Greats From The Past: Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud
American imports and the influence of the X-Pert bloodline
Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud was one of the most influential stud dogs from the X-Pert bloodline within Dutch and European breeding.
In the history of the American Staffordshire Terrier in the Netherlands, there are dogs that stand out not only because of their own achievements, but especially because of their tremendous impact on breeding. Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud, affectionately known as “Red”, is one such dog. As an imported stud from the United States, he played a major role in spreading the X-Pert bloodline and became one of the most widely used stud dogs in the Netherlands.
While earlier generations primarily laid the foundation for the acceptance of the breed, dogs like Red represented the next phase: the expansion and refinement of breeding. With his strong genetic background, striking appearance, and widespread use across multiple kennels, he left a lasting mark on the Dutch and European Amstaff population.
Origin and background
Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud was born on July 1, 1988, from the combination Ch. X-Pert Sligo's King Kong x Ch. X-Pert Lady Red Velvet and was bred by Clifford Ormsby. He was owned by Jim Waymire, who, through his connections within the X-Pert kennel, was closely involved in the development of this bloodline.
Red was a compact, athletic male with a height of approximately 47 cm and a weight of around 32 kilograms. His color was red brindle and white. His structure, expression, and overall presence made him a dog that stood out both in the show ring and in breeding.
It quickly became clear that Red was more than just a show dog. His pedigree and genetic composition made him particularly valuable for breeders looking to strengthen existing lines.
The X-Pert line and genetic background
Red’s pedigree is deeply rooted in the well-known X-Pert line, one of the most influential bloodlines in the history of the breed. Through his sire line, he can be traced back to the Northern Yuma line, named after X-Pert Brown’s Northern Yuma, an important ancestor who played a major role in the further development of X-Pert dogs.
The influence of this line was strengthened by key descendants such as Ch. X-Pert Cherokee, Best of Breed at the Westminster show in 1976, and X-Pert Brindle Tiger. The latter became especially important through his son Ch. Sligo McCarthy, a “top producer” in the 1980s.
On the dam’s side, Ch. X-Pert Lady Red Velvet also contributed strong genetic qualities. She was not only important for her own pedigree, but also as the dam of X-Pert Dutch Maiden, a female imported into the Netherlands by Henk Stelwagen. This directly connected the X-Pert line to Dutch breeding.
Influence on breeding
Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud became one of the most widely used stud dogs in the Netherlands. Up to March 1999, he was used no fewer than 27 times for breeding, giving him a unique position within the Dutch Amstaff population. In total, he produced 186 offspring in the Netherlands alone.
He was used by several kennels, including Of Déofôl, Rude & Gentle’s, Van de Truukjes, Of Attachement Devotion, Of The Yankee Gladiator, and Nuestro Corazón. He was also used extensively in Germany, particularly by kennels such as Schallers and Smily Knights.
According to his owner, Red produced a total of 348 puppies, of which sixteen became champions in various European countries. This clearly demonstrates that his influence extended beyond national borders.
One of the most promising combinations was with X-Pert Dutch Maiden, where there was hope of establishing a strong, independent X-Pert line in the Netherlands. Although the results did not fully meet expectations, this combination remained important for the further development of the breed.
Character and presence
Red was known as an athletic dog with a powerful presence and a character typical of the X-Pert line: strong-willed, confident, and highly expressive. This combination made him attractive to breeders, but also required experience and respect in handling.
His appearance appealed to many and contributed to his popularity as a stud dog. At the same time, he was a dog with a distinct personality who never went unnoticed, both within and outside the kennel.
Wil de Veer recalls his first encounter with Red in 1989 at the Winner show in Amsterdam. He remembers a dog with strong presence and temperament, perfectly matching the image he had of several X-Pert dogs. This combination of type, presence, and character made Red a dog that left a lasting impression.
A lasting legacy
Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud was more than just a successful stud dog. He represented an important phase in the development of the breed in the Netherlands, where the focus shifted from introduction to further expansion and refinement of breeding.
Through his large number of offspring and the strength of his bloodline, he had a lasting impact on the development of the American Staffordshire Terrier in the Netherlands and across Europe. His name lives on in countless pedigrees and remains closely linked to the strength and influence of the X-Pert line within the breed.
Pedigree
The pedigree of Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud shows a strong and clearly structured foundation of classic X-Pert bloodlines. On both the sire and dam side, there is a clear concentration of influential ancestors, particularly from the Northern Yuma line, which played a significant role in the development of the breed.
Ch. X-Pert Red Cloud (1988)
Sire: Ch. X-Pert Sligo’s King Kong (1983)
├─ Ch. Sligo McCarthy (1989)
│ ├─ X-Pert Brindle Tiger (1972)
│ │ ├─ X-Pert Brown’s Northern Yuma
│ │ └─ X-Pert Black Nellie (1971)
│ └─ X-Pert Brindle Nellie (1972)
│ ├─ X-Pert Brindle Rocky
│ └─ X-Pert Glamorous Goldie (1968)
└─ Ch. X-Pert Beer’s Sadie A Lady (1981)
├─ Ch. Fraja East Coast Don Quixote (1980)
│ ├─ Ch. Sligo McCarthy
│ └─ Ch. Fraja Maria’s Tia Maria (1976)
└─ Ch. X-Pert Bruyette Beauty (1979)
├─ Ch. X-Pert Roman Grit
└─ Ch. X-Pert Lady Charo (1976)
Dam: Ch. X-Pert Lady Red Velvet (1986)
├─ High Power Pack of Pinehaven
│ ├─ Harber’s Jim Dandy
│ │ ├─ Ch. Scott’s Blue Brutus
│ │ └─ Concho’s Honey Girl
│ └─ Ch. Harber’s Blue Velvet
│ ├─ Harber’s Jim Dandy
│ └─ Harber’s Pagan Princess
└─ Pinehaven’s Right Impression
├─ Harber’s Tex Rock Bold Imp
│ ├─ Ch. Tryarr Red Rascal
│ └─ Hall’s Pookey Sue
└─ X-Pert Alabama Buzzsaw
├─ Ch. Kandoo’s Kool Kustomer
└─ X-Pert Southern Belle
Through his sire line, Red can be directly traced back to Ch. Sligo McCarthy and X-Pert Brindle Tiger, with the influential X-Pert Brown’s Northern Yuma further behind. On the dam’s side, we see strong influences from the Pinehaven and Harber lines, combined again with X-Pert blood. This combination made him genetically valuable and explains his major influence in breeding.