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Stafford Info
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Tough But Loveable
Readers of Dickens’ tales are, no doubt, familiar with “Bill Sykes’ dog”. That dog of exceptional character was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier…..
THE Stafford, as he is known to his fanciers, is a medium-sized, compact, short-coated dog and at maturity should resemble a ‘square solid block of concrete’. He is well suited to both urban and rural American life and climate. Full satisfaction of ownership develops when he is allowed free movement within the home, as then he quickly becomes a close member of the family circle, giving undreamed of affection and devotion. He is powerful and courageous and has a capacity to endure pain which is approached by no other breed. He possesses a particular love of children and is often referred to as the ‘nursemaid or nanny dog’ – in your presence he will accept visitors with friendliness but he fears no man or beast and will deter any trespasser. He excels as a vermin killer and given a fair chance, can run down a rabbit and can bring a full-grown wild pig to ground. Considering his solid build, he shows fantastic speed.
He was conceived in the ‘Black Country’ of England (Staffordshire) and his principal ancestors, as far as can be ascertained, were the English Bulldog of the early 1800‘s and the now extinct English Terrier – he was called the ‘Bull and Terrier’ or ‘Pit Terrier’, and highly prized for his fighting ability. Unlike his cousin, the White Bull Terrier, evolved by Carl Hinks of Birmingham, England (using the Stafford and English White Terrier (now extinct) in the middle of the nineteenth century for the Gentlemen of the day, the “Stafford” did not gain a firm footing in the dog world until the 1930’s, due to his unsavory reputation for fighting and violence as the favorite breed of the ‘sportsmen’ who kept the ‘sport’ of dog-fighting going long after it had become illegal. His name, therefore, became associated with ruffians and people who cared little for his wonderful virtues as a dog, only his ability to fight.
The “Stafford” is clean in habit, easily house-trained and his close short coat is easily kept by a light brushing and occasional bath. He is amendable to proper training and discipline but it must be emphasized that he has a mind of his own and an ability to think for himself.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier – the all-purpose dog – the King of Canines.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
More than 200 years ago, a bulldog crossed with a terrier produced a dog that would become the favored breed in England. Anyone attending the famous Cruft's Dog Show will find that the Stafford, as they are known, has one of the largest entries of any breed exhibited at this show, with more than 700 Staffords.
In the United States, the breed has become more and more popular as people discover the intelligence, loyalty, courage and affection for family and children in particular that this wonderful breed exhibits. Brought to the United States in the 1960's, the Stafford continues to rise in popularity. It's compact size, steady temperment, and devotion to it's family make the Stafford "The foremost, all purpose dog."
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