Our History
Zane Smith started judging at dog shows back in the 1970's when most All Breed Clubs would hold A Matches, where anywhere from 100-300 dogs (mostly puppies and young show prospects) could be entered on average across the six groups.
His first time judging was at age 16 years old (1979) when he judged all Terriers and the Terrier Group at Superstition Kennel Club’s annual match show. “When it came to the my judging the Terrier Group that day, there were 12 breeds represented, and I awarded the group to a Smooth Fox Terrier shown by the then 12 year old owner-breeder-handler, Amy Rutherford, who is today, a very successful All Breed Handler”.
“After judging a lot of these matches over several years and doing a tremendous amount of ring stewarding at AKC shows, as well as having shown my dogs in hundreds of shows and breeding a number of Champions – I was 22 years old when I first applied for Staffordshire Bull Terriers as a fully licensed AKC Judge.
I remember my original interview was with the very well known and respected AKC Field Rep at that time, Mrs. Kay Radcliffe. I don’t think anyone was seeing me become a judge at the age of 22, and it honestly met with a lot of resistance because of my age.”
"According to the AKC at that time,I was the youngest person approved as a breed judge in the modern day in the entire U.S.
At that point, there were only two Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder-judges in the U.S.: the now late Judi Daniels (Starzend)
and the late Dr. John "Doc" Martin from Indiana (Doc's Little Staffs).
I have judged Staffords now as a breeder-judge longer than in person in North America."
Zane Smith with Maj. John Turner (Jonuna -UK) and Tony Lee (Constones - UK) in England the day he judged Darlington Ch. Show
Judi of course, having had the first Champion in the breed in the U.S., the impressive dark brindle Australian import bitch from Jan Bruce, CH. Northwark Becky Sharpe (Aust Imp) as well as other Staffords such as Bringarry Dangerman (UK Imp), CH Gamecock Collectors Item and CH Trugrip Jezebel.
Dr. Martin had owned the first Stafford bitch to have ever placed in a Terrier Group in America, the beautiful red bitch, CH Kingsblood Royal Val. What fascinated me about the judging process, having watched it, and of course, handling dogs in it, was how a judge could (or could not) intelligently access a group of dogs and apply the breed standard to each exhibit in only a few minutes time, and then make a good decision with each class. What bothered me was that in my youthful view, I did not think the judging was consistent nor very intelligent in many cases, and I wanted to be better than that if I ever became a judge. Furthermore, I had shown dogs to so many judges, who I felt were inattentive, rude and completely disinterested in the dogs and the breed they were judging. I swore to myself that if I ever became a judge that I would be friendly, courteous and attentive to every dog and handler that I would ever judge!
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To further my education and exposure to the breed internationally, it was my good fortune to have spent almost my entire senior high school summer in England with the many friends I had made over through my teen years by the mail and phone. The first and foremost was my breed mentor, Albert Wood (Reetuns). Albert had exported Eng.CH Reetuns Lord Jim to us, who had been the Top Stafford in the UK in 1974.
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Zane Smith judging at Dudley & District KA in 1984, and given Best of Breed to then unknown dog, Cradbury Flash Boyo, who later became a UK Champion and Top Stafford
What fascinated me about the judging process, having watched it, and of course, handling dogs in it, was how a judge could (or could not) intelligently access a group of dogs and apply the breed standard to each exhibit in only a few minutes time, and then make a good decision with each class. What bothered me was that in my youthful view, I did not think the judging was consistent nor very intelligent in many cases, and I wanted to be better than that if I ever became a judge. Furthermore, I had shown dogs to so many judges, who I felt were inattentive, rude and completely disinterested in the dogs and the breed they were judging. I swore to myself that if I ever became a judge that I would be friendly, courteous and attentive to every dog and handler that I would ever judge!
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To further my education and exposure to the breed internationally, it was my good fortune to have spent almost my entire senior high school summer in England with the many friends I had made over through my teen years by the mail and phone. The first and foremost was my breed mentor, Albert Wood (Reetuns). Albert had exported Eng.CH Reetuns Lord Jim to us, who had been the Top Stafford in the UK in 1974.
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The story of how Lord Jim came to be exported to America is quite a story by itself. I consider having learned from many mentors and friends who included that summer, and throughout the years, all of whom I either traveled with, lived with or visited, including: Alec Waters (Ashstock), Joyce Shorrock (Eastaff), Freddie Phillips (Cradbury), Brian & Joyce Grattidge (Karjobri), Trevor & Brenda Rowe (Rowenda), George Earle (Judael), Eddie Pringle, John & Joyce Hemsley (Parkstaff), Jim Parsons (Tinkinswood), Brian Owen (Brystaff), Terry Giles, Ken Bailey (Benext), Tony & Clare Lee (Constones), June Horsfall (Dennybeck), Harry & Mary Coble (Surestaff), Mike Homan (Evaradee), Roma Williams (who owned Eng.CH. Christopher of Geneva), Bert Emmett (Elvinor), Gerry & Joan Holmes (Holmstaff), Elaine & Tec Norton (Tikkurilan), Vic & Betty Pounds, Lionel & Jo Hemstock (Jolihem), Les & Kay Aspin (Scarthwaite), Dr. Ian Davidson (Rothersyke), Jim & Nancy Bolton (Rapparee), Norm & Dorothy Berry (Rendorn), Norman Entwistle (Vencristo), Bryn Cadogan (Dogan). Harry Robinson (Hamason), Roger & Doreen Pugh (Rocellio) and Danny Gilmour (Dumbriton), among others.
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“I even had the privilege to meet Gerald Dudley (Wychbury) , a master of the breed in the early years, as well as Bill Boylan – who was a true original, instrumental in our breed from the start, and judging the breed in 1936! – both very elderly by then, both were a delight and still remembered so much at their ages. I spent literally hundreds of hours with these knowledgeable, opinionated and experienced men and women – absolute hallmarks of the breed – and saw hundreds of Staffords that no other American has, or will ever see in the flesh, nor most present day UK breeders and owners either. It was an experience that cannot be duplicated, and one that launched my education and experience into an entirely different level.
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In America, I was also able to spend time with Gwen Gallimore of Wystaff fame, once she moved from the UK to America following the passing of her husband in England. Gwen had taken the position of managing the famous Gamecock Kennels in Maryland owned by the late Claude Williams, who bred many worthy and influential Staffords in the early years in America, including CH. Gamecock Another Brinsley Lad, CH. Gamecock Collectors Item and CH. Gamecock The Great White Hope. Brinsley Lad was actually the first Stafford to ever place in a Terrier Group (4th) in the U.S. once there was full breed recognition in 1975. Although I never met Mr. Williams, I admired his knowledge and experience and many of the dogs he had bred and owned.”
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Zane Smith
Zane has been involved in purebred dogs since 1973, having originally owned an AKC registered Bulldog and Keeshond as a young child. The first dog he ever exhibited was a Keeshond in 1973.
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In 1975, Zane became involved with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the year the AKC granted full recognition to the breed in America. For over 45 years he has been involved in every aspect of the sport; from breeding and exhibiting to judging. His first Stafford Champion was Eng.CH Reetuns Lord Jim, who was #1 SBT in the U.S. in 1978 & 1979 and Top Stud Dog in 1980. To date "Lord Jim" is the only SBT in history to have been the Top SBT In England (1974) and any other country in the world. He was also the first SBT to ever win a Terrier Group in the U.S. (1979).
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Portrait of Zane Smith.
Zane has been involved in purebred dogs since 1973, having originally owned an AKC registered
Bulldog and Keeshond as a young child. The first dog he ever exhibited was a Keeshond in 1973.
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In 1975, Zane became involved with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the year the AKC granted full recognition to the breed in America. For over 45 years he has been involved in every aspect of the sport; from breeding and exhibiting to judging. His first Stafford Champion was Eng.CH Reetuns Lord Jim, who was #1 SBT in the U.S. in 1978 & 1979 and Top Stud Dog in 1980. To date "Lord Jim" is the only SBT in history to have been the Top SBT In England (1974) and any other country in the world. He was also the first SBT to ever win a Terrier Group in the U.S. (1979).
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Zane was approved by the AKC to judge Staffordshire Bull Terriers in 1985, at the age of 22, and is one of only a handful breeder-judges in the U.S. He is now approved for eight (8) breeds in the Terrier Group including American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, Border Terriers, Bull Terriers,
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Miniature Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers and Smooth Fox Terriers. Zane has also judged Championship shows throughout the world, including England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy and France.
Zane has been involved in purebred dogs since 1973, having originally owned an AKC registered
Bulldog and Keeshond as a young child. The first dog he ever exhibited was a Keeshond in 1973.
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In 1975, Zane became involved with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the year the AKC granted full recognition to the breed in America. For over 45 years he has been involved in every aspect of the sport; from breeding and exhibiting to judging. His first Stafford Champion was Eng.CH Reetuns Lord Jim, who was #1 SBT in the U.S. in 1978 & 1979 and Top Stud Dog in 1980. To date "Lord Jim" is the only SBT in history to have been the Top SBT In England (1974) and any other country in the world. He was also the first SBT to ever win a Terrier Group in the U.S. (1979).
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Zane was approved by the AKC to judge Staffordshire Bull Terriers in 1985, at the age of 22, and is one of only a handful breeder-judges in the U.S. He is now approved for eight (8) breeds in the Terrier Group including American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Terriers, Border Terriers, Bull Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers and Smooth Fox Terriers. Zane has also judged Championship shows throughout the world, including England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Italy and France.
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He has judged National Specialty shows in four countries as well, and is the only Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder from the U.S. to ever judge at the World Show (2012).
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Since the 1970's Zane's dogs have won more than 800 Groups & Group placements, including over 150 All Breed Best In Shows, as well as multiple National and Regional Specialties. In addition to his breed record holding Staffordshire Bull Terriers & American Staffordshire Terriers, he has also owned many Top Winning dogs, including a Multiple Best In Show winning Irish Water Spaniel, the #1 Neapolitan Mastiff in the U.S. in 2007, the Top Winning Tibetan Mastiff of All Time, and the #1 Miniature Bull Terrier (CH. Jiltrain Give Me A Clue) in the U.S. (2006) and several Champion Black & Tan Coonhounds. He also owned and imported from Hungary the #1 Komondorok Bitch in the U.S. in 2015.
His Staffordshire Bull Terrier, GGCH. & IR.CH. CUMHIL HELL RAISER, is the Top Winning Staffordshire Bull Terrier of All Time, with over 90 Terrier Group Firsts, and over 250 Terrier Group placings; and 7 All Breed Best In Shows and 8 Reserve All Breed Best In Shows.
His CH. Bullseye American Idol and CH. Bullseye Battle Hymn are two of the breed's biggest winners in U.S. breed history. Battle Hymn was the first Breeder-Owner-Handled SBT to ever win a Best In Show in the U.S. His CH. Bullseye Red Renegade was the first Breeder-owner-handled SBT dog to win a Terrier Group in the U.S. (1981) and his bitch, CH. Bulwatch Midnight Geisha was the first SBT bitch to win a Terrier Group in the U.S. (1984) and was the Top Winning Bitch in 1984 as well. Zane's SBT bitch, CH. Azzurra Inca Gold, was the first SBT bitch to ever win an All breed Best In Show in the U.S. as well. His UK Import, GGCH. Angranian Derry Mucker, is also the Top Winning Brindle SBT dog in U.S. Breed History and was #1 SBT in the U.S. for three years - 2010 & 2011 & 2012.
Zane has owned many Top winning American Staffordshire Terriers, including 6 Time All Breed Best In Show winner, CH. Fraja EC Gold Standard, Top AmStaff in the U.S. in 2000 & 2001, who went on to become a multi Best In Show winner and Top Terrier in Finland.
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GCH. Alpines Highwayman, he was #1 in breed system, the #1 AmStaff in 2010 & 2011 and winner of 25 All Breed Best In Shows and 2 National Specialties; GCH. and #1 AmStaff in the U.S. 2009, GCH. Gaff's I'm Here For The Party. He also co-owned the Top AmStaff in the U.S. for 2008, CH. Fraja NE Gold Ticket and his sire, the Top 5 AmStaff in 2008, CH. Masterbolt IOU Gold.
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Also not forgetting the #1 West Highland White Terrier In America, GCH. Lotrando Sunshine Celebration, winner of 21 All Breed Best In Shows and more than 80 Group Firsts and a Group 2 at Westminster KC.
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GCH & UK CH. Temora Ri Diercc, multiple Group winning Australian Terrier, was also owned by Zane.
Zane has judged AmStaff Specialties in France, Australia, Finland - and throughout the U.S. including the Kentucky specialty, Chicago specialty, Portland specialty, Great Western Terrier specialty, Westminster Kennel Club, Montgomery County Kennel Club and Oregon Terrier Association AmStaff specialties.
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He also owns the #1 Colored Bull Terrier in the U.S. in 2009, the Best In Show winning CH. Black Shark De Rocabull. Also owned the #1 Colored Bull Terrier and BIS winner, CH. Glentom Dirty Harry.
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In addition, he owns the #1 White Bull Terrier in America in 2015 & 2016, and Multiple Best In Show winner (7 Best In Shows) GCH. Lordbull Larry.
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In 2021, Zane owned the Best In Show and Multi Group winning American Staffordshire Terrier, GGCH. LBK'S Rebel & Proud Party Crasher.
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Interestingly, Zane is the only person in the world who has owned #1 dogs in all 5 Bull breeds/varieties in the Terrier Group - Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, White and Colored Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers
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Zane is the past President of the national breed club, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America and its former AKC Delegate. He is also a member and past Board member of numerous breed and all-breed organizations. He is currently the AKC Delegate for the Hawaiian Kennel Club. His dogs are featured in six internationally distributed books on the breed, including three front covers.
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In 1979, our red fawn bitch, CH. Reetuns Iron Maiden (UK Imp) won Best In Show at the SBTCA National show (pre-point specialties)
under UK breed authority Mr. Ken Fensom (Pitbul)
The entry was 56 Staffords and was held in Fountain Valley, CA.
Also in 1979, INT.CH. Reetuns Lord Jim won Best In Show at the Western Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society show in CA under UK breeder-judge, Mr. Vic Pounds. This was reported as the largest entry of Staffords ever shown in the U.S. (145)
The second largest entry in the U.S. of 110 Staffords was also won by Lord Jim under International UK Stafford Judge Mr. Ron Servat.
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First Stafford Brace to ever win a Terrier Group in the U.S.
CH. Reetuns Iron Maiden (right)
CH. Bullseye Forget Me Not (left)
Scottsdale DFA Show 1978
Zane Smith awarding Bitch CC at the Manchester Ch. Show (UK)
Int.Ch. Reetuns Lord Jim
Best In Show at the SBTCA Match in June 1977, defeating the largest entry of Staffords ever in the U.S. in Fountain Valley, California.
Handled By Owner Zane Smith at 14 years old.
In Mr. Servat's critique of Lord Jim he said"......this is probably the closest Stafford to the breed standard in the world."
Zane showing CH Catastrofes Touch Of Heaven - Canadian National Specialty
Ken Fensom
Zane Smith judging BIS at the Finland SBT National Show
Zane Smith & Barry Crowe with Reetuns Red Tornado & Reetuns Iron Duke as puppies.
Zane with Brian Grattidge (Karjobri - UK)
Left: CH. Angranian Derry Mucker
Middle: CH. Crossguns Black Eyed Pea
Right: INT.CH. Cumhil Hellraiser
At age 14, Zane Smith handling Legendary Cordon Bleu at the Western Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society show on December 4, 1977 in Los Angeles, CA.
Zane Smith with UK CH. Karjobri Black Pepper in 1981 in England
Pepper won BOB at CRUFTS
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Zane Smith, at age 18, handling Parkstaff Game Lord in England in 1981.
Zane Smith showing Game Lad in England.
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Zane Smith in Yorkshire, England in 1981 with Brian Owen and his dog, Brindles Lord and Vira Berry with her UK CH. Staff McMichael
Showing in the 1980's, the Ch. lineup included in picture:
Left to Right:
CH. El Macho of Los Gatos, handled by Woody Wornall; Karen Jacuzzi with CH. Magnus Perciville Rose; Zane Smith with CH. Bullseye Red Renegade; Brenda Kudray with CH. Rellim Brother Love (behind judge) and Jean Treadway with CH. Barzaks Lady Barbara
Zane pictured with Int.Ch. Reetuns Lord Jimt on the Front Cover of
National Dog magazine (May/June 1979)
CH. Legendary Beat Goes On
SBTCA National Specialty Best In Show
Shown winning here /owner/handled by Zane Smith at Devon Dog Show