Welcome
We are Nick and Kim Hilferink from Moonrising Am Stafs, our American Staffords are so much more than just dogs, they’re family, companions, protectors, and goofballs all in one. With every litter, we aim to raise puppies that are strong in body, sound in mind, and full of heart.
Over the years, Nick Hilferink has worked closely with Monique van Poppel of Quashee Kennel. Their shared passion for dogs has led to a long-standing friendship and collaboration that has taken them across Europe and the USA, building experience and a deep understanding of the breed along the way. Monique remains active in breeding Shelties under the Quashee name, while continuing to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for American Staffordshire Terriers.
We believe that a good AmStaff starts with love. That’s why our dogs grow up in a home environment, surrounded by people, daily routines, play, structure, and plenty of cuddles. They’re social, confident, and ready to take on life, whether that means cuddling on the couch or shining in the show ring.
We’re passionate about this amazing breed and love sharing that passion with others. On this site, you’ll get to meet our dogs, learn more about our way of breeding, and maybe even find your future four-legged family member.
So take your time, look around, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We’re always happy to chat about our dogs and the breed we love so much.
For more news about our kennel, please
visit our Facebook page.
Health Commitment
Our love for the American Staffordshire Terrier runs deep. This breed is powerful, loyal, playful, and full of heart – a true best friend in every sense.
Everything we do at Moonrising Am Stafs comes from that passion. We’re proud to share our lives with these amazing dogs and to help others discover just how special an AmStaff can be.
Breed Passion
At Moonrising Am Stafs, health always comes first. We follow all official health guidelines and only breed with dogs that are fully tested – including hips, elbows, heart, and DNA for hereditary conditions.
By choosing carefully and breeding responsibly, we give every puppy the best possible start in life – healthy, strong, and ready to thrive.
Show Success
We’re proud to say that our dogs don’t just have great personalities – they shine in the show ring too. Several of our AmStaffs are award-winning champions, recognized for their structure, movement, and presence.
These achievements reflect our dedication to breeding dogs that truly represent the best of the breed – in looks, health, and temperament.
Breeding Values
Breeding Values
At Moonrising Am Stafs, breeding is more than just pairing two dogs — it’s a thoughtful process driven by care, knowledge, and a deep respect for the American Staffordshire Terrier breed. We carefully select each breeding pair based on a combination of health, temperament, and conformation to the breed standard. Our goal is to produce puppies that are strong, healthy, and balanced in mind and body.
Health testing is a crucial part of our process. Every dog in our breeding program undergoes comprehensive examinations, including hip and elbow evaluations, heart checks, eye screenings, and genetic testing for hereditary conditions common to the breed. This helps us reduce the risk of passing on genetic problems and ensures our puppies have the best possible start in life.
Temperament is equally important. We only breed dogs with stable, friendly, and confident personalities, because we want our puppies to grow into well-rounded companions who thrive in family life and social environments. From an early age, our puppies are raised in a warm home setting where they experience everyday sights, sounds, and gentle handling. This early socialization is key to building their confidence and adaptability.
We believe in quality over quantity. Our litters are planned carefully, and we never rush into breeding. This thoughtful approach allows us to focus fully on raising healthy, happy puppies that live up to the high standards we set for ourselves and our breed.
Ultimately, our mission is to contribute positively to the future of the American Staffordshire Terrier by breeding dogs that not only look great but have the character and health to enjoy a long, fulfilling life with their families.
