Interview with Kaisa Metteri (Masterbolt Kennel)

When and how did it all start at Masterbolt Kennels?

I got into Amstaffs very early, when the first Amstaffs came to Finland in 1985, but Staffords were really my first breed. My first own Amstaff was born in 1989 and he was out of Dutch dogs Skram’s White Rock Chasqui x Scram’s Cactus Needle. At that time I was more into obedience and working with dogs. Dog shows came much later.

From the very beginning I wanted to learn more about the breed and in times before the internet this meant books, letters and trips to the USA. I imported my first female in 1992 but she was not healthy enough for breeding. My second imported female in 1995 became my foundation bitch.

Chi Town Geena was a daughter of specialty winner CH Gracie B Good and CH Tara’s The Untouchable. Geena was a very pretty female with a lot of temperament and produced two nice litters.

On the cover you see Multi Ch & multi winner Masterbolt Feels Like Gold. Why did you choose this picture?

Hulda is out of Fraja Ec Gold Standard and Cold Rain von Ronnys Red Company. She is my most successful dog that I bred myself and still, for me, a great example of the breed. Hulda also won the Dutch specialty under Ben Regeer in 2009.

She is also my only breeding to ever win BIS at an all-breed dog show in Finland. Unfortunately we could not use this picture on the cover, so we decided to use another picture. Mrs. Metteri agreed to this. On the cover we see Masterbolt Gold Rush.

As a breeder and judge, what do you like to see in an Amstaff?

I am looking for an outgoing, balanced, moderate type of dog that can move in a typical way, both in breeding and when judging. In breeding you can excuse some faults and hope to improve them, but in judging it is often similar, as the perfect dog in all ways has not yet been bred.

When and why did you decide you wanted to become a judge?

I thought judging would be my way at some point, but time just flew and suddenly I had to apply for the course, as we need to be under 50 years old when we start the judging course in Finland.

What do you like more? Breeding or judging?

I really enjoy judging, especially Amstaffs in different countries, as this is a perfect way of seeing the breed in different countries. I had already decided for myself to stop breeding when I worked on my judges exam, but I found my passion again and enjoy breeding a lot.

I don’t breed often, a maximum of one litter a year, so I truly enjoy my puppies. So I really cannot choose between these two.

Which changes or developments have you seen over the years in the breed?

There is a trend of over-angulated rears and totally straight front angulations in our breed, and you even see dogs stacked with a sloping topline. That is not how it should be. Also the fronts are supposed to be wide, but not as wide as possible; these dogs are not bulldogs.

It is very important to keep our standard in mind and truly understand what it means. Amstaffs are meant to be very moderate dogs, not overdone in any way.

What is your all-time favorite dog and why?

I really cannot name just one, as there have been so many great dogs in our history. Of course there will always be a special dog to me and that is Multi CH Fraja Ec Gold Standard. He was not just a great dog but had an outstanding temperament, and I was lucky to live with him for over 7 years.

Some other great dogs from the past to mention are Sindelar’s Sonny Boy of Tara, Sindelar’s Gentleman Jim, Fraja Ec Winning Ticket and many more.

Are there characteristics typical for the dogs you breed?

I have succeeded in producing nice fronts, and most of my breedings have strong muzzles and good natural ears. I think many people in my country recognize my breedings by the way they look.

Do you have any suggestions for young Amstaff breeders?

Oh yes! Take your time to study the breed and find the best dogs for your breedings. Talk with experienced breeders and don’t think it is easy to produce good dogs, litter after litter.

Be honest with yourself and don’t make excuses. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you get a great breeding, while at other times you simply have to admit it was not good.

Do you have any worries about health or temperament in the future?

I think people are getting more and more into health testing in many countries. Still, we have many big breeders who don’t check their dogs at all. I find elbow dysplasia quite a big problem, and also heart issues.

Testing and honestly talking about the problems is the only way to improve. Temperaments have been very good for most of the Amstaffs I have judged. I think breeders around the world understand the importance of a good temperament.

What do you think about judging our Amstaffs at our Nationals?

Looking very much forward to it! As I said, my first Amstaff came from Dutch dogs, so I really hope to see some old bloodlines from your country. I am sure we will all have a great day with our beloved breed!

Review Clubmatch 2016

Once again, thank you to the Amstaff club for inviting me to judge your specialty show and thank you to all breeders and fanciers who entered their dogs under me. I think I got a good overview of the quality of Dutch Amstaffs.

As always, every country has its own typical issues, as well as general breed-wide points, but also specific strengths. In Holland I found most dogs to be in very good physical condition, which shows they are well cared for. Sizes were generally very good, but when within the standard it remains important to maintain correct proportions, avoiding dogs becoming too heavy or too low on their legs.

In Holland I have seen some of the best pigmentations on blue and other diluted colours. Beautiful dark eyes and noses are not easy to find nowadays, so be careful not to lose this. Also many excellent tails in both males and females made my day—possibly the best I have judged. Temperaments were also good, exactly as they should be.

The typical problems in the breed today are too short and/or too straight front angulations. This was also seen in several dogs in your country. However, I did not see many over-angulated rears combined with straight fronts, which is currently a trend in many countries. Remember: moderation is key in our breed.

In puppies and juniors I noticed quite a number of light muzzles. This is a dangerous trend, as weak jaws often come with smaller teeth and issues with lower canines. A weak muzzle covered with thick lips does not help either. I prefer strong muzzles with strong underjaws and tight, clean lips.

Another point for breeders to focus on is movement. Quite a few dogs showed a short rear step. There should be good reach and drive, meaning the dog covers ground efficiently. I often say that in movement, the engine of the Amstaff should be in the rear.

I really liked my winners and reserve winners. I would have preferred my BOB to have a cleaner forehead, but overall he was a well-balanced and well-moving dog. My BOS was a nice standard-sized female with good proportions and a lovely head, although I would have liked to see her move on grass as she appeared slightly rushed with a shorter rear step.

The reserve female was very well built and stylish with a beautiful head, but unfortunately she did not show her best at the end, which made my decision easier. The best head competition was tough, with beautiful heads all around. The winner had a very clean, masculine, strong and stylish head with beautiful rose ears.

It was great to see many long-time breeders ringside and to have the opportunity to speak with them. New breeders should connect with them and learn—this knowledge will not be available forever.

Holiday greetings from a cold Finland.