About the Breed

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have consistently been one of the most popular choices of terriers and for good reason. They are renowned for the kind natures when they are around people in a family environment even though they were originally bred to be fighting dogs. Staffies have also become one of the most popular dogs in the show ring and luckily, this has not affected their traditional strong, rugged, muscular and much-loved looks. As a tribute to their ancestry, Staffies are shown wearing broad leather collars with brass emblems on them which depict Staffordshire knots.

Staffies are fun to have around and although boisterous by nature, through correct breeding, handling and training these small to medium sized dogs develop into lovely characters that boast big personalities. Staffies like nothing more than a warm lap to curl up on and an owner they can look up to for all the direction and guidance they need with loyalty and devotion. Despite the breed's early origins, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are renowned for being a lovely and loyal family pet as well as a trustworthy companion.

History

Staffordshire Bull Terriers share a common ancestry with Bull Terriers and as such they have a similar build. It is generally accepted that Staffies came about by crossing the Bulldog with the Black and Tan terrier with the end goal being to create a strong and courageous fighting and bull baiting dog at a time when both blood sports were extremely popular during the 19th Century. The founder of the breed was a man named James Hinks who continued to develop the breed by introducing Collies into the mix. The result was a different looking dog with quite a unique shape to their heads.

The breed remained popular right up to when blood sports were outlawed across the country, although clandestine events were still held in the poorer areas of cities and towns. Dogs of this type grew in popularity although many of them did not survive in the ring or were cast aside for having lost a contest.

Because Staffies were originally bred as fighting dogs, gaining recognition from the Kennel Club proved challenging and it was only in the 1930's that the Kennel Club officially recognised the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a breed in its own right after Staffy enthusiasts established an acceptable breed standard which was a small dog with a malleable personality and one that boasted a real eagerness to please. Today, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier remains one of the most popular family pets and companions not only in the UK, but elsewhere in the world too.

Interesting facts about the breed

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers a vulnerable breed? No, they are among the most popular companions and family pets in the UK
They were originally bred as fighting dogs
Staffies have Collie in their ancestry
Some Staffies can show aggression to other dogs
Staffies have very large jaws and need strong, good quality chews to gnaw on
They have extremely strong personalities and need to know who is boss