The Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Staffy is a smooth-coated dog who has great strength for his size. He is muscular, but should also be active and agile. He is usually adoring within his family circle, but needs firm handling and constant training as he has a strong instinct to fight with other dogs. Evolved from the British Isles as a direct result of a cross between a Old English Bulldog and a smooth-coated terrier, possible the Black and Tan Terrier. Originally used for bull-baiting and dog fighting.
Temperament
Although individual differences in personality exist, there are some things that you can expect to find in the personality of every Stafford. They are tough, courageous, tenacious, stubborn, curious, people-loving and comfort-loving, protective, intelligent, active, quick and agile. They are extremely "oral" youngsters and need a safe alternative to furniture, toys and clothing for their busy jaws. Staffords love to play tug-of-war and to roughhouse, but YOU must set the rules and YOU must be the boss. This is not a difficult task if you begin working with your Stafford when she is a puppy.
Most Staffords, particularly bitches, make excellent watchdogs. Their alert, musclebound appearance is so striking that it's easy to forget that they are smaller than most American Pit Bull Terriers. As Steve Eltinge in the book, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier in America says, "When a Stafford shows its teeth in a snarl, it can be frightening." They look tough and can be a positive deterrent to thieves, but because of their natural fondness for people, most Staffords are temperamentally ill-suited for guard or attack-dog training." As with other members of the Bull and Terrier family, they can be the biggest people lovers in the world!
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier desires, more than anything else, to be with her people. Most adore a car ride, going on hikes and walks, enjoying a romp up the beach, and cozying up (or on) to you when you settle down for an evening of TV or reading.
History and Origins
Before the nineteenth century, bloodsports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and cock fighting were common. Bulls brought to market were set upon by dogs as a way of tenderizing the meat and providing entertainment for the spectators; and dog fights with bears, bulls and other animals were often organized as entertainment for both royalty and commoners. Early Bull and Terriers were not bred for the handsome visual specimen of today, rather they were bred for the characteristic known as gameness. The pitting of dogs against bear or bull tested the gameness, strength and skill of the dog. These early "proto-staffords" provided the ancestral foundation stock for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. This common ancestor was known as the "Bull and Terrier".
These bloodsports were officially eliminated in 1835 as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws. Since dogfights were cheaper to organize and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, bloodsport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against each other instead. Dog fighting was used as both a bloodsport (often involving gambling) and a way to continue to test the quality of their stock. For decades afterwards, dog fighting clandestinely took place in pockets of working-class Britain and America. Dogs were released into a pit, and the last dog still fighting (or occasionally, the last dog surviving) was recognized as the winner. The quality of pluckiness or "gameness" was still highly prized, and dogs that gave up during a fight were reviled as "curs".
Size & Weight
The dogs stand 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) at the withers and weigh 24 to 32 lb (11 to 15 kg) (male dogs are normally heavier).
Grooming Requirements
Minimal grooming is necessary to keep his coat in top condition. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush. Rub down with a towel or chamois to remove loose hairs. Bathe only when necessary.
Exercise Needs
These dogs need activity to keep their hard-muscled physique and are happy to join their owners in jogging or other sports.
Health Issues
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a relatively hardy and healthy breed with just a few health problems to look out for. This includes entropion, cataracts, HD, and thyroid problems. Care should be taken in extreme temperatures, as this is a short haired breed that will not fare well in extremely cold or hot environments. The parents of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a life expectancy of around 12-14 years.
Trivia
When bull-baiting and dog fighting were outlawed in Britain, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed along gentler lines as a companion dog.
.gif)
