Important Information on the Staffordshire Bull terrier Breed.
History.
The Staffie emerged around the 17th century from crosses between Bulldogs and terriers of the time. Due to the breeding the characteristics of both temperaments came through. The resulting offspring became known as the Bull and Terrier or Pit Dog. They came about when Bull and Bear baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s and the interest in dog fighting increased. Although they were known for their ferociousness and courage in the dog pits they made excellent family pets, being exceptionally good with children. They belonged to people from all walks of life, from lords to miners. Dog fighting wasn’t the only thing they were used for; they were also worked in badger hunting and as ratters. When these activities were outlawed some owners decided that they would try to maintain the breed by introducing them to the world of dog showing. A breed standard was created and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1935.
Intelligence.
The Staffie is an intelligent dog that is relatively easy to obedience train. They do have a stubborn streak so a degree of firm handling is required. They can also be quite headstrong and boisterous, especially during adolescence. Early socialisation is a must for this terrier.
Show Characteristics The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have a short head with a broad skull. The cheek muscles should be very pronounced and the nose should be short and black. The jaws should be strong, with large teeth, and have a complete scissor bite. The medium sized eyes should be round and dark in colour. The ears should not be large of heavy and should be half pricked. The neck is short, muscular and clean. The body is short, compact muscular and well defined with a level topline. They are wide at the front and deep chested with well sprung ribs. The front legs should be straight, well boned and set well apart; the back legs should be muscular with well bent stifles. The feet should be of medium size, well padded and strong. The tail should be low set, of medium length and should not curl. The coat should be short, smooth and close. The colours desired for the show ring are red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white.
Country Of Origin Great Britain
Characteristics
Energy High
Overall Exercise 100 - 120 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone High
Personal Protection High
Suitability As Guard Dog High
Risk of Sheep Worrying Medium
Tendency to Bark High
Ease of Transportation Medium
Level of Aggression Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals Medium
Suitable For Children
High
General Character And Temperament The Staffie is an intelligent and active little dog, which gets on well with children and adults alike. They can be quite vocal, so they must be taught when to stop. They should be socialised, especially with other household pets, and training started at an early age. The Staffie is a hardy dog full of stamina, not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if necessary. They are affectionate dogs, much preferring human company to that of other dogs, this can be seen more in the adult dog than the puppy. They can, and some do, retain their puppy character throughout their lives, making them quite a handful. With their great sense of humour, intelligence and the fact they are boisterous life is never dull with a Staffie around. They can be very destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time.
Grooming
Coat Length Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement Once a week
Trimming None
Requires Professional Groomer no
Grooming The Staffie is an easy breed to groom. Their shorthaired coats can be groomed using a rubber-grooming mitt once or twice a week.
Colour They can be red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white in colour.
Shedding Little
The Staffie emerged around the 17th century from crosses between Bulldogs and terriers of the time. Due to the breeding the characteristics of both temperaments came through. The resulting offspring became known as the Bull and Terrier or Pit Dog. They came about when Bull and Bear baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s and the interest in dog fighting increased. Although they were known for their ferociousness and courage in the dog pits they made excellent family pets, being exceptionally good with children. They belonged to people from all walks of life, from lords to miners. Dog fighting wasn’t the only thing they were used for; they were also worked in badger hunting and as ratters. When these activities were outlawed some owners decided that they would try to maintain the breed by introducing them to the world of dog showing. A breed standard was created and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1935.
Intelligence.
The Staffie is an intelligent dog that is relatively easy to obedience train. They do have a stubborn streak so a degree of firm handling is required. They can also be quite headstrong and boisterous, especially during adolescence. Early socialisation is a must for this terrier.
Show Characteristics The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have a short head with a broad skull. The cheek muscles should be very pronounced and the nose should be short and black. The jaws should be strong, with large teeth, and have a complete scissor bite. The medium sized eyes should be round and dark in colour. The ears should not be large of heavy and should be half pricked. The neck is short, muscular and clean. The body is short, compact muscular and well defined with a level topline. They are wide at the front and deep chested with well sprung ribs. The front legs should be straight, well boned and set well apart; the back legs should be muscular with well bent stifles. The feet should be of medium size, well padded and strong. The tail should be low set, of medium length and should not curl. The coat should be short, smooth and close. The colours desired for the show ring are red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white.
Country Of Origin Great Britain
Characteristics
Energy High
Overall Exercise 100 - 120 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone High
Personal Protection High
Suitability As Guard Dog High
Risk of Sheep Worrying Medium
Tendency to Bark High
Ease of Transportation Medium
Level of Aggression Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals Medium
Suitable For Children
High
General Character And Temperament The Staffie is an intelligent and active little dog, which gets on well with children and adults alike. They can be quite vocal, so they must be taught when to stop. They should be socialised, especially with other household pets, and training started at an early age. The Staffie is a hardy dog full of stamina, not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if necessary. They are affectionate dogs, much preferring human company to that of other dogs, this can be seen more in the adult dog than the puppy. They can, and some do, retain their puppy character throughout their lives, making them quite a handful. With their great sense of humour, intelligence and the fact they are boisterous life is never dull with a Staffie around. They can be very destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time.
Grooming
Coat Length Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement Once a week
Trimming None
Requires Professional Groomer no
Grooming The Staffie is an easy breed to groom. Their shorthaired coats can be groomed using a rubber-grooming mitt once or twice a week.
Colour They can be red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white in colour.
Shedding Little