ideas and opinions that may really, truly and honestly be better than our own? Have we become so closed minded and egotistical in our obsessive nature that we forget that without other people just as dedicated to our passion that we are ignoring whatever it is they have to say?
If this sounds familiar - stop for a minute - think about your last conversation with someone else in the breed and honestly asses if you even heard what they were saying. Did you shut them out or did you listen to their opinions? Everyone has something to offer. Even if you think to yourself - wow what a naive person - or worse - what a fool - something they say has
merit just as they are thinking the same thing when you are running your mouth over a beer. We all like to hear ourselves talk - especially when we are passionate about something.
You are not the first person to love Staffords. Many before you were just as tenacious and dedicated. Its not without wonder that others may have something to offer you that you could benefit from. Without others as passionate as you - we will lose sight of reality - the future of this wonderful breed.
Let’s all try to learn something in the new year.
The Stafford Knot is looking for active volunteers to help us with this publication. Without you we would not be able to send money to Stafford rescues. In 2011 TSK was able to send over $2000 to Stafford rescues and clubs around the world - money that was specifically sent to help with rescues. Please consider volunteering or donating today. Spread the word and purchase advertisements. The breed is becoming quite popular, and as it does, rescue is becoming overwhelmed. TSK needs your help. More info at the top of Page 5 of this issue.
Thank you for helping to promote health testing in the breed and raising money for Stafford rescues - Share TSK with someone! Thank you to all of you for supporting TSK!
Go hug your Staffords!
Lynn Caswell, Sr. Editor
From the Editor
The Stafford Knot The Back Page
TSK WANTS YOU!
SEND US YOUR ARTICLES, EXPERIENCES, IDEAS PLUS QUESTIONS FOR OUR Q&A PAGE!
TSK BENEFITS STAFFORD RESCUES WORLDWIDE BUT WE CANT HELP WITHOUT YOUR HELP
THINK ABOUT A GALLERY AD, STUD AD, BRAG, CLASSIFIED OR BREEDER DIRECTORY AS AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO HELP RESCUE PLUS ADVERTISE YOUR DOG, KENNEL, COMPANY OR PRODUCTS.
Beecher PrinceCH Camdonian Contender Boldmore Spud Murphy