I first became involved with Staffords in the early seventies while still a schoolboy. I acquired my first Stafford off a man called Tommy McTaggard, her pet name was Judy. I then got a dog named Jaws from a man called S.Clake in Ballywater. This dog was out of Carrivale Castle Courier owned by T.Jardine. Although I had this dog's pedigree I did not get his KC registration form. This dog was one of the truest Staffordshire bull terrier's I have ever owned. He died in 1979.

A short time before this I bought a bitch from Alan Spence called Rendorn Queen Priscilla, she unfortunately developed a bad mouth. In 1980 I bought probably the best dog I ever owned, a dog called Tarzan. I did not have his papers but a true Stafford in every sense of the word. He died in 1987 with cancer to his stomach. In 1984 I bought a bitch to mate with Tarzan, but changed my mind and used an Eagry dog. The bitch was Anita's Black Lady and this got me interested with actually showing dogs which I have to admit was something I used to frown at. My first litter was 1986 and she had ten puppies, of which six survived, my pick was a brindle called Empress of Argyle. This was the first to carry the Argyle name which was the street where I was born and was very proud of. Her first show got her a first and Best Puppy at the N.I.S.B.T.C. breed show under J.Franklin in a class of fourteen. I later mated her to a dog called Rendorn Rocket Man and got three very good puppies, called Son of Encouragement, Argyles Troublesome Lass and Drummer Girl of Spenmar. The first two got stud-book numbers while the third produced some very nice animals including a CC winner. Troublesome Lass also gained a RCC and two Green Stars.

I haved judged six breed shows including one at the Irish Champion level. Three in Great Britain. I have attended a seminar on Stewarding and one on Canine reproduction. One Breed specific on Breed Standard and three KC required on Conformation & Movement, Hands on Assessment and Requirements of a Dog Show Judge. I am also listed on the 'Parent' Club and the NISBTC - A3 lists.

In 1990 after gaining another RGS, Kizzy dropped dead while walking on the River Boyne. This gutted me for a short time. I then decided to start again from scratch which was when I first met Robbie Hudson from Liverpool. His wife was showing a bitch called Manny's Dark Duchess, who I thought was superb. He used a dog that he showed me from veteran called Ch.Spartan Victor, owned by Rob & Yvonne Drummond. I was gifted with a pup who became Ch/Ir.Ch Szondu Ulster Maddy, who is the foundation of my dogs today, firstly Argyle then my new affix Loyalstaff.

Below are some of my best dogs that I have owned or bred: