Staffy Terriers: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

     Amongst the most popular breeds in the U.K. the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or Staffie) is a muscular, medium size breed of dog. The Staffie can trace its origins back to the Nineteenth Century as a fighting dog. Its popularity emerged due to a decline in the popularity of bull baiting and the rising popularity of dog fighting. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred specifically with dog fighting in mind, preserving the stocky, muscular body of the bulldog whilst elongating its head to make it more effective in the ring and was known as the Pit Dog or Bull and Terrier. Despite its courage and aggression in the ring the Staffie also developed a reputation for affection, particularly towards children, a fact that is preserved by the Staffie being one of only two breeds to have its characteristics defined by the Kennel Club as being good with children.

The Humane Act of 1835 did not stop dog fights from occurring but it start the process of turning the breed from a fighting dog into a family pet and show dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier acquired the "Staffordshire" part of its name due to the location in Staffordshire of the Cradley Heath Club which successfully pushed for its acknowledgement as a distinct show breed. The Staffies transformation from a pit dog to a family pet and show dog culminated in its acceptance by the Kennel Club as a distinct breed in 1935. The Staffie is now a very successful show dog, often showing well in the Terrier category. The breed still retains many qualities from its fighting days which are recognised by the Breed Standard including its muscular build, courage and tenacity.

In recent years the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has developed a strong reputation as an aggressive breed, and, particularly in the media, has been linked to attacks upon humans. Whilst there have undoubtedly been attacks by Staffordshire Bull Terriers on people this aggressive reputation is strongly contested by supporters of the breeds and by the RSPCA. Staffordshire breeders have argued that the Dangerous Dogs Act (which outlawed Pitbull Terriers) has lead to illegal breeders passing off Pitbulls as Staffies or "Staffordshire Crosses". The RSPCA has also blamed much of the breeds' reputation on irresponsible owners who view the breed as a "status dog" and encourage its aggressive traits. Although most supporters of the breed acknowledge that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be aggressive towards other dogs, they argue that this is understandable given its history as a fighting dog and that this aggression does not typically transfer into aggression against humans. Rather than being aggressive towards humans supporters of the breed portray the Staffie as an energetic, courageous and extremely affectionate breed that is very loving towards its family when raised and socialised properly. The Kennel Club describes the breed as being "highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children".

As with most dog breeds it is vital that the Staffie is trained and socialised properly. Because of their strong willed nature it is vital to teach the dog basic commands from a young age to install basic obedience. The Staffies natural aggressive tendencies towards other dogs mean that it is crucial that the dog spends time around other dogs from a very young age. Even when well socialised, however, it should still be watched closely when around other dogs and any "play fighting" should be broken up sooner rather than later.