Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed late in the 18th century in the Staffordshire region of England, by miners who wanted a small dog with gameness for bull and bear baiting. It is a cousin to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. It is known today as an exceptionally affectionate family dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a stocky, muscular, powerful dog. Its build is medium, and shows athleticism. This breed stands about 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs from 24 to 38 pounds depending upon sex of the individual. This dog has a large, broad head, with prominent occipital muscles. The ears are small and are rose or half-pricked. The cheek and jaw muscles are also prominent; its lips are not loose as are those of a Bulldog, and this breed does not drool. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a thick, strong neck and shoulder region that tapers to a tucked up loin the last few ribs are usually visible under the skin. The hindquarters are heavily muscled and powerful. The dewclaws are generally removed on this breed. The tail is not normally docked and is low-set and of medium length; it is carried fairly low and curves very slightly. The single coat of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is smooth, short and close to the skin. It is seen in white, black, blue, red, fawn and brindle. It may be solid or a combination of any of the colors and white. Centuries ago, the mastiff type dogs and the bulldog types were combined to produce very large dogs used for the public sport of bull-baiting and bear-baiting. When this reached mass popularity during the Elizabethan era, the dogs weighed an estimated 100 to 120 pounds. In the early years of the 19th century the animal rights movement became more influential; by 1835 bull-baiting was outlawed in England, but it gave way to the popularity of dog fighting, which could be performed clandestinely and more easily concealed from the law. This became especially popular with the working classes as a way to engage in gambling, or simply to test the gameness of breeding stock. It was during this period that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed by Staffordshire miners who engaged in recreation of dog-fighting in their spare hours. The Staffordshire was bred by crossing the Bulldog and a smaller terrier that has common ancestry with the modern Manchester Terrier, to get a dog that was much smaller but retained the musculature, power and tenacity of the larger "bull and terrier"� dog breeds. Ironically the new breed was called the "Old Pit Bull Terrier"� in its early days. Although some of the bull and terrier breeds gained registry recognition in the 19th century, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was still known as a working class fighting dog, and so was late to the show world. It was exported to the United States in the 1880's for the purpose of fighting, and crossbreedings in that country resulted in the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, dogs which have not only a different physical appearance from the Staffordshire, but have temperamental differences as well. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was finally recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1935; dog fighting had long nearly died out, and the breed was being refined by those who appreciated the breed's strength and tenacity but were not interested in exploiting the aggressive tendencies. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was fast becoming a popular pet in its home country. A report released by England's Southampton University in 1996 named the Staffordshire Bull Terrier on of the 10 best dog breeds for families with children. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1976. Although the United States has only city specific dog breed bans in place, many countries have country-wide bans. It is interesting to note that in New Zealand, Australia and England, all of which have dangerous breed laws, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not categorized as a dangerous breed. Historically its dog fighting history was shorter-lived, and it has had many more decades of responsible breeding to turn it into a suitable companion dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have a daily walk outside the property to keep it exercised, physically and mentally sound, and well-socialized to various environments, people and other dogs. The coat does not need any special care; an occasional brushing and a bath when needed will suffice. The owner should take care not to overfeed this breed; keeping its weight down will avoid the development of musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis and spine problems. This breed is prone to several eye disorders including cataracts and disorders of the cornea, eyelashes, and vitreous fluid of the eye. Hip dysplasia should also be screened by the responsible breeder. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves to sunbathe on its back; unfortunately this sometimes encourages melanoma (skin cancer) to develop on the belly. The owner may wish to put sunscreen on the belly when the dog indulges in a little sun. Today's Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a loving, courageous, calm, friendly companion dog. It is especially popular for homes with children. It is suitable for any home environment, including the apartment; it is quiet and docile indoors. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Staffordshire is friendly with family and friends, and even strangers: it does not make a good guard dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does well with cats and smaller house pets. However, it was bred for many dark decades to be dog aggressive, and can be characteristically dominant with other dogs, and even resort to fighting on occasion. It is absolutely essential to socialize this dog while still a puppy, to accepting many other dogs in its world, so that this dominant tendency can be muted in the long run. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not for the beginner dog owner. This breed requires strong leadership and consistent training. The Staffordshire is friendly and loving, but it is also head-strong and tenacious, and will take advantage of a meek owner.

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