White Mountain Am Staffs

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Fast First 100 Point Conformation Am Staff

By: Rodney & Monica Rindlisbaker

Ch. CHIEF SITTING BULL, CD, CGC, TDI, SCT & ROH

On October 19-23, 1999 we had the privilege of attending the Staffordshire Terrier Club of America’s 63rd National Specialty and FAST FEST 99. Both were held by the Greater Chicagoland Staffordshire Terrier Club. At this wonderful event we decided that we would have Chief evaluated both for Temperament and Conformation. We enjoyed watching all of the Am Staffs being put through their paces during the evaluations and never thought much of the scores Chief received. You see, we did not know at the time that he was the first ever 100 Point Conformation Am Staff. It was not until we saw the 1st Quarter Fast Magazine came out that we became aware that he was the first ever to achieve this honor.

We had been looking for quite some time for the right Am Staff that could pass our Puppy Temperament Test and be a hopeful Obedience prospect. Finally after two years of searching and evaluating we found our hopeful in a litter of seven Bred by Oakey Jr. Smith (Stroudsburg, PA). He was the only white puppy in the litter having only a brindle tail and enough personality for 10 dogs. Monica was very concerned about the correct temperament and knew the first time she evaluated him that he was the one, he was so outgoing and was so happy just being with her. He was a very confident and independent puppy.

Chief took quite well to obedience and placed first at 6 months of age in his All Breed Obedience Class of 18 dogs. Winning over Borders, Retrievers and Corgis. He easily attained both his CGC and TDI. We continued with Obedience and found that he was becoming bored and needed a break in his training. Conformation enthusiasts started telling us to show him and our first thoughts were right guys, you just need more entries so you can get your majors. You see there are few that would brave the conformation ring with a more than 80 % White Am Staff, but if you have an exceptional one you might.

I knew Chief had a good chance even though I would be showing against John McCartney and tough East Coast competition because he was filling out nicely and looking good. At first the Judges took little notice of Chief, being that he was more than 80%, white but soon they began to see past his color and appreciate his outstanding conformation. Chief received a 4 point major and shortly thereafter a much sought after five point in which his Sire Placed BOB, Dam BOS and Chief BOW & WD. Then to top it off in tough East Coast competition Chief finished at the Bucks County Kennel Club with another 5 point major. Chief has been shown as a Special on a limited basis and has Multiple BOB both on the East Coast and the West Coast. He has been show at the Montgomery Show twice and the Nationals every other year since 1995.

Chief’s achievements in obedience have come through long hours of training. I would like to say it was easy, but it only came about after attending many classes and diligent work over the years. It has all been well worth it because it has shaped his behavior and made him a dream to be around. He was trained to a CDX level before ever entering his first All Breed competition.

Scores:

Chief and his daughter make regular visits to our Eastern Idaho Nursing Home where they are a big hit, especially when Chief barks on command.

We can't believe that seven years have already passed since we first brought Chief into our family. Things have never been the same since and our lives have been greatly enriched by his presence.

It is a privilege owning this breed and our Am Staffs bring us an endless amount of joy mixed in with a comedic quality only an American Staffordshire Terrier can give.