Let us just introduce ourselves.

We, Max and Steffie have been active in the "dog business" for dozens of years. A hobby absorbing all our leisure. For Steffie it all started with sporting-dogs and for me everything began in 1952. I started with Bouviers de Flandres and German Sheperds, but I soon began to interest myself in the French Bulldog. You should realize that in those early years, the American Staffordshire Terrier was a totally unknown breed in the Netherlands. Unfortunately I should say! How we had wanted for us to have started earlier with this "all American dog".

It really got serious in 1963 when "The Big Ones" kennel was established. A kennel of French Bulldogs. Great successes were obtained at dog shows, resulting in various champions. The atmosphere of the showring had been tasted once and it tasted so good as to make you want more! A provisional peak was the European championship with the male dog Duco van ’s-Gravenmade. A dog that was used to winning, for he already held the titles of: International Champion, Belgian Champion, Dutch Champion, Luxemburg Champion and French Champion. A big competitor in those early years was "sly old dog" Prince Von Ratibor und Corvey. A wealthy German breeder, having much experience and knowledge.

In connection with my "law studies", with notariat as field of study, it was out of necessity that breeding and training dogs were put on a back burner. However, the tendency was set and for me it was clear that, as soon as time permitted, I should, or better, had to "enter" the ring!

My second hobby, birds, was not as time-consuming as dogs. From my twelfth birthday onwards I had a passion for breeding and showing birds. Even here success was bound to come soon. The provincial and Dutch Championships were obtained more than once. Knowledge and patience were finally awarded and resulted in the much desired title of "Wood-birds World Champion" in 1992 and 1993 and this even in the heaviest class, namely Major Goldfinches and mutation Siskins. Victory was gained with so-called Stocks of own breed. That is to say: four birds bred of a line as closely looking alike as possible. As far as birds were concerned, a goal had been reached instinctively. Higher than that was impossible. We are still enjoying the birds and particularly their singing. There are still eight large aviaries in our garden.

Why this explanation you may ask yourself as a right-minded lover of dogs. Well, it shows that we are lovers of animals in general and take great pleasure in breeding a good breeding product. Preferably a breeding product of our own and we can proudly say that we have succeeded in that, with birds as well as with dogs.

The urge to achieve is probably a virus which Steffie and I are infected with. For whereas I was busy with the birds, Steffie was active as a teacher of showdancing. Her approach resulted in no less than eight European champions in 1987 in Frankfurt, the cradle of the world of dancing. Having gained victories in the lion’s den! It was, however, with pain in her heart that she had to make a choice. The dogs, which were present in plenty again, required too much time. The dogs came first.

By a powerful and resolute approach, aiming at the highest possible, a plan of action was drawn up. This bore fruit within a measurable time. Also great national and international successes were obtained with the Am Staffs. With imported dogs and with our own breed. Dogs, which we bred and sold ourselves, obtained great successes and championships in the Netherlands as well as abroad. Looking back, we can say that we have clearly chosen for the dogs. A right choice? We leave the conclusion up to you. For us it is a settled thing. The question "Why Am Staffs then?", forces itself on us. The answer is "Life wouldn’t be the same without Am Staffs". We shall further go into this matter in the brief kennel description below and it will become clear to you then.