BORDPOL STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS

Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Correct Dog for you ?

Before you buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy it is wise to ensure that this is the correct dog for you and your family. The Stafford is renowned for its affinity with humans and is particularly good with children. He is therefore a dog who is more comfortable sharing your home or indeed your lap, than spending long periods of time on his own in a kennel. It should be borne in mind that the cute little puppy you first brought home will mature into a powerful and muscular animal and the males particularly, require a strong arm to control the lead. Stafford's love human contact and will often be boisterous with visitors - you have to be prepared for the fact that not all your friends will appreciate this. Having a dog is a lot of extra work and responsibility and you need to be sure that you wish to commit yourself to your dog's welfare for its lifespan, which on average is between 10 -15 years.

Because of its close relationship with humans the Stafford does not make a good guard dog and is not suited to being left for long periods without, outside stimulation. The Stafford has a colourful history and it is to be remembered that whilst they love people, they will react if challenged by another dog. For this reason you must always be a responsible owner and never take your dog into a public place unless he is on a collar and lead. Always ensure the collar and lead is of sufficient strength to withstand the wear and tear to which it will be subjected (leather or nylon webbing are ideal ) The collar should be of sufficient width so as not to cut into your dogs neck, and neither uncomfortably tight nor so loose. In addition, you must ensure that your garden is secure and 'dog-proof; Stafford's have no fear of traffic and all to often become road accident victims. Puppies require a lot of time and patience and two to raise will require double the effort and twice the patience. It is recommended that where there are two or more Stafford's in a household, that they are separated if left unattended for any length of time.

Of course there are many positive virtues owning a Stafford - he is a dog with special qualities which makes him an ideal family dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well suited to a close living relationship with its human companions - he is highly intelligent and thrives on a one-to-one basis, being ever eager to please and he will give you a lifetime of devotion.

Author: Jerry Polidano

Thinking of a Stafford ?

Please learn as much about the breed as you can before getting a dog.

Visit a few shows even if you don't wish to show, you will be able to talk to owners and meet the dogs.

Join a SBT breed club, these are an fantastic way to learn about the breed and to meet other like minded people, most clubs
have newsletters, shows, fun days and other social events. Contact the secretary or Committee member, they will be able
to help and advise you and should you decide this is the breed for you they will know who has puppies available.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a 'people' dog and as such they are not good guard dogs, their friendliness to people
and love for children has earned them a much deserved nickname the 'nanny dog' although this friendliness does not normally
extend to other dogs, the breed generally is not dog friendly and this must be remembered when considering the breed.
Author: Jerry Polidano

Guidelines For Buying Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy

Always try to go to a reputable breeder, it is worth giving your local Club, listed on this Web Site, a ring for any possible litters in your area

Make sure that you see the mother of your puppy and if possible the father. Check that the mother is in good health, of sound temperament and that the puppies appear to be in good health.

Ask to see the mother's registration document from the Kennel Club and the application for registration of the litter by the breeder which the breeder will have to have to register the litter with the Kennel Club.

It is recommended that you ask if the parents have been eye tested and L-2-HGA screened.

Be prepared to answer questions from the breeder. Have you had Stafford's before, is someone at home in the day to look after the puppy, is the place secure? Is the whole family going to be involved with the puppy? Do you have other animals in the house?

A responsible breeder should give you advice on diet, the puppy's worming regime and provide all the back up you may need with regards to settling your puppy in at home. They should also be prepared to give advice on exercise and socialization.

Obtain the services of a veterinary surgeon's practice of your choice. Take your new puppy to be examined and for the initial vaccinations to be arranged.
Be cautious regarding the reason of breeders who want you to take delivery of your puppy before it is seven to eight weeks old. All puppies should not be separated, preferably before 10 weeks old.

It is hoped that the above information will be of assistance to any prospective buyer of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. Obviously the final decision rests with any prospective buyer at the end of the day. If you have any doubts whatsoever about purchasing a puppy from a particular litter, telephone the Secretary of your nearest Breed Club for advice.

Health Issues

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner has little to worry about in regards to health as they are a robust and healthy breed. They can be susceptible to a number of eye problems including cataracts, HC and PHPV. Be sure to ask your Breeder if his dogs are tested, ask for it!!!

Example Test Certificates for L-2-HGA and PHPV / HC.

L-2- HGA (Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria) HC (Hereditary Cataract) and PHPV (Persistent Hyperplasic Primary Vitreous)

Brief History of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier first came into existence in or around the seventeenth century. As bull baiting declined in popularity and dog fighting enjoyed a surge of interest, it became necessary to develop a dog which possessed a longer and more punishing head than the Bulldog and also to combine strength and agility. It is therefore believed that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was derived from the fighting Bulldog of the day with some terrier blood introduced. This cross produced what was known as the Bull and Terrier or Pit Dog; these dogs were renowned for their courage and tenacity and despite their ferocity in the pit were excellent companions and good with children. In fact it was not unknown for an injured dog to be transported home in a pram with the baby!

Although dog fighting and other barbaric pastimes of the day were patronized by the aristocracy - Lord Camelford reportedly owned a famous dog called 'Belcher'- fighting dogs were also owned by the poorest of families. The pit dog was a favorite with miners and steelworkers and was prevalent amongst the chain makers of the " Black Country " where the dogs were not only fought for entertainment but provided a working man with valuable extra income when worked against badgers or as ratters.

With the introduction of the Humane Act in 1835, baiting sports and dog fighting became unlawful and a group of men in the Staffordshire area endeavored to preserve their breed by introducing them to the show world. After much discussion the Standard was written describing the dog's physical attributes and this dog was named the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to differentiate him from the English Bull Terrier.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially registered by the Kennel Club in 1935 and the first club show for the breed took place in August 1935 at Cradley Heath in the West Midlands where 60 dogs and bitches were entered . The founder club was named The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and is affectionately known as 'The Parent Club'. There are now a total of 18 clubs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland ranging from the North of Scotland to the West of England. The breed received championship status in 1938 when CC's were awarded for the first time at the Birmingham National. The first two Champions of the breed were Ch. Gentleman Jim and Ch. Lady Eve. The popularity of the breed has now spread abroad with well established clubs in many countries including Australia, Eire, France, Germany, Holland, Spain and the USA, to name but a few.

Over the years the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has become a successful show dog and a serious contender in the Terrier Group, where they frequently have the highest number of entries of all dogs in the Terrier Group and are occasional winners of Best in Show. More importantly the Stafford has become a popular pet retaining the attributes gained from generations of fighting dogs bred for courage, tenacity and most important, total reliability and affinity with people and in particular children

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General Breed Standard

General Appearance: Smooth-coated, well balanced, of great strength for his size. Muscular, active and agile.

Characteristics: Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate, especially with children.

Temperament: Bold, fearless and totally reliable

Head and Skull: Short, deep through with broad skull. Very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short fore face, nose black.

Eyes: Dark preferred but may bear some relation to coat colour. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead. Eye rims dark.

Ears: Rose or half pricked, not large or heavy. Full, drop or pricked ears highly undesirable.

Mouth: Lips tight and clean. Jaws strong, teeth large, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Muscular, rather short, clean in outline gradually widening towards shoulders.

Forequarters: Legs straight and well boned, set rather wide apart, showing no weakness at the pasterns, from which point feet turn out a little. Shoulders well laid back with no looseness at elbow.

Body: Close - coupled, with level topline, wide front, deep brisket, well sprung ribs, muscular and well defined.

Hindquarters: Well muscled, hocks well let down with stifles well bent. Legs parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet: Well padded, strong and of medium size. Nails black in solid coloured dogs.

Tail: Medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. Should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle.

Gait / Movement: Free, powerful and agile with economy of effort. Legs moving parallel when viewed from front or rear. Discernible drive from hind legs.

Coat: Smooth, short and close.

Colour: Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colour highly undesirable.

Size: Desirable height at withers 35.5 - 40.5 cms (14 - 16 ins.), these heights being related to the weights.

Weight: dogs: 12.7 - 17 kgs (28 - 38 lbs); bitches 11- 15.4 kgs (24 - 34 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles full descended into the scrotum.

It's Your Choice

I hope you now have a general idea of what a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is, and hope that your choice is made with thought and patience. Remember that you should plan to own a puppy, either it for show or pet, you should not rush into buying a new puppy without making research on the breed, and if it a breed you are looking for, before you buy the puppy, study the lines, many breeders just breed to get that extra income, although they love there dogs, not everyone is careful to bring good quality Stafford's into the world.

Now that you made you choice, may you have many years of happiness with you staffie, and live a long peaceful life together.

Author: Jerry Polidano

The General Information above has been written for you by Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeder and Lover Jerry Polidano

Any of the information that you may read that does not fit the standard of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier must have been

misplaced when writing, please let me know if you think that any general information is not correct.