ORIGINS

Written and pictorial history allows us reasonable grounds for believing that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has existed in the UK for the best part of 180 years. Due to the fact that no records were kept about dogs in the early years, the authentic story of his development is hidden. But, it is believed by a majority of Staffordshire Bull Terrier historians that the principal ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are the"Old English Terrier" and the "Bulldog". "Terrier" was a name basically given to any dog small enough and game enough to go under ground into drains and burrows in pursuit of foxes, badgers and the like. "Bulldogs" however were bred during the 16th and 17th century and used for the fashionable sport of Bull Baiting until it became illegal in 1835. Prior to the sport becoming illegal though, it's popularity began to wane towards the late 1790's and the owners of the Bulldogs began to turn their attention towards matching dog to dog instead of bull or bear. It was soon found that the tenacity and courage of these dogs was not sufficient to ensure the best results when pitting dog against dog. A lighter, more agile dog was better adapted to score at dog-fighting, where rapidity of movement counts for much. Some time around the early 1800's, the Old English Terrier and the Bulldog were crossed to produce a dog which was much lighter and more agile and quick in movement - the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The name "Staffordshire" is derived from the county where the breed originated - Staffordshire, in the UK. MODERN HISTORY About 1935, the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier club was officially launched. Headquarters were established at the OLD CROSSGUNS HOTEL, CRADLEY HEATH. An application was made to the Kennel Club to constitute the Club and was duly granted. A standard was then drawn up for the breed after long and careful discussion. The principal dogs used as examples when making the standard were "Fearless Joe"and "Jim the Dandy", along with lots of sketches, prints and photographs. CLICK HERE TO SEE ORIGINAL STANDARD or see below for today's standard. (BELOW - Fearless Joe & Jim The Dandy.) The first show to include Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the "Any Variety Terrier" class was at Cradley Heath in 1935. It had an entry of 26 and was judged by Mr Fred Holden (Freden). The placings were as follows. 1st - Birch's Monty (Later named Vindictive Monty) 2nd - Shaw's Jim (Later renamed Jim the Dandy) 3rd - Pegg's Joe (Later renamed Fearless Joe) 4th - Mallen's Cross Guns Johnson. (BELOW - Vindictive Monty.) The first CLUB show was held in August 1935, judged by Mr H.Bielby, with an entry of about sixty. The first CHALLENGE CERTIFICATES were available for Staffordshires in 1938. These were awarded to Mr Boxley's "Vindictive Montyson"and Mr Dunn's "Lady Eve" at Birmingham National Show by Mr Demaine. (BELOW - Ch. Lady Eve) The first BREED CHAMPION was "CH Gentleman Jim"owned by Joe Mallen (Crossguns). (BELOW - Joe Mallen and Gentleman Jim.) Although the Staffordshire has been in existence for such a long period of time, it is only comparitively recently that any authentic records have been kept.