The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, often more fondly referred to as the Staff, Staffie or Stafford, is somewhat more of a "cult" than a breed. *g* Those who are either enamoured or "owned" by one of these adorable creatures are more often than not blind to the existence of any other breed. Why? Because they have the ability to charm and can quite frankly melt your hearts.
Tough, stocky, boisterous and incredibly affectionate, Staffies do everything full throttle - eat, run, walk, play and LOVE! They are clear winners as one of Australia's favourite dogs. Once bull-baiters, modern Staffies are friendly to a fault, well behaved if trained early and adored by their owners.
HISTORY
Staffords, though adorable and loveable today, were originally bred for the purpose of bloodsports such as bull-baiting and bear-baiting. Bulls brought to market were set upon by dogs as a way of tenderising the meat and providing entertainment for the spectators; and dog fights with bears, bulls and other animals were often organised as entertainment for both royalty and commoners. The early Staffs were not bred for the handsome visual specimen of today, rather they were bred for the characteristic known as gameness. The pitting of dogs against bear or bull tested the gameness, strength and skill of the dog. These early "proto-staffords" provided the ancestral foundation stock for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. This common ancestor was known as the "Bull and Terrier".
At the introduction of animal welfare laws which made this act then illegal it was discovered it was cheaper and far easier to arrange dog fights. These fights were also easier to conceal from the law and so therefore dogs were pitted against each other instead of the larger bulls. Dogfighting or pit-fighting often involved gambling, with wagers placed on the animal most likely to be left standing at the end. They were released into a pit and the last one still fighting (or even surviving) was the winner. An abhorable sport that is thankfully made illegal in most countries today, though sadly it the "sport" (which I term very loosely) still clandestinely take place.
However, despite its deplorable history as a pit-fighter the Staff today is a far cry from the animal (its) history depicts them to be.
The English Staffordshire was shipped to the US where it was bred with the American PitBull to produce the American Staffordshire (commonly known as an AmStaff). Despite this fact, the English Staffordshire bears little resemblence characteristically to the AmStaff or PitBull but by association.
APPEARANCE
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the result of breeding between the Bulldog and the English Terrier, now extinct. As the original Staffordshire breed it originates from England and is a medium-sized, stocky, muscular dog with athletic ability. With a broad head, defined occipital muscles, short foreface, dark round eyes, cute small ears and very pronounced cheek muscles the Staff is more commonly known for its wide mouth often referred to as a "smile" when open. Their lips show no looseness and very rarely drool (which is always a good thing....lol). Staffies are well muscled in the hindquarters with a strong tail which resembles an old fashioned pump handle - and that never EVER stops!. Coat colours are red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or brindle with white is also acceptable. Staffies stand about 35-40cm (14-16") at the withers (or back). Dogs weigh 13-17kg (30-40lb) and bitches 11-15kg (25-35lb). Staffs can suffer from health problems common to other dog breeds including cataracts, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia and breathing problems. But overall they are a very healthy breed.
However Staffies are known to be at risk from melanoma, often seen in the stomach area as Staffys love to sunbathe on their backs.
TEMPERAMENT
Every dog is indeed different and has individual personalites, though common traits do continue to exist throughout Staffs. Due to its breeding, Staffs are known for its character and indomitable courage, high intelligence and tenacity. They love people and being with people, and with children in particular. And with its trustworthy stability and also quiet nature make the Staff a wonderfully all-purpose dog. It has been said that "No breed is more loving with its family". (Fogle, Bruce (2002) Dogalog, Dorling Kinderley Ltd., London, pp. 182)
Staffs are naturally muscular and may appear intimidating; however, because of their natural fondness for people, most Staffords are temperamentally ill-suited for guard or attack-dog training. They are very human-oriented and loyal, although they can be aggressive to other dogs. Responsible owners should never let their Staffs off the leash in public places.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier appeared in the top 10 breeds most suitable for families and especially children in a report researched and published by Southampton University in 1996. This breed is highly intelligent, eager to please and very people friendly. In fact they are most happy when pleasing their human friends. It adapts readily to most situations making it the foremost all purpose dog. Staffie pups are very easy to house train.
However, due to the nature of its breeding for baiting and fighting purposes coupled with the press reports of dog attacks citing the Staff as a dangerous dog. Many countries have a Dangerous Dog Act which therefore make it illegal to own breeds such as the Pit Bull (the UK and Australia are just two). Whilst this is the case, there are certain fears now that breeders are re-naming their PitBulls as Staffordshire Bull Terriers to avoid prosecution (Maurice Chittenden (8 February 2009) "Sleeping baby Jaden Mack mauled to death by family terriers", The Sunday Times). Also, the description 'Staffordshire bull terrier cross' is frequently a euphemism for a dog such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, giving the original Stafford a bad name.
And while the Staff is often subject to breed bans worldwide that target the Bull and Terrier family, Australia, England, and New Zealand make clear a distinction between the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier and thus are exempted from Breed Specific Legislation.
To quote UK RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans: "Staffies have had a terrible press, but this is not of their own making - in fact they're wonderful dogs. If people think that Staffies have problems, they're looking at the wrong end of the dog lead! When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Our experience suggests that problems occur when bad owners exploit the Staffie's desire to please by training them to show aggression".
MAINTENANCE/CARE REQUIREMENTS
Low-maintenance pets (except at bathtime...lol), staffies are happiest indoors with the family; they shed little hair and are easily house-trained. Fortnightly bathing is adequate if the dog spends most of its time indoors. While they enjoy a walk (20 minutes is ideal), most are also happy lounge lizards.
IN SUMMARY
Staffies are most suited environments where they are a member of the family. They are not a dog to be tied up or left to their own devices to amuse themselves. They are strong, enthusiastic dogs and may bump over smaller children in their excitement, but are overall a loving and fiercely loyal breed.
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