INAUGURAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW!
Introducing our Judge - Mrs Ruth Prehn
My husband and I lived a rural community in Thompson, Ohio. We had many
dogs in the thirty five years we lived in Thompson. We have had an Airedale and
a West Highland White Terrier. They were followed by American Staffordshire
Terriers and Welsh Terriers and a few Jack Russell Terriers. We bred and exhibited
our Amstafs and the Welsh Terriers. I also did obedience and some weight pulling
with the Amstafs. . My husband passed away in 1997. I moved to Florida to get
away from our harsh winters in Ohio. I am on the Board of our local All Breed Kennel
Club, I am also on the Board of Directors for our Community Health Care Center and
involved in church activities.
In the early 70's we bought our first American Staffordshire Terrier from
William Petersen owner of Willynwood Kennels. We bought a six month old
black brindle male which we named Willynwood's Velvet Shadow. Thus was the
start of our love of the American Staffordshire Terrier. We became
interested in Dog Shows, breeding and various competitions with our four
legged companions. Shadow was our first Champion and he also earned an
obedience title. Two years latter we purchased a lovely bitch from
Rowdytown Kennels. We named her Rowdytown Jazz of Ledge Rock and she too
finished her conformation championship. Thus we blended the Gallant and
the Ruffian lines. This was the foundation of Ledge Rock Kennels.
I had two Bitches that did well in weight pulling. My Jazz would do weight
pulling, but liked Carting the best. She loved children and enjoyed
pulling them around in a wagon or cart. My other Bitch, Ch Ledge Rock's
Buckeye Velvet won a weight pulling contest against sled dogs at our
specialty in Philadelphia. She was all heart and never once let me down. I
also found the Amstafs did well in obedience. We finished many champions under
our Ledge Rock banner. Most of all we enjoyed our Amstafs for their
loyalty, intelligence and their versatility
In the late 80's I decided to study and become an AKC Dog Show Judge. I
applied to the American Kennel Club for judging approval in 1990. After
many years and hard work I now judge all the Terriers, most Toy Breeds,
Poodles and Best in Show.
Through the years I have judged in all areas of the United States at All
Breed Shows. I have also judged the American Staffordshire Terrier
Specialties through out the U.S. I judged the Mid West National
Specialty in 2002 with and entry of 257 Amstafs. I had the honor of judging
the Amstaf Specialty in Moscow twice. I also judged American Staffordshire
specialties in Germany, Belgium, Spain and Italy.
Through the years I saw many good changes in our American Staffordshire
both in conformation and temperament. Size is much more consistent and
movement has improved. I also see much better tail sets and tail carriage.
I am looking forward to my assignment in Perth, meeting the people, and
seeing all your wonderful American Staffordshire Terriers.
Yours Very Truly, Ruth M. Prehn
