Q: In the selective breeding, which is the best technique: inbreeding o lineebreeding?
Each genetic treaty explains how to use in the best way the various selection techniques in blood relationship, it is not the theoretic answer that will bring to success in breeding Am Staf, our breed is a strain in the strain of “The Grand Old Breed”, and all that normally works for instance for the Boxer’s breed we cannot obtain a satisfactory result with Am Staf. I believe that it is fundamental for us to have a deep knowledge in our re-producers’ phenotype bloodline progeny. As mentioned if we have the personal and physical knowledge of our ancestors (direct and indirect relatives) of at least the last three generations (F1-F2-F3) then, we can decide the adequate technique of selection; linebreeding or inbreeding or outcrossing or top crossing.
Q: What do you think of the new generation of Am Staf breeders that sell puppies in the whole world from their first litter?
Differently from the „mordern school”and internet’s breeders, being me an „old school” breeder, I rarely send my dog outside of my Country. I breed for care my De Paco line, for my dream in the breed. My dream started from looking, observing and studying photos found in old magazines and American books, from black and white until the great success of my Am Stafs of today around the world. I have always had very clear ideas about the wonderful "The Grand Old Breed". It was and still is, the “All-American dog”, the modern American Staffordshire Terrier, always a medium-sized dog, and more simply a Terrier.
Q: What about the health’s tests for Am Staf?
Experience has proven we can avoid Ataxia completely with health screening and certain heart value defects. I recommend testing breeding stock for Ataxia, Heart and Hips. We are fortunate to have a relatively healthy breed and american bloodlines of Stafs with very few health issues and good longevity. This is not a breed prone to weakness or deficiencies. The true Am Staf is still tough as nails!
Q: How do you feel the breed has changed over the years?
I am sure that today there are fewer breeders, judges and fanciers open to study, invest and engage seriously to preserve the breed and fewer expert "dog person"; there are a lot of "show person" who do and say everything to affirm their egocentrism at the expense of the future of the breed, and only for make easy money . The only way to save these magnificent dogs from qualitative decline is that each expert has the awareness of the responsibilities connected to the knowledge and to the breeders, judges and owners choices.
Q: You've just published your "Zanoia's Book of the American Staffordshire Terrier". What is the purpose of this your new book?
The purpose of this book is to lead the way and to popularize the selection techniques handed in the decades among the great breeders who have successfully developed this breed. All data and information contained in the book represent my desire to share the news received from my American teachers and mentors with the great number of old and new fanciers all over the world. These irrefutable sources will provide the reader an opportunity to verify that the American Staffordshire Terrier is today recognized as the essence of "The Grand Old Breed". My hope is to contribute, even in this way, to the future of the breed.
Q: What advice would you give a novice or a person just starting in the breed?
To the future owner or breeder I will recommend them not to improvise. Without a qualified and authoritative teacher or a mentor you cannot be a good student and in the future, your time and your sacrifice will not give you the right reward. You will remain disappointed from what you don’t know. The advice that I give you is to find mentors beyond the ocean from positive and qualified individuals. Personally, I owe all to Bill Peterson, Fred Sindelar, Dick Pascoe and John McCartney just to name few of my good friends. I will never stop thanking them. Am Staf is an All- American Dog and I think that it is good to import, along with its centenarian tradition and culture.
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