In South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s, a few judicious imports from the UK had a major impact on the Stafford breed in South Africa. The most influential stud dog in South Africa at the time was Ch. Magliam the Bronx Bull of Tenacious (still to this day my all-time favourite Stafford). He had the good fortune of being integrated with the related and exceptionally well-bred lines established by experts of the breed such as the late Ken Fensom with dogs such as Int. Ch. Pitbul Red Regent (a trully exceptional Stafford) and the brother to Red Regent, namely Brian Boru at Cuileog. This fortunate combination set the path for Staffords in South Africa and for a decade or more we had arguably some of the greatest red Staffords in the world. This was confirmed by many visiting dog show judges, including specialist judges from the UK.
Ch. Magliam the Bronx Bull of Tenacious
Based on this experience it is abundantly evident that the the direction in which a particular dog breed develops can be significantly influenced by just a few stud dogs and brood bitches. This is particularly applicable in countries where these breeds are in their infancy. When it comes to exporting therefore, it is important to try and provide only those Staffords with potential to ensure the progressive development of the breed. This also implies the need to avoid kennel blindness (something that I have not always been able to do unfortunately, hence the occasional errors in judgement).
Exporters need to realise that people abroad are relying on their knowledge and expertise. Being requested to export is a special privilege. This requires looking beyond one's own lines where necessary. Compatibility and integration issues also need to be considered.
The following are photos of some of the Staffords that I have exported.
The Relative Impact of Stud Dogs vs. Brood Bitches
The worth of an excellent brood bitch cannot be underestimated. It is also through their brood bitches that breeders gain recognition. When importing from the UK in particular, one is frequently reminded that although breeders there will allow their best males to be sent abroad, their best bitches will be retained locally.
However, I must apologise in advance for the following "heresy" - the impact of a top stud dog is likely to be far more pronounced. It simply boils down to a "numbers game". A brood bitch that produces 4 average size litters (of say 4 pups each) in her lifetime will only send 16 direct offspring into the world. Looking at stud dog registers though, it is evident that various top stud dogs that are in great demand end up siring in excess of 100 litters in their lifetimes. At an average litter size of 4 pups, the stud dog would produce 400 direct offspring from 100 litters. The order of magnitude is highly significant.
Nevertheless, the most beneficial situation obviously is to breed the best stud dogs to the best and most compatible brood bitches. This is what we need to strive for.