My name is Zak Hylerstedt Stomberg, and my journey with dogs began long before I owned one myself.

Growing up, my grandparents had a Dachshund that we used for hunting. I loved spending time with that dog, but unfortunately, I couldn’t have my own since my mother was allergic. Still, my fascination with dogs remained strong.

When I was 20, my neighbor was dating a French Bulldog breeder. One day, she brought over a 12-week-old puppy, sired by the Multi Champion Maik Janoel. Not long after, we entered into a partnership where I prepared Eternal Star’s Sweet Goliat for his show career. I also had the pleasure of caring for Maik for over six months—a truly exceptional dog who left a lasting mark on the breed here in Sweden. Having those dogs at home confirmed what I already felt deep down: I was ready for a dog of my own.

Around that time, my partner's uncle had an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Energetic and full of love, that dog was my first real encounter with the type. Curious, I began researching the breed and soon discovered the American Staffordshire Terrier. The more I read and studied photographs, the more certain I became—this was the breed for me.

In 2005, I began contacting breeders in Sweden. At that time, there were only a few, and litters were limited. After several calls and email exchanges, we were invited by Ludwig Tercha to meet the dam of an upcoming litter, as well as the rest of his pack. Based on our living situation and experience, Ludwig selected a puppy for us. A few weeks later, in the middle of a snowstorm, we drove to pick up Tercha’s Xtra Vaganza (Fantomax Tipit Z x Hanky Tercha’s Two Step Ahead).

Two years later, after separating from my partner, we decided that Miilo (as we called her) would stay with her. Still, Miilo remained part of my life until she passed away at the age of 11. She was the beginning of everything that eventually led me to where I am today.

Around this time, I also met Adrian Hardon of Sugar Daddy's Kennel—the first to import an American Staffordshire Terrier from the USA to Sweden. I am fortunate to still call Adrian a friend, nearly 20 years later.

It didn’t take long before I found myself spending hours each day studying the breed, reaching out to breeders worldwide to gain knowledge and mentorship. Some of them, sadly, are no longer with us, I am forever grateful to all the wonderful breeders who have been there for me over the years, generously sharing their knowledge—even in emails that could have filled pages.

A few years later, I came into contact with Nicky Hilferink from Holland, founder of Moonrising Am Stafs. Who would have thought that this would be the beginning of a friendship that has lasted for more than 15 years? Over the years, Nick has visited me several times in Sweden. The first visit was 12 years ago, when he brought with him one of the most beautiful Ruffian females I have ever seen—world-renowned VICE WW12 CH SunBolt Miss America. Being trusted with Chiquita, who stayed in my home during the show weekend, was a milestone in our friendship.

On his next visit, he entrusted me with yet another world-renowned dog: EUW BISS MULTI CH Staff O’Class Find Me In Paris. For those who never had the chance to meet these two dogs in person, I can assure you that their mentality was every bit as impressive as their beauty.

I have always valued the history of the breed—learning from old books, articles, and most importantly, through meeting breeders and their dogs in person.

For more than 10 years, I dedicated countless hours to researching something very specific: documenting studs from around the world preserved through frozen semen. Out of respect for those who preferred not to share publicly, my “inventory” was never published. That personal project has since been retired, but what I can share is that my list included about 140 studs.

This work came from my passion for the history of the breed and from the belief in the importance of not only preserving pure bloodlines but also broadening genetic diversity for the future of the American Staffordshire Terrier. I remain deeply impressed by the foresight of breeders back in the late 1980s who began collecting and storing studs for decades to come. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who preserved such a vital part of our history—passing it on to future breeders and helping ensure the breed’s future.

Three Memorable Trips;

Italy 2007 & 2008 – East Coast Kennel (Fabio & Barbara Ruccio)

Visiting Fabio and Barbara Ruccio at East Coast Kennel was unforgettable. Seeing their dogs in person—many either pure Ruffian or closely related—left a lasting impression. Among them, CH Mississippi Red Ispanico I° and several offspring of CH Sunbolt Electric Skillet stood out.

It didn’t take long before I returned, this time staying for an entire week. I would never have expected such a warm welcome. Not only did I spend time with their beautiful dogs, but Fabio and Barbara also took me on a road trip along the Italian coast, making it a truly memorable experience filled with friendship, family, and passion for the breed.

Germany 2013 – Blazon Stone’s Kennel (Ralf Treutinger)

In 2013, I visited Ralf Treutinger of Blazon Stone’s Kennel—an iconic breeder known for producing dogs with working capabilities in obedience and protection.

There, I had the honor of meeting DE&VDHCH Blazon Stone’s Great Pleasure SCHH1 BH AD, daughter of Blazon Stone’s Blaze of Glory SCHH3 IPO3 BH AD FH. This was the first time I encountered AmStaffs of this type.

I was also fortunate to meet X-Pertise Darth Vader, bred by Peggy Doster of X-Pertise Kennel (USA). Beyond the dogs at his kennel, Ralf invited me to an IPO training camp, where I witnessed Devil’s Daughter from Pandora’s Box IPO3 SCHH3 AD FH-2 in action. Seeing the incredible bond between her and her handler was a defining moment for me.

USA 2017 – Esoteric Kennel (Al Bincarousky)

My 2017 trip to North Carolina to visit Al and Sonia at Esoteric Kennel was truly a dream come true. After years of contact online, I finally met Al in person—someone I had long admired, and the only person with whom I could endlessly discuss pedigrees and breed history.

This trip was arranged after Carla Restivo (Sagebrush Kennel) and Al decided to sell the first offspring of CH Sagebrush Tacoma Danni to Europe. That male, Esoteric Tacoma Johnny Blaze II (CH Sagebrush Tacoma Danni × Esoteric’s Tacoma Tipsy AD AX MXJ CA CGC TT SOLOIST), was purchased by someone I knew—with my assistance—creating the perfect opportunity to finally visit them in person.

I am still deeply grateful for their hospitality during that week. I was welcomed into their home, spent hours exploring Al’s impressive collection of AmStaff memorabilia, and even shared my bed with the legendary Retro's Riptide BH SCHHA IPO3 AD CD CGC TT—a dog who impressed me in every possible way.

Besides meeting her, I was also blessed to meet:

• Esoteric’s Tacoma All-A-Blazed BH IPO3 FH1 TR3 AD CD NAJ BN DN DS SJ USJ CA SOLOIST CGC TT

• Esoteric’s Mississippi Dixie Lady BH IPO3 TR1 AD SOLOIST CGC

• Retro’s If You Have To Ask CD BH TT CGC

• Mississippi Red Kimana AX AXJ CGC TDI (Ataxia Clear)

• Mississippi Red Amy Weber Polly MX MXJ MJB CGC TDI

• Rounder’s Sparkling Gem at Esoteric

• Esoteric’s Tacoma Tipsy AD AX MXJ CA CGC TT SOLOIST

• Esoteric’s Tacoma BJ AD

That week remains one of the most important milestones in my journey with the breed.