Staffordshire Bull Terriers
This article is Copyright 1995-1996 by Becky Taylor McGovern.
Revisions:
Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club for a copy of the Standard.
The old-fashioned Bulldog was a fierce, courageous animal used in the "sports" of bear and bull baiting as early as the mid-sixteenth century. When these "sports" fell from public favor and were outlawed, their supporters turned to dog fighting and sought to create a sporting dog that, while retaining the legendary courage and ferocity of the Bulldog, would incorporate the greater agility of the terrier.
Terriers thought to have been used in the cross are the Manchester Terrier and the now-extinct English White Terrier. In addition, crosses with various of the old working terriers were made.
Because of the attentions of different groups of English fanciers, two distinct types of Bull and Terriers arose and by 1900, they were easily distinguished. James Hinks' elegant white dogs, produced by crossing the old Pit Bull Terrier with the English White Terrier (and some say Pointer and Dalmatian), were recognized by the Kennel Club (England) and the American Kennel Club at the turn of the century. This "White Cavalier" is known today as the Bull Terrier. The other Bull and Terrier - the Stafford, which was owned by the common man - was not as easily "legitimized."
Fanciers of the "working class dog" met in England in 1935 to form a club for Staffordshire Bull Terrier fanciers and draw up a Breed Standard. In 1938, the first Championship Points were awarded in Birmingham. The first Staffordshire Bull Terriers brought to the United States lived their lives out simply as companions; it was not until 1975 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a registerable breed that could be shown outside of the Miscellaneous Classes. The first SBT to be registered in the American Kennel Club Stud Book was the dog, an English Import, Champion Tinkinswood Imperial; the first American Champion was a bitch - the Australian import Northwark Becky Sharpe.
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.
Whatever the activity, "from the time it awakens in the morning until the quiet of night, a Stafford lives life to the fullest." (The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, by Steve Eltinge)
Care of nails, ears, teeth and anal glands are the same as they would be for any other breed (beginning when young and attention on a regular basis).
The Stafford is not a dog that tolerates weather extremes easily. Because of its short coat, it prefers plenty of shade and water on sweltering summer days (a child's wading pool has been a popular choice in the past; supervised of course). Its Bulldog ancestry and brachycephalic (short-headed or broad-headed) respiratory system can contribute to overheating. Watch carefully to be sure that your Stafford doesn't become overheated during intense play in the summer; if she appears to be wheezing or gasping for air, find the nearest source of cold water and soak her to lower her body temperature.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers can boast a number of obedience degrees and are "quick studies," provided the trainer utilizes a positive, creative approach. Staffords are smart with a capital S. Young puppies enrolled in Kindergarten Puppy Training classes can begin to learn good habits and mix with other puppies. In addition to AKC obedience competition, Staffords have been successful Therapy Dogs, participated in Agility Competitions and even "gone to ground" with other terriers!
Staffords are exuberant, impulsive, sometimes bull-headed ... and surprisingly sensitive. A trainer must learn to be persistent, patient, and firm. Rome wasn't built in a day and a great deal of ground may be lost in trying to adhere to the sort of inflexible techniques and rigid timeframe advocated by some training books. Excellent training suggestions are provided in some of the resource books listed in this FAQ, and in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, Inc.'s magazine, Staff Status, which includes a regular training column in each issue.
Basic obedience training (at the very least) is a must for any Bull and Terrier. It helps to maintain control in unexpected situations. Because of their impulsive natures, the other cardinal rule of Bull and Terrier ownership is "always think ahead." An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Some eight or nine varieties of dogs come within the general classification of Bull Breeds. Although all lay claim to the Bulldog as a common ancestor, there are physical differences that make each distinct from the other:How are Staffordshire Bull Terriers with children?
- Size - The American Staffordshire Terrier is a much larger, leggier dog - often twice the size of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! The Bull Terrier standard does not include size restrictions and dogs from 35 to 100 pounds have been seen. However, the breed generally weighs in between 40 and 55 pounds, making it larger then the Stafford. Pit Bull Terriers also range widely in size; the early breeders preferred a smaller dog the size of a Stafford and today the American Pit Bull Terriers which are registered and exhibited seem to run on the smaller side. Others, dually registered as American Staffordshire Terriers with the AKC (Pit Bull with UKC) are larger.
- Ears - The American Staffordshire Terrier is exhibited in the United States with cropped ears, as are some Pit Bull Terriers. The ears of the Bull Terrier are naturally erect and supposed to be thin and erect. Erect(or prick) ears are a serious fault in Staffords, whose ears should be "rose" (like those of an English Bulldog) or half-pricked.
- Head - The heads of American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are similar, although the cheek muscles on most Staffords seem to be more pronounced, and the head deeper through. The head of the Bull Terrier is entirely different. When viewed in profile, it resembles an egg turned on its side and is much longer than that of the Stafford. The cheeks of a Bull Terrier are not pronounced.
In England, the Stafford is known by the affectionate nickname, "The Children's Nursemaid" or "The Nanny Dog." Their tolerance of, and affection for, children is well known. That doesn't mean, however, that it's a wise idea of put the puppy and child together without supervision. Children should learn to respect the dog and neither should indulge in play that is too rough. Some Staffords - even the males - have a "mothering instinct" and will stick right by the little ones, whether they are puppies or kids. A Stafford, "tough" and not as quick to react to pain or discomfort, is likely to make allowance for the attentions of toddler, finding a refuge only when things become too overwhelming.Can I keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in an Apartment? How much exercise will she require?
Staffords can make a home with you anywhere; they are happy as long as they are with you. They are an athletic dog, however, and need more exercise than most dogs. Bursting with energy, they need vigorous exercise every day! A long, brisk walk on leash (or harness - a useful alternative for some) will give you both a workout. Staffords love the heady freedom of being allowed offlead for a run, hike or romp and it's delightful to watch them. Of course, it's a good idea to make sure that they'll come back when you call them, first.Are Staffords a noisy breed?
Staffords, in general, are not noisy dogs. They may bark or "talk" while playing, or to alert you of a visitor. However, they are "quick studies" and if you have another dog in residence and THAT dog is a barker, your Stafford will probably pick it up.Can I keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with another dog or with a cat?
Staffords, like members of any other breed, are individuals. While some may live peacefully with other animals, some will not. Puppies brought up with cats and other dogs generally do well. If bringing an older Staffordshire Bull Terrier into your home, first introduce the dogs away from the house in a neutral area. It should be easier to bring a Stafford into your home than bringing a strange dog into the home of a Stafford. Encounters should be supervised and the dogs observed to determine how a heirarchy develops.Should I consider a male or a female?
Both will offer much love and affection. Females tend to be better watchdogs; males tend to be larger. No matter which sex you select, spay or neuter if you have decided not to breed or exhibit your Stafford.What sorts of toys are safe to give my Stafford?
There are no such things as "indestructible dog toys" for Bull and Terrier breeds. But some have tried these: Bowling balls or big Nylabones. Anything else might be chewed up, swallowed or destroyed in short order.
Fleig, Dieter, Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Denlinger's Publishers Ltd.
Gilmour, Danny, The Complete Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Ringpress, 1994.
Gordon, John F., The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Owner's Encylopedia, Pelham Books Ltd., 1977.
Gordon, John F., The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pelham Books Ltd., 1984.
Gordon, John F., Staffordshire Bull Terriers, W& G Foyle Ltd., 1964.
Gordon, John F., The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Arco Publishing Co. 1975.
Morley, W. N., This is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, TFH Pub., 1982. The first part of the TFH version was published simultaneously in England by David & Charles (Publishers) Limited, Brunel House, Newton Abbott, Devon, England.
Nicholas, Anna Katherine, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, TFH Pub., 1994.
Nicholas, Anna Katherine, The Staffordshire Terriers, TFH Pub., 1991.
Pounds, V.H. & Rant, Lilian V., Staffordshire Bull Terriers: An Owner's Companion. The Crowood Press, 1993.
