Interview Betty Michl 2022
This interview was conducted by Wil de Veer.
In this edition of the club magazine an extensive interview with judge/breeder Betty Michl. Betty has been a good friend of mine for thirty years. We have met several times both in the USA and in Europe. She has also visited our home a few times. In 2011 she judged the KCM.
In addition to the information on Ch. Willynwood Redneck (Bubba), I have added data about him from the Michl R kennel website. In the 3rd 2021 edition of the club magazine, under Greats From The Past, there is extensive information about Ch. Willynwood High-Tech, and under historical photos you will find a photo of Betty and of Ch. Willynwood Redneck with an extensive pedigree. For me, “Bubba” is in the top ten of dogs I have seen.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Thank you Wil, for the honour and privilege to write for your country. My formal education includes degrees in Early Education and Social Work. Study in both fields helped me transfer teaching skills from children to pups and dogs. Social Work skills helped screen buyers and future kennel partners. The Netherlands was the first country in Europe to import American Staffordshire Terriers. A pup from my first litter was sent to your country becoming a foundation dog. Tippitt’s Andy, can be found in many early pedigrees.
What is your kennel name?
Michl R Kennel.
Was the Am Staff your first breed to own?
Between the age of 4-8 my best friend was a bull and terrier dog. I never played with dolls because so much more fun to play and dress a dog.
Do you also have other breeds at the moment?
I love all breeds of dogs especially the Bull Breeds. But I have only bred American Staffordshire Terriers.
When did you started breeding Amstafs?
About 1975 I began breeding dogs. Since few books were written and no classes offered, I began asking other breeders and judges for suggestions and guidelines on breeding. All were saying the same heart felt message. I was told to stay in breeding families and utilize your best specimens. So, in language of today they were saying to line breed and stressing the importance of selection.
What was your goal when you started breeding Amstafs?
To preserve this grand olde breed and breed as stated in the standard.
I breed for traits I see being lost such as dark pigment, dark eyes, all colours, high set natural ears, proper croup with correct tail set and length.
Do the dogs you own at the moment go back to the original stock?
Yes, I maintain my line of dogs. I have semen on many of my dogs.
Where did your original stock come from?
Our first family dog came from the local animal shelter. He was a large bull and terrier gentle dog we called Tuffy. When my children reached adolescence, we purchased our first purebred from Willynwood Kennel (Bill Peterson). We learned to care, groom, train and show dogs. My family loved everything about the sport of dogs. I soon crossed over from the sport of dogs to the art of dogs. Yes, breeding is a form of art - living art.
Describe your kennel facilities.
I live in a mild climate of California in USA. We do not have snow or high temperatures so my facilities are simple. Large shaded play yards and individual sleeping areas.
How many litters have you bred?
I have never counted the number of litters or the number of champions I have produced. I do take notice of record setting awards my dogs have achieved: National Specialty Best of Breed; Four National Specialty Winners Bitch (All different handlers, different states and different Judges); National Specialty Best Opposite Sex 3 times same female; AKC Top Producing Terrier Dam; Therapy Titles; Movie Performer in10 Movies; Numerous Trick Titles.
What do you feed the puppies?
Dog food companies spend thousands of dollars researching and developing their product. So, there are many good dog food products. I rotate dry dog food. I supplement adult dry dog food with rice, potatoes and vegetables. My pregnant bitches and puppies I give cottage cheese and yogurt.
How do you socialize your puppies?
My puppies are handled from first day of whelp by myself in beginning. With the breeder’s touch and mothers touch makes a good combination for a confident pup. It is important to be handled by both male and female, also children. We build an outdoor puppy play yard pen with action activity and noise challenge to further build confidence and independent play time.
At what age do you evaluate your puppies for pet and show quality and what do you look for?
I start evaluating my pups from the day they are whelped. I say, "this is one to watch" or "this one is promising". It takes time to tell if a pup will grow into virtues or faults. I also like to evaluate from self-stacked photos. For me balance can be seen from good front and side photos. I am looking for a puppy with type--looks like an amstaff, structure--put together correctly and confident--liking to be handled and look at me attitude.
Has anyone influenced your breeding program?
In 1990 my dog friend Reva Perata ask me to provide her with a nice female pup. I gave her Michl Mary Lou. She loved, trained and showed her to National Specialty Winners Bitch. She also championed many of the dogs. She became my kennel partner, I placed R in the Michl Kennel name for her. Later Kelly Thorburn joined Reva and I in owning and helping in the kennel. Reva became ill, just before passing she ask Kelly to join me to continue on with MICHL R dogs.
Kelly brought her talent of early puppy training, obedience, trick training and movie work. I give honour to these two ladies for their tireless work.
To which countries have you sold your dogs?
We have placed many top winning Amstafs throughout Europe, South America, Australia and Japan. Michl Kennel became noticed when my dogs became National Specialty Winners. Then people in Sport of Amstafs around the world ask me to provide them a dog.
I sent good dogs to represent Michl Kennel and USA.
- Tippitt’s Andy - foundation dog in the Netherlands.
- Willynwood High-Tech (Mucho) - Best in Show winner in the Netherlands.
- Michl Roses are Red (Lacey) - Best in Specialty Show winner in the Netherlands.
- Michl R California Redboy - Best in Show winner in Denmark and in several European countries.
- Michl R Musashi - Junior World Winner in Japan.
- High Flyer - many Best of Breed wins in Mexico.
- Bergstaff’s Bevis - bred via artificial insemination, Junior World Winner in Norway.
- Diesel and Dust - bred via artificial insemination, Best in Specialty Show winner in Australia.
I know you are a judge? Which breeds do you judge?
I am licensed by American Kennel Club to judge American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I specialize in bull and terrier collecting antique books that record how early blending by breeders formed our bull and terrier breeds of today.
In which countries have you judged in Europe?
I have judged in the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Japan, Australia, Mexico and USA.
Is there a big difference in people and dogs in Europe or the U.S.A.?
I cannot comment on the difference.
Is the Standard a good one?
Yes, the American Kennel Club Standard for the American Staffordshire Terrier is a perfect, flawless and entirely correct description of the American Staffordshire Terrier. The confirmation description is a written work of art.
To appreciate our American Staffordshire Terrier Standard, you need to understand the background, development, purpose, and problems the presenters experienced. The name Staffordshire Terrier chosen in 1936 to represent the Country where the dog originated. Many years prior about 1870 this same bull and terrier dog imported to America from English and Irish stock was used for gladiator purposes. In 1898 the United Kennel Club was established registering this bull and terrier dog as American Bull Terrier. This dog was gamed behind saloons and given the common name of Pit Bull Terrier to advertise their gameness.
Settlers recognized the unique combination of remarkable adaptability, extraordinary vitality and incredible stable temperament. They utilized them for general farm work, hunting wild game, guarding the homestead and general companionship.
In 1936 a small group of owners and farmers with much trepidation presented the Staffordshire Terrier Standard to American Kennel Club written by Wilfred Truman Brandon. The purpose of this group was to convince the American Kennel Club this same bull and terrier used as game dog and registered in United Kennel Club was a dog with noble character. Assurance was given they did not want to game the dog but use as working and companion dog. Note the subtle detail to color was mentioned in the Standard because other terrier breeds developed in England already accepted in American Kennel Club. Such as White Bull Terrier and Black and Tans. Presenters did not want to be compared or compete with these already registered dogs.
"In no other breed is present such a remarkable combination of gentleness, camaraderie, and reliability".
Wilfred Truman Brandon
Tell us something about temperament.
An American Staffordshire Terrier is known for its loving and loyal character with people. Since temperament is an inherited trait, I am extremely careful to eliminate and avoid sharp tempered dogs in my pedigrees. I rank temperament as number one characteristic in Michl R Dogs. Safety is the issue. Evaluation of temperament is always done with off lead commands. Otherwise, whoever is holding lead is in control.
How would you rate type, temperament, and soundness in order of importance?
Temperament, soundness and type in that order of ranking will always be how I evaluate and judge dogs. I am looking for Amstafs with confident attitude and wagging tail. An Amstaff should own the ground it stands on. When judged, not step back or duck its head. Then I am looking for soundness of structure to function correctly. Last, I pick the typist from all selected for temperament and soundness.
What are your thoughts about breeding? Do you prefer inbreeding, linebreeding or outcrossing?
Advantage to line breeding in related families your gene pool remains small. Out crossing out of your family enlarges your gene pool. Smaller gene pool helps the breeder control faults, virtues and medical problems. When Ataxia was discovered, I was able to test free because I was working within my own related dogs.
Are there any health problems in the breed?
All dogs have various inherited health problems. Good responsible breeders screen their breeding stock so not to double up on dominant and recessive genes that promote disease.
Amstafs have the potential to live about 13 years.
Who is your biggest winner?
Multi BISS Int/Mex/Am Ch Willynwood Redneck, CGC, OFA hips, elbows, heart, CERF.
Bubba passed away June 30, 2004 - just about a month away from his 14th birthday. I had the pleasure and honour to show Bubba through his great career starting at the age of 3 years with his first group placement. Bubba and I competed through the western USA, Mexico and oversee in Europe. Bubba won the 1994 Nationals and received Awards of Merit at most of the Nationals he attended. His kids and grandkids have been equally successful in the show rings around the world. Bubba's greatest victory was winning the hearts of his family, ringside supports and MY HEART via his outstanding temperament.
We started showing Bubba at 1 year with a handler. Handler Stephen Cabral started his career with Bubba when he was 3 years old.
What was your biggest win at USA Specialty?
In 1994 Willynwood Redneck was BIS at the National Specialty. He is also a top producer of Specialty Winners.
Pedigree of Ch. Willynwood Redneck (1990)
├─ Sire 1. Willynwood’s Muddy Buddy (1984)
│ ├─ 3. Ch. R and D Bosco Bear (1980)
│ │ ├─ 7. Tryarr Sky King
│ │ │ ├─ 15. Ch. Ruffian Skybolt of Har-Wyn (1969)
│ │ │ └─ 16. Ch. Tryarr Strawberry Fields (1974)
│ │ └─ 8. Kingston Silver Lady
│ │ ├─ 17. Ch. Herk’s Harper (1975)
│ │ └─ 18. Tryarr the King’s Lady
│ └─ 4. Willynwood Dolly (1981)
│ ├─ 9. Ch. Nugent’s Spanky of Our Gang (1972)
│ │ ├─ 19. Ch. Jandi’s Ringo (1975)
│ │ └─ 20. Ch. X-Pert Hume’s Topsy (1969)
│ └─ 10. Willynwood Tania
│ ├─ 21. Ch. Ruffian Skybolt of Har-Wyn (1969)
│ └─ 22. Willynwood Temptress
└─ Dam 2. Willynwood Sabine Sabrina (1987)
├─ 5. Ch. Tara’s Doc Holiday (1982)
│ ├─ 11. Ch. Sindelar’s Doctor Mudd (1980)
│ │ ├─ 23. Ch. Tryarr Diamondback Redbolt (1977)
│ │ └─ 24. Ch. Mistina (1977)
│ └─ 12. Ch. Tryarr Strawberry Tart
│ ├─ 25. Ch. Ruffian Skybolt of Har-Wyn (1969)
│ └─ 26. Ch. Tryarr Strawberry Fields (1974)
└─ 6. Willynwood Kate (1983)
├─ 13. Willynwood Apollo
│ ├─ 27. Ch. R and D Bosco Bear (1980)
│ └─ 28. R and D Hot Stuff Tami
└─ 14. Willynwood Bengal Bonnie
├─ 29. Willynwood Rowdy Fellow
└─ 30. Willynwood Matilda
Can you tell us more about Bubba, a great dog of the past?
In 1990 I received a dog from Bill Peterson to help finish his championship. Little did I know at the time how this dog would change my life and have dynamic influence on the American Staffordshire Terrier breed. This dog’s name is Redneck aka Bubba. Redneck was a different type and style of Am Staff then being shown in California at the time. He had a beautiful arched neck and ample fore chest that gave a curve to the front you so seldom see now and then. The other features that set him apart from his competitors were his distinct cheek muscles, his wide set and well-turned rear, and his rich, red colour.
His temperament was confident, stable and steady. I would discover his temperament and confirmation were not his strongest asset. Not until he sired a few litters from several bitches did I realize he had potential to reproduce himself and imprint to his get the confirmation characteristics that set him apart in competition.
Redneck is one of the most influential sires if not the most influential sire in the breed around the world. As I tell his story I’m sure you will agree.
Many kennels have produced nice winning dogs sent around the world. No one single dog can equal Redneck's potential to produce Specialty and World winners around the world.
In October 1994 after Redneck won the National Specialty, at the suggestion of Judge Ronald Khron I began semen storage on Redneck. At this time semen storage was limited but I could see it would become the wave of the future to enhance one’s breeding program.
In December 1994 I was contacted by Leigh Jenkins from Australia to purchase semen. As a result of this, Redneck produced a Specialty Winner, YANEGUA DIESEL and DUST, owned by Stephen Cauchi. Next, I was contacted by Bergstaff Kennel in Norway for semen that produced BERGSTAFF BEAVIS 1998 Junior World Winner in Finland.
In 1995 Jeffrey Bourret and Raymond Snip from the Netherlands called requesting a male show dog. At that time the Am Staff was well established in the Netherlands from many USA kennels. Redneck bred to Willynwood Dana produced the first Am Staff to win an All-Breed Best In Show in the Netherlands – Willynwood HIGH TEACK aka Mucho.
Then Henk Massmeyer from the Netherlands called for a show female. I sent MICHL ROSES ARE RED aka Lacey. This Redneck daughter won Best of Breed at 11 months in 1996 Halverson Bi-Annual Specialty under Dr. Sam Draper with entry of 58, handled by Paul Marks, Parastone Kennel.
During this same time period in my kennel, I bred Willynwood Red, White and Blue aka Belsy to Redneck. I repeated this breeding three times to produce three National Specialty Winners Bitches:
1995 Willynwood Mary Lou Michl
1996 MICHL ROCKETS RED GLARE
1997 MICHL ROSES ARE RED
Later in 2002 Redneck bred to MICHL R ALL JAZZED UP produced fourth National Specialty Winners Bitch – MICHL R REDNECK RUBY. Four National Specialty Winners Bitch by some stud dog is a record to be defeated.
In 1998 Kazu Kiguchi called from Japan admiring Redneck and requesting to come visit our kennel. He purchased a Redneck son Ch MICHL R Ruffneck and an 8-week pup Musachi. Kazu requested Musachi stay in the states to complete his American Champion and take him to the 1999 World Show. At the 1999 World Show a Redneck son Ch MICHL R NOTHING UP MY STEVE aka Stevie won World Winner and MUSACHI was the Junior World Winner. Ruffneck was the first Am Staff into Japan. Japan honored Ruffneck by placing his picture on Japan Kennel Club Magazine. I visited Japan twice and Japan visited our kennel several times to continue learning about the Am Staff.
Redneck pups have also been sent to Switzerland, Canada, Philippines, Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela. Many more to come through modern technology of frozen sperm.
Do you special dogs?
Due to limited number of finances, I do not special dogs. For me, achieving #1 ranked dog only proves you traveled every weekend and spent a lot of money.
What advice would you give to new persons getting into your breed?
At times this work can be fun, rewarding and satisfying. Other times it can be hard work, long hours, sad-emergencies always happen in the middle of the night! In my beginning I worked a second job to obtain finances for proper vet care for my dogs. Focus on loving relationship with your dogs and if you win a ribbon you are blessed.
Is there anything we did not discuss what you would like to tell our readers?
WHEN YOUR PASSION INSPIRES THE WORLD--YOU HAVE MADE HISTORY.
Thank you so much Betty for taking the time to do this interview. I have enjoyed it.
*More information about these dogs can be found in my books: De American Staffordshire Terrier in Nederland Deel 1 en 2.