There are many authorities
over the years to write a history of this
sensational breed. I do not for one moment
suggest that I am one of those authorities,
instead, what you are about to read on the breed
is sourced from others. Hopefully, there will
be enough information to satisfy a curiosity, if
not some more internet surfing, or see if you
can track down some good book. Suggested
authors are a John F Gordon, Vic Pounds and Mike
Homan book.
Origins
of the breed
(Source: SBT Lines &
Families, etc HN Bielby BSc, 1953)
Dog-fighting, as distinct
from bull-baiting, began in the early 17th
century when royal patronage was withdrawn from
baiting, and for the ensuring period of 100
years the only dogs used for fighting were the
bulldogs of the period which were gradually
decreased in size from 90 pounds and over to
around 50 pounds.
About the year 1800, an
attempt was made to improve the fighting dog by
increasing his dash and agility, without in any
way sacrificing his courage and tenacity; this
was accomplished by crossing the bulldog with
the smooth-coated "old English terrier", now
extinct, which was an active dog, quick in its
movements, and with all the instincts of the
terrier to kill. This cross had the desired
effect and from 1800 until 1835, when
dog-fighting was made illegal, this bull and
terrier cross gradually replaced the bulldog as
a fighter.
These dogs were somewhat
variable in size and build, as some owners
preferred the lighter and more terrier-like
animals, while others pinned their faith to
those approximately more closely to their
bulldog ancestor, but in general, they were
smaller than the bulldog, weighing perhaps from
30 to 40 pounds, and the muzzle was lengthened.
Round about 1850 the
Staffordshire (or as it was called then, the
‘Bull and Terrier’) was bred with the White
English Terrier, and possibly other breeds (such
as the Dalmatian), from which by selection the
Bull Terrier (white) was evolved. About the
turn of the 20th century, breeders decided to
produce a coloured dog shaped like a "white", so
they crossed the latter back to its ancestor,
the Staffordshire, and by selection for the type
required, succeeded in perfecting the coloured
Bull Terrier.
After
the Act prohibiting fighting was passed in 1835
dog fighting declined, though it still continued
to a lesser degree until a much later date; and
in certain districts - notably South
Staffordshire (the Black Country) - the breed
was extensively bred among the local miners,
chain-makers and iron-workers; and generally
acquired the name of the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier, under which title it was accepted for
registration with the Kennel Club in 1935.
Characteristics and Temperament
Every pure-breed dog has a
‘Breed Standard’. Within that Standard there is
reference to what are the characteristics
and temperament of the dog. The
following is that of the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier and some expert comment.
Characteristics:
Traditionally
of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly
intelligent and affectionate, especially with
children.
Temperament:
Bold, fearless and totally reliable.
H N Bielby writes:
“Generally speaking, the Stafford is not
indiscriminately aggressive towards other dogs,
but, if challenged, usually responds with
cheerful alacrity. His memory is long and, if
he has once been insulted by a member of any
other breed, he will harbour a dislike for all
members of that breed; if he encounters a member
of that breed in the show-ring, he must be
expected to express his disapproval of it in a
characteristic manner and this is NOT a reaction
to be penalised as long as his handler is in
full control of him. It must be remembered that
dogs that are quiet and peaceable when loose are
often much less so when on leads. Staffords
differ widely in their reactions; some will bark
and growl at a dog which has annoyed them,
others wait quietly, often appearing to be
half-asleep, and when the other dog gets too
close, will 'go in' in traditionally style,
taking owners and victims completely by
surprise. For this reason, sensible experienced
exhibitors of Staffords will not allow their dog
- or bitches, anywhere near other exhibits
unless they are quite certain that they can do
so safely.
It must
here be strongly emphasised that Staffords are
the most friendly and tractable of dogs where
humans are concerned and with children, they are
unsurpassed for their good nature; it is only
when challenged by an adversary should they show
their traditional toughness.”
A W A Cairns (Constones)
wrote in 1982 to the Southern Counties journal
"The Stafford": "It now seems that Temperament
is being equated with Aggression. The UK
Southern Counties Club motto is "Nemo me
impugn lacessit" - no one provokes me with
impugnity, although I prefer another Latin tag
which means "Slow in anger, resolute in
action". Both mean that a Stafford is not
an aggressor.
I have always properly taken
the greatest care to see my Staffords have been
well behaved in the show-ring and as a judge,
expect such behaviour even remonstrating to
handlers who cannot control their exhibits. A
good Stafford is not a lunatic so why should
they be permitted to behave like one in the
ring, or anywhere else for that matter? Whilst
a judge should penalise heavily any signs of
shyness or nervousness he should not permit
uncontrolled aggression."
Why do
members of the SBTC of Victoria love the
Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Let’s
make it quite clear - the Stafford is not for
everyone, even though today everyone seems to
think that it is the breed for them. So let’s
have a look a the down-side;
-
Can be very aggressive
towards other dogs.
-
Can be very demanding
upon their family for attention.
-
They have been known to
take over a household, including selecting
their own sleeping arrangements - read ‘your
bed is their bed!’
-
The Stafford is a
people dog. They hate being alone and
may fret for their family.
-
Have been known to
destroy gardens!!
Of the
above the first point is a real concern. The
Stafford is not
the dog for the kids to play ball with in the
park. Instead, (like all dogs) they should
always
should be kept on lead when in a public
place. The problem with the Stafford is that he
loves playing games. If in a game of rough and
tumble with an dog and things do get a bit
rough, the Stafford may decide to play serious.
Then you have a REAL problem.
If you
are keen gardener. Fine, you can train your
Stafford - but be warned, your garden will come
off second best until your training has achieved
its goal!
These a
some of the considerations that you must take
seriously before you venture into the world of
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The
upside we are talking about, in my extremely
biased opinion, is the foremost dog! The
Stafford is a robust, trusting, loyal,
intelligent dog ideally suited to the family,
single person, town, apartment, farm, etc, etc.
The dog is happy just being with you. He gives
you everything that a dog can give.
This wonderful, noble and
intelligent breed should always be referred to
by its name, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or
Stafford. Never, never Staffy!
Used
with the permission of the
SBTCV Inc
