STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

HISTORY

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in Great Britain, Where the dogs of the “bull and terrier” combination of the early nineteenth century were his immediate ancestors. The Bulldog of that time was a longer legged dog, more similar to the Stafford that descended from him than the Bulldog of modern times.

The terrier side consisted of the early English Terrier, which was bred from several of the basic terrier breeds. The combinations of these two types, bull and terrier, produced dogs of great proficiency for the sport of pit fighting, so popular with the miners and iron workers of the era. Bull and Terrier dogs were strong, agile and tenacious. What other qualities they might have possessed were of little or no interest at that time.

Unfortunately and unfairly, the stigma of its early occupation has been a difficult one for the Stafford to overcome. Unfairly, the Stafford ancestors were bred and taught to fight other dogs, and all instincts to do so were carefully nurtured by their owners. It was their way of life, and is what made them valued and respected.

When pit fighting was outlawed in Great Britain, it made these people take a speculative look at the breed they had created, and perhaps take notice of some of the other qualities these dogs possessed. Their intelligence, loyalty and devotion, they’re potential as the outstanding family dogs that under normal circumstances could make excellent farm and family protectors and companions.

Bullbaiting was declared an illegal sport by Great Britain’s Humane Society in 1833. This action was eventually followed by the abolition of pitfighting (one dog against another), which took considerably longer to enforce. It was in fact, close to a century later when the British police finally toughened their attitude in such a manner as to stage a real crackdown on the dog fighting activities.

The fighting dogs then came to be regarded in a different light, as they were allowed the opportunity to socialise with people and to learn what it was like to be a family dog. It was found that the Stafford, when not being goaded to fight, is a gentle, docile animal, devoted and eager to please. Probably for the first time, Stafford people were becoming acquainted with their puppies and dogs on a different basis.

A Staffordshire will fight and to the death when prodded and provoked into doing so by his owner, to whom he is devoted. He can be taught to fight, (as can any dog), but he is not a troublemaker and is not viciously inclined towards people. Stafford’s love people, adults and children, possessing a special rapport with youngsters.

Now the Stafford owners were turned to enjoying the loving loyal personalities of their dogs. It was soon found that this intelligent animal could bring great pleasure as a family guardian and companion.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was founded in may 1935, at the old Cross Guns Hotel in Cradley Heath. A group of 40 people met to plan and discuss the future for their dogs and the role they were playing.  

Jack Barnard owned the superb dog, Jim The Dandy, who served as the model for the breed standard drawn up by the club. During 1935, 174 Stafford’s were registered with the Kennel Club of Great Britain. In 1939, five Stafford’s gained their championship titles. They were CH Game Laddie, CH Gentleman Jim, CH Lady Eve, CH Madcap Mischief and CH Midnight Gift.

 

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier      A big dog in a little package