Above on Banner: Steelyard Innovator at Willowstaff JW

Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show, 23 May 2010 Judge: Terry Cooper (Terhels)
Minor Puppy Bitch - 1st Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff Everything in the right place at this stage. Nice shape head, neat ears, correct bite, clean muzzle, good front, feet and top line. Moved and handled well.

Bath Championship Show, 28 May 2010
Judge: Peter Smith (Pennsmith)
Minor Puppy Bitch - 1st Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff
Red with white flash on chest. Nice blend of bull and terrier, feminine head with correct dentition. Straightest of fronts, neat feet, short coupled with a level top line. Lovely puppy, moved and handled well. Should do well in the future.
Best Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy of Breed

Potteries SBT Club Championship Show, 17 July 2010
Judge: Andy Dodsworth
Maiden Bitch - 3rd Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Championship Show,
25 July 2010 - Judge: Dean Cund (Chelmstaff)
Minor Puppy Bitch – 3rd Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff

Bournemouth Canine Association Championship Show,
14 August 2010 - Judge: Steve Robinson (Wensbury)
Puppy Bitch - 1st Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff
Possibly the surprise package of the day. Fawn bitch that is bang on the Standard and beautifully put together. True front with nice shoulder placement, lovely head shape, well proportioned body and good mover. I think that she can trouble the best as she gets a little older; certainly one to watch.
Best Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy of Breed

Mick & Jenny Smith's
Rowellstaff Red Ember at Willowstaff JW (Amber)
photo taken at 18 months
Crufts Qualified 2011 & 2012

Potteries SBT Club Limit, 15 February 2009
Judge: Ian Wild (Wildstaff) "The emphasis for me is on the condition and construction that satisfies my perception of functionality and health of a specimen within the scope of the KC Standard for our breed." 

Minor Puppy Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue Confident black brindle bitch displaying everything I hold of value. Very well proportioned head piece with good skull/muzzle ratio, beautifully well placed large teeth set in strong under jaw, clean lipped with good pigmentation throughout, well placed deep set dark eyes. Neck of good length and strength leading smoothly into the well laid shoulders which join an upper arm of good length and displays good overall front angulations, combining strength and flexibility without a hint of looseness of a good length in the forearm leading to pastern of correct length and angle with well padded correctly positioned feet finishing off the very clean straight and well proportioned forequarters when viewed from the front. The ribs taper correctly back and out, are of a good length with adequate brisket running through the point of elbow from which the underline gradually rises back and tucks nicely up into the loin. The rear quarters are coupled with a correct slight rise over the loin, rear angulations are correct and balanced with front. She displays an adequate let down at the hock with correct foot placement falling just behind the pelvic line. Movement is of course correct giving drive, fluidity and economy of effort with the top line being held correctly. A bitch I would be proud to have bred and own.
BEST PUPPY BITCH, BEST PUPPY IN SHOW, BEST BITCH AND RESERVE BEST IN SHOW – Well done.

Smith, Cox & Wagstaff's
Willowstaff Barbed Tongue (Ziggy)
pictured at 16 months
KC Stud Book - Awarded 2010
Reserve Challenge Certificate Awarded 2011

Western SBT Society Open, 13 June 2009 - Judge: Simon Hunt (Steelyard)
Puppy Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue. This young bitch has all the attributes to trouble the best, excellently proportioned head which is clean with no exaggerations, lovely dark eye, ears well placed, front angulated correctly with good lift, level topline, good rib, hindquarters well turned. Moves with a minimum of effort. If she is to compete with the best which she is capable of, her fitness levels now need to be increased as this is what is now missing. BEST PUPPY BITCH

Leeds Champ Show, 24 July 2009, Judge: Martin Grimwood (Stormstaff)
Puppy Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue. Liked this bitch a good deal. Balanced black brindle. Typical expression, dark eye, nice length of muzzle. Head deepens towards back of skull. Straight in the forearm, brisket to elbow, well tucked up, correctly angulated in her hindquarters. Looking and moving well for her age.

Ladies Kennel Association – Champ Show, 12 December 2009 - Judge: Ann Gatenby (Kerrisdale)
Junior Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue.  Well up to size. She is going to be a powerful bitch when she is fully matured. Strong head with a broad skull and a good stop. Nice neat feet, turning out slightly at the pasterns. Plenty of drive when moving.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open Show, 13 December 2009 - Judge: Andy Land (Winzack)
Junior Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue. Dark/brindle classy girl with desirable length in radius, lovely clean flowing lines from occiput through shoulder. Topline and pelvis height to weight ratio just right, nice amount of angle to stifle. Well placed hocks moved freely, beautiful expression which justified decision. Could have drove home giving her top honours and been happy.

Alyn & Deeside SBT Club Open, 10 January 2010 - Bitch Judge: Robbie Smith (Scratchline)
"All my winners were a blend of bull and terrier in type, not ‘wannabe’ bulldogs. They were without exaggeration. Best Bitch, Reserve Best Bitch and Best Puppy Bitch all powered their way effortlessly along the mat without the poor rear movement that seems prevalent in a high percentage of the breed today. If a dog is of sound construction and conformation it will move correctly. A dog’s movement tells the truth about the animal.  Breeders should recognise this – what is behind the shoulders is as important as the rest. Most breeds judged face-on to the judge seem to pay the price and we have got to be careful not to make the dogs into a caricature of the fine animal it once was."

Junior Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue. A very nice top size black bitch. Plenty of lift. A nice solid clean head with a good expression. Nice length of muzzle, good strong underjaw set off with excellent dentition. Nice straight front, correct length of neck set into good shoulders, correct length of back. Could span the waist with a nice tuck up into the loins. Good bend of stifle and again moved purposely and effortlessly along the mat. BEST BITCH – lost to Best in Show on the Referee’s decision.

Bath Championship Show, 28 May 2010 Judge: Peter Smith (Pennsmith)
Post Graduate Bitch - 1st Willowstaff Barbed Tongue
Top sized brindle. Nice blend of bull & terrier, pleasing head shape, straight front, level top line, good spring of rib. Strong rear quarters, short in hocks, in good condition. Moved and handled well.

Peter & Yvonne Rhodes'
Willowstaff Black Marauder (Mason)
pictured at 2 years of age
KC Stud Book - Awarded 2010

Potteries SBT Club Limit, 15 February 2009
Judge: Ian Wild (Wildstaff)
Minor Puppy Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Marauder. Very nice black brindle pup, well up on the leg, nice proportion of muzzle to skull which balances nicely with bodily construction. Large impressive teeth, well pigmented. Hope he does not grow on too much as he’s already at the required height I reckon. Very athletic looking, loads of upper arm with good angulations both front and rear, well tucked up in the loin. Moved & handled well.  BEST PUPPY DOG. 

Western SBT Society Open, 13 June 2009
Judge: Simon Hunt (Steelyard)
Puppy Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Marauder. Fine athletic black/brindle dog. Very nice head, clean lipped with good length of muzzle. Body proportions correct, good length of back to height. Moves freely and with minimum of effort. When he fills out will complete the picture.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Champ Show, 26 July 2009
Judge: Kevin Morton (Kelinvyre)
Puppy Dog – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Marauder. Black/brindle. Lighter build than 1. Looks very immature against some others his age but he has everything in place. Lovely straight front, head coming along nicely with good shape and correct bite. Good hindquarters with correct bend of stifle. Moved ok once settled.

Potteries SBT Club Open Show, 4 October 2009 - Dog Judge: Mikey John (Welshstaff)
Junior & Novice Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Marauder. Black brindle dog who caught my eye on entering the ring. Good clean head with keen expression, neat ears, dark eye with good dentition. Straight front with good feet, level topline which led to nice waistline. Well angulated back end, moved effortlessly. Handled well. RESERVE BEST DOG

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open Show, 13 December 2009 - Judge: Andy Land (Winzack)
Junior & Novice Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Marauder. Dark brindle and in the lightweight division with the most super clean, athletic outline. Great body proportions giving pleasing shape and symmetry. Excellent columns of support and all angles set correct. A free flowing dog with no interference. Straight front, level top line and close coupled. Healthy length of muzzle, clean
lips, large teeth, would prefer a bit more strength to skull and overall substance to complete the picture. Finished article
looks to be a while. BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

Bridgewater & District Canine Society - Premier Open Show*, 28 March 2010 - Judge: Kevin Tittley (Garwstaff)
Post Graduate - 1st Willowstaff Black Marauder.  Top quality black brindle.  Lovely top size dog, neat ears with dark eye, good sized teeth with correct bite.  Straight front with well laid shoulders which flowed into a level top line which he held well on the move, also moving with drive and purpose. Also prominent was a good spring of rib and well angulated rear end with a fit, athletic frame to round off the look of this excellent specimen of a well balanced Stafford.  It was my pleasure to award him BEST OF BREED* on the day. *Crufts Qualification

Scottish SBT Club Open, 15 November 2008,
Judge: Robbie Smith (Scratchline):-
"The winners were good examples of Staffords without any exaggeration in their structure, which seems to have crept into the breed in recent years – owners had put the time in the get their dogs into a good athletic condition and it was a pleasure to go over them. BIS & BOS were lovely examples of the breed and it was very difficult to decide between the two."

Junior Dog: Quality class.
1^st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff
Lovely brindle dog without any exaggeration. Nice shaped head, good length of muzzle with a strong under jaw. Clean lipped and good dentition – nice neck and layback of shoulders. Good length of scapula and forearm giving the dog plenty of lift. Nice straight front, good brisket, adequate length of back with a waist I could span. Good bend of stifle, nice whip tail. Good athletic specimen.
BEST DOG & BEST IN SHOW
 

1st Post Graduate Dog - Crufts 2010
25 dogs entered - see critique below

Kevin Tittley & Tina Bosanko's
Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff (Toby)
JW/KC Stud Book - Awarded 2009

Potteries SBT Club Limit, 15 February 2009, Judge: Ian Wild (Wildstaff):-
"The emphasis for me is on the condition and construction that satisfies my perception of functionality and health
of a specimen within the scope of the KC Standard for our breed." 

Junior Dog – 1^st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff. Brindle dog whose style and construction are for me very close to the ideal. Fit, well toned with correct weight of bone and looks to have correct height to weight ratio. Good clean powerful head without displaying any of the exaggerations of excess bone, the head construction allows for well placed round eyes, set nicely back into the sockets, ears neat and well placed enhancing expression.  Good head to muzzle ratio to my preference, good muzzle width and depth accompanied by a formidable under jaw with a large, well placed full set of teeth. Good length of neck, but short enough not to be lacking in strength, well muscled and clean flowing nicely back into well placed shoulders. Good upper and forearm proportions retaining flexibility around the elbow without showing looseness. Brisket deep enough with underline running nicely through the point of elbow. Good rib running back with enough spring range to give good wind.  Good waist and loin supple and flexible, moderately coupled. Rear quarters matched front in angulations giving good support moved purposely with efficiency holding a level top line. BEST DOG & BEST IN SHOW

Western SBT Society Open, 13 June 2009, Judge: Simon Hunt (Steelyard)
Post Graduate Dog – 1^st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff JW. Really very nice brindle dog that was extremely fit and hard
to the touch. Head of good proportions, lovely dark, well set eye, expression is completed with small well set ears, good front with
good angulation, level back and short coupled, well angulated quarters. Movement was erratic but when his handler got him going
correctly it is free and easy with no effort. Coat condition just let him down in final challenge. RESERVE BEST DOG

Leeds Champ Show, 24 July 2009, Judge: Martin Grimwood (Stormstaff)
Yearling Dog - 1st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff JW. Typy brindle dog. Neat ears and dark well placed eyes, lovely expression, ample stop good length of strong, deep, muzzle housing a good bite. Head balances to body. Up on his pasterns and straight in the forearm. Brisket to elbow with correct rear angulation, good level of fitness and reasonable spring of rib, but a shade more would enhance definition, light in the loin. Alan Mitchell often tells a story about a dog of old that gave the appearance that he could pluck swallows out of the sky. This lad has that sort of agile, effortless movement.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Champ Show, 26 July 2009, Judge: Kevin Morton (Kelinvyre)
Yearling Dog – 1^st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff JW. One destined for the top in my opinion and he was
seriously considered for the RCC. Cracking brindle with white on chest. Nice deep through skull with strong underjaw housing good
sized and correct dentition. Clean front leading to good pasterns. Nicely bodied with the correct amount of lift.
Well proportioned hindquarters. Moved well.

Potteries SBT Club Open Show, 4 October 2009, Dog Judge: Mikey John (Welshstaff)
Yearling Dog – 1^st Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff JW.  Fit brindle dog with well defined, well proportioned head, dark round eye, with big teeth. Good front with clean outline all over, enough bend of stifle, moved and handled well.

Scottish Kennel Club Championship Show, 23 May 2010, Judge: Terry Cooper (Terhels)
Post Graduate Dog – 2nd Willowstaff New Addition at Garwstaff JW.  OK for head size and shape. Keen expression. Nice fronted with enough bone and good feet. Good body and quarters. Good bend of stifle. Stood and handled well; moved with purpose.

Jason & Julie Hall's
Willowstaff Black Prince (Mason)
KC Stud Book - Awarded 2009
3rd Limit Dog - Notts & Derby District SBT Club Champ Show, 26 July 2009
Judge: Kevin Morton (Kelinvyre)

North West SBT Club Open Show, 16 March 2008,
Dog Judge: Peter Rhodes
"Where possible I always try to pick a dog that is free from exaggerated physical features, of sound construction, whose movement is free flowing and  unconstrained.  For me personally, movement and conformation/condition are primary considerations when assessing the breed. Sadly I was disappointed generally with these aspects on the day. 
I would like to see more dogs closer to the 38lb mark as required in the Standard.  Unfortunately I could not agree with my co judge on anything, and all the final top awards were decided by the Referee.  Even though these all went to the bitches, my views and opinions all remain unchanged."

Junior Dog 1^st Willowstaff Black Prince Impressive young black/brindle who stood out for type and conformation. No exaggeration on show. Beautiful head shape, strong proportionate foreface housing good size teeth with correct bite. Satisfactory under jaw. Liked his expression. Clean fronted, feet OK. Scored in shoulder construction, nicely ribbed back. Good angulation to his rear quarters when eased and relaxed. Moved with good length of stride covering the ground with ease. Held a level top line while gaiting, showing unison between front and rear quarters.  The required muscle tone should come with a little harder work. Like him a lot, a dog I could take home with me. BEST DOG.

South Wales Kennel Association Champ Show, 3 July 2008. Judge: Ralph Britton (Negrastes)
Yearling Dog – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Prince B/brindle. Good clean head, correct bite with nice big teeth. Clean front – a little longer cast than winner hence his second place.

Potteries SBT Club Champ Show, 19 July 2008. Dog Judge: Patrick McGlynn (Repeta)
Post Graduate – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Prince Top size black brindle. Leaning more to the terrier, but well constructed. Nice head with keen expression. Straight front, short coupled, good mover. Very similar to 1. I just preferred the ring presence of my winner.

Scottish SBT Club Open, 15 November 2008. Judge: Robbie Smith (Scratchline)
Post Graduate Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Prince Top size black brindle dog – this is an example of a powerful dog without being bully. Good strong head, good length of muzzle with good under jaw and dentition. Nice straight front with plenty of lift, good depth of brisket.  Good strong neck, length of back with a level top line. Good length and bend of stifle. This dog does not seem to like the show ring and looks as if he’d rather be elsewhere. His handler has to work hard to show off the dog’s attributes therefore, it’s only when you go over the dog that you find his qualities. RESERVE BEST DOG.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open, 14 December 2008. Judge: Kevin Tittley (Garwstaff):
"Owners had put time and effort into getting their dogs fit and the winners that I placed are great examples of a Stafford. I had the pleasure of judging quality dogs and had a few difficult decisions to make because the standard was so high."

Post Graduate Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Prince Very impressive black brindle dog stood out for me on the day. Nice dark eye, lovely strong under jaw with good size teeth with a good bite. Lovely expression, nothing overdone in any way around the head shape, straight clean front, good length of upper arm, nice tidy feet, good angulation at the rear quarters and moved well once settled with a level top line with which he kept on the move. Excellent fit, clean condition, but did make his handler work hard on the day. BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW.

Potteries SBT Club Limit, 15 February 2009, Judge: Ian Wild (Wildstaff)
Post Graduate Dog – 1^st Willowstaff Black Prince. To appreciate this dog a good hard look at what a functional head piece is has to be acknowledged, brick like and well proportioned skull to muzzle carrying large teeth well set in strong jaws powered by the correct musculature, not too steep in the stop, clean lipped and not overly boned in any department. Gums black. Neck of correct length and strong, nicely angulated shoulder, good rib and brisket, good pads of muscle at the withers, correct length of back and loin allow him to accommodate a well angulated rear construction when on the move, whereas a shorter coupled dog would be less fluid and lack efficiency.  Conditioning was ok but could be improved upon.  Handled well which helped secure the win over a very nice dog in 2^nd place. RESERVE BEST DOG.

Western SBT Society Open, 13 June 2009, Judge: Simon Hunt (Steelyard)
Post Graduate Dog – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Prince. Well made dog who looks good from all angles. Head of good proportions, well set eyes and ears giving correct expression. Front is straight and well angulated, level top line. Slightly longer cast than 1. Good hind angulation which gives him nice fluid and easy movement.

Potteries SBT Club Open Show, 4 October 2009, Dog Judge: Mikey John (Welshstaff)
Post Graduate Dog – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Prince. Very similar in stature and construction to first, not much in this decision, liked head and expression and movement on the day of first. Will swap places many times in future.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open Show, 13 December 2009, Judge: Andy Land (Winzack)
Post Graduate Dog – 2^nd Willowstaff Black Prince. Dark/brindle who has a tight, clean skull with the right ratio to muzzle with clean lips covering strong, large teeth. Well laid shoulder and upper arm with desirable length in radius, nice reach of neck and moulding smoothly to pelvis.

Western SBT Society Open Show, June 2006
Judge: Peter Rhodes
Junior Dog – 1st Willowstaff Evolution. Best class of the day with quality on show throughout. Black/brindle. Lovely balance from all angles & not overdone in any department, credit to his owners for presenting him in very good condition. Impressed with his compatible front & rear quarters, evident with his free flowing movement.  Proportionate head and muzzle, good size teeth, very clean in front but would have preferred slightly more width, tidy feet, brisket level with the elbow, altogether a very good young prospect with more of him to come I’m sure.

Alyn & Deeside SBT Club Open Show, June 06,
Judge: Kevin Morton (Kelinvyre)
Junior Dog - 1st Willowstaff Evolution. Best Class of the Day. The first 3 will change places many times I’m sure. Black/brindle with white. When everything is taken into consideration, age and development for age, he was the best dog on the day. Good head with a nice length of muzzle.  Good front, once standing correctly, rib still developing. Nice rear quarters and moved with drive. Altogether a nice young dog, still developing, but who should fit the Standard in all departments when fully mature. Just needs to harden up now.
BEST DOG & RESERVE BEST IN SHOW - WELL DONE!
 

Willowstaff Evolution (Buster)

Willowstaff Barbed Wire (Bonnie)
KC Stud Book - Awarded 2007

Southern Counties SBT Society Open Show, June 2906
Judge: Simon Hunt (Steelyard)
Junior Bitch - 1st Willowstaff Barbed Wire. Athletic black/brindle.
Good head with clean lip, front straight with good length of leg, top line when stood slopes a little but holds well when moving, hind quarters well turned with strength. Moved well. RESERVE BEST BITCH

Windsor Champ Show, July 06, Judge: Tony Brindley (Cabrindle)Junior Bitch - 2nd Willowstaff Barbed Wire. 16 present in this good quality class.  Black/brindle – lovely clean front, nice length of leg. Short coupled due to good angulations, enabling good movement. Keen, feminine expression with a nice length of muzzle.

Potteries SBT Club Limit, 15 February 2009, Judge: Ian Wild (Wildstaff):
"The emphasis for me is on the condition and construction that satisfies my perception of functionality and health of a specimen within the scope of the KC Standard for our breed."
Open Bitch – 1^st Willowstaff Barbed Wire. Black brindle of standard size and weight with feminine head of good proportions, good pigmentation, excellent dentition – large teeth, well placed round eyes and good ear carriage, very clean throughout.  Good straight front, correct depth of brisket, good length of back with a close coupling, nicely tucked into the loin, correct length and bend of stifle enabling her to move purposely with level top line and good drive which won her the class and RESERVE BEST BITCH

East Anglian SBT Club Open Show, 9 Feb 08
Judge: Craig Dillon (Cragails)
Post Graduate Bitch - 2nd Willowstaff Poetic Justice. Balanced black/brindle without exaggeration.  Shapely/defined feminine head, good front, correct rib and taper, light in loin. Rear angulation conducive to stability and drive from the rear. A little tucked under in the croup/pelvis when stacked, but this did not affect her movement.
 

Willowstaff Poetic Justice (Meg)

John & Tracy Gregory's
Willowstaff Shades of Red (Izzy)
Crufts Qualified 2012
 

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open Show, 14 December 2008
Judge: Kevin Tittley (Garwstaff)
Maiden & Novice Bitch - 2^nd Willowstaff Shades of Red –
14 month brindle bitch - was a bit disappointed with this youngster as I have seen her in better condition. Neat ears, dark eye, straight front with a level top line. Nice feminine shape head with strong under jaw, nice size teeth with correct bite. Level top line which she held on the move. Fitness and condition were an issue. Moved and handled well.

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Open Show,
13 December 2009 Judge: Andy Land (Winzack)
Graduate Bitch - 1^st Willowstaff Shades of Red. Mahogany brindle/white blaze. Lovely pigmentation and dark mask. An all round nice bitch with well placed hocks and ample turn on the stifle, level top line, short coupled, good length and depth to rib cage. Straight front, correct head proportions and feminine expression with definition, moved ok. 

Notts & Derby District SBT Club Midsummer Match,
21 June 2010. Judge: Jo Ann Essex (Javawolf)

Willowstaff Shades of Red: Best Adult & Best in Match