Olaf, first of all thank you for participating in this interview. To start from the beginning. On the front cover we see Carmichael’s Liar Liar Pants on Fire ‘Spot’. Why did you choose this dog for the cover?
The reason for choosing this image has multiple reasons;
It concerns a drawing that was gifted to me by a good friend within our breed, I have been friends with this person for 24 years, since we both had our first Amstaff at that time. The drawing was made by (Els Ridderhof) based on a photo taken during the ‘Dog of the Year Show 2016’ where ‘Spot’ became BEST IN SHOW.
After 24 years with many ups and downs, our dream came true by achieving our first BIS, especially at this show where the most beautiful dogs in the Netherlands compete for this prestigious title.
The choice BLACK - WHITE is by the way also a conscious one..
Recently we have seen many successes again, both nationally and internationally. Junior champions, adult championships, European and World Junior Champions etc. Is there still something you would like to achieve in showing?
My dream is to one day achieve BISS at the USA National Specialty, something that seems impossible, however when we started breeding, I would never have dared to dream of the successes we have achieved so far with our own bred dogs.
Which title has stayed with you the most over the years?
I would like to mention two titles, as choosing is always difficult ;-)
First the title ‘Best of Winners’ at the USA National Specialty / Montgomery Terrier Show 2009 with Ch. Carmichael’s Chippendale. Taking this title away right in front of all the professional handlers was something we could hardly comprehend at that moment. “Stitch” was the product of our second litter.
Secondly the World Junior title in 2012 of Ch. Carmichael’s Sex Appeal, which was quite special. What stayed with me most from that day was that in the line-up for BOB, the judge kept comparing the CACIB male winner (the legendary “Don King of Rings”) with ‘Smack’. Unfortunately, no BOS was awarded at that show.
As a breeder you have sold many dogs all over the world, what makes dogs bred by you a real ‘Carmichael’?
That they are born here and raised here for the first 8 weeks - LOL.
In terms of type I don’t really have a ‘stamp’ yet, we have not been doing this long enough, however what we do see is a recurring pattern in temperament.
Where does your kennel name ‘Carmichael’s’ come from?
At the time, and probably still now, you had to submit 5 names when applying for a kennel name with the Dutch Kennel Club. Since they check worldwide if the name is already in use, it is quite difficult to find an original name.
Our first choice was Irresistible, but that was already taken. Carmichael’s was the second option. My previous hobby was motocross, and the American Ricky Carmichael is considered the best motocross rider in the world, so it seemed like a great combination to use that name for our kennel.
When I was once in the USA and people asked about it, most of them laughed, because in the USA it is common to use your own (last) name as a kennel name.
You have been involved in the breed for quite some time, as a breeder and exhibitor, and recently there is also interest in judging. Where does this come from? And what do you like to see in a dog in the ring?
In the 24 years that I have attended dog shows as an exhibitor, I have seen many knowledgeable and less knowledgeable judges evaluate our breed. If I ever get the chance to stand on the other side as an official judge, I would like to set an example and help broaden the knowledge of other (aspiring) judges about our beloved breed, as well as give (starting) breeders/exhibitors a clear interpretation of the breed standard for their dog.
What I like to see is a dog with presence, that is the first thing you notice. A dog that presents itself will immediately catch the judge’s eye. In addition, it must be anatomically and breed-typical correct, combined with smooth movement to complete the picture.
What do you like to see in an AmStaff, both mentally and physically?
Temperament first!! In other words, character comes first for me!
In terms of appearance, I want to see a correctly built dog, without exaggeration, a breed-typical head combined with smooth movement. I have no preference for color, a good dog has no color!
Which dog you have ever seen has stayed with you the most and why?
Again a difficult one to name just one, as it is impossible in my opinion. I could name more, but the females “Willynwood Blue Bonnet Lady” / “De Paco XZ Hollywood Dream” / “Eden from the Klondike Diggers” are or were my top three females that have everything the breed requires.
Which of your own bred dogs are you most proud of and why?
‘Ch. Carmichael’s Sex Appeal’ and her daughter ‘Ch. Carmichael’s Liar Liar Pants on Fire’, two breed-typical females, who first of all both have excellent character, but also come close to my ideal image of how an Amstaff should look.
Recently the media is again full of negative reports about our breed and related breeds, what is your view on this?
Very unfortunate in my opinion, although I am aware that the incidents in the past never involved pedigree dogs. Responsible dog ownership is the right solution.
If someone wants to own this breed, they must be able to deal with prejudice, but more importantly they must take responsibility. If your dog is not under control, do not let it run loose. Your dog may not start anything itself, but if triggered, it will not back down.
At the moment we are balancing on a thin line again. If incidents happen, we may face consequences. In countries like Denmark and Norway the breed is already banned, so hopefully it will not come that far here.
What would you like to share with the readers of this magazine?
I would like to advise beginner Amstaff enthusiasts, especially new breeders, to take their time. Do not rush into breeding with many dogs.
We already have more than enough of those. First learn about the breed, find a mentor, talk to as many people as possible. You can learn from everyone, and eventually develop your own path.