| The Staffordshire bulls are known for their great | | | | a more punishing head than the Bulldog. |
| strength because of their sizes. Their variety is | | | | In this light, fighting Bulldogs of that time were |
| muscular and stocky but is also known for their | | | | crossed with some terrier blood. The hybrid was |
| agility. Surprisingly, this breed is one of the two | | | | known as the Pit Dog or the Bull and Terrier. The |
| breeds recognized by the UK Kennel Club as very | | | | new cross breed became well known for their |
| suitable for children. Furthermore, their types ranked | | | | tenacity and courage, and despite their reputation of |
| 5th when it comes to dog popularity in the UK, | | | | being furious with other animals they were excellent |
| where the breed originated. Interestingly, Staffies are | | | | companions especially with children. |
| the only breed of dog that are "totally reliable" when | | | | The Staffie pit dog became a favorite of |
| it comes to standard of breed. The following are | | | | steelworkers and miners alike. The breed also |
| some of the basic facts breeders would really love | | | | provided chain makers of the "Black Country" with |
| to know about Staffies: | | | | extra income when worked against ratters or |
| Category: Terrier | | | | badgers. |
| Living Environment: either indoors or outdoors | | | | The enforcement of the Humane Act in 1835 |
| Coat: smooth (or silky like most terriers), dense, and | | | | completely prohibited sports like dog fighting and bull |
| short | | | | baiting. However, a group of men in the Staffordshire |
| Colors: black, brindle, red, blue, fawn; or any of these | | | | chose to maintain their breed of dogs by introducing |
| colors mixed with white | | | | them to the show business. |
| Height: between 14 and 16 inches | | | | Through the years, the breeders themselves |
| Weight: between 24 and 38 pounds | | | | changed the name of the dog into Staffordshire bull |
| Colors: brindle, blue, black, red, fawn, white; or any of | | | | terrier to differentiate its physique from the English |
| these with white | | | | bull terrier. However, the name of the dog was |
| Temperament: aggressive towards other animals but | | | | officially registered only in 1935 by the American |
| very friendly with children | | | | Kennel Club. |
| Health Issues: heat stroke, cataracts, and breathing | | | | In 1938, a couple of Staffies gained popularity as |
| problems | | | | Champions at the Birmingham National. The popularity |
| Care and Exercise Tips: | | | | of Ch. Lady Eve and were Ch. Gentleman Jim |
| • Bathe when necessary. • Brush their coat | | | | reached many established countries including France, |
| only occasionally using a brush with firm bristles. • | | | | Australia, Germany, Spain, Holland and even the USA. |
| Rub down their coat with a chamois or towel to | | | | Since then, Staffies became successful as show dogs |
| remove hairs that are loose. • Their physique | | | | and were very popular as compared to other terriers. |
| requires a regular exercise routine which includes a | | | | The Stafford bull terrier, yes, has become a popular |
| daily play time while on a leash. • They should be | | | | pet while still retaining reputations gained through |
| on leash while walking in public places. Origin/History: | | | | generations of fighting dogs bred for tenacity, |
| The Staffordshire bull terriers, also known as the | | | | courage, agility, and most importantly, its reliability and |
| Staffies, are known to have existed around the 17th | | | | great affinity with people especially with children. |
| century. Since dog fighting gained a surge of | | | | And today you can say that the bull is not so bully |
| popularity over bull baiting, it became a must to | | | | after all! In fact, the bull is totally reliable as children's |
| develop a breed of dog that is agile, strong, and has | | | | pets. |