Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Common nicknames
  • Staffie
Origin England
Traits
Weight Male 13 to 17 kg (29 to 37 lb)
Female 11 to 15.4 kg (24 to 34 lb)
Height Male 36 to 41 cm (14 to 16 in)
Coat Smooth, short and close
Colour Red, fawn, white, black, blue, or any one of these colours with white; any shade of brindle; any shade of brindle with white
Classification / standards
FCI Group 3, Section 3 Bull Terriers #76 standard
AKC Terrier standard
ANKC Group 2 (Terriers) standard
CKC Group 4 - Terriers standard
KC (UK) Terrier standard
NZKC Terrier standard
UKC Terriers standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated breed of dog of English lineage and may be considered to be within the pit bull type.[1][2][3][4]

History

Before the 19th century, blood sports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and cock fighting were common.[5][6] At the cattle market, dogs were set upon bulls, bears, or other large animals, with the intent of tenderizing the meat but more commonly to provide entertainment for the crowd.[7]

Another blood sport dogs were involved in during this time was dog fighting. Dog fighting involved gambling on dogs that were released into a pit in hopes of betting on the recognized winner: the last surviving dog. A dog fighting contest was cheaper to organize and easier to conceal from the law than bull baiting or bear baiting.[8]

These blood sports were officially eliminated in 1835 as Britain began to introduce animal welfare laws.[9]

The early bull and terrier types were developed as a result of breeding for the characteristic known as gameness. Gameness was a desirable trait during a time when pitting dogs against bear or bull was common. Gameness ultimately tests the strength and skill of the dogs.[10] Land-race working dogs crossbred with the early bull and terrier types with this gameness trait provided the ancestral foundation stock for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Road to the Modern Breed

News clipping of one of Joseph Dunn's award-winning Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Gentleman Jim.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier name was officially accepted by The Kennel Club on May 25, 1935.[11] The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was formed in June 1935, after the acceptance of the breed by The Kennel Club. It is unusual for a breed to be recognized without first having a club in existence or a breed standard in place. A standard was not drawn up until June 1935 at the Old Cross Guns, a Black Country pub in Cradley Heath where 30 Stafford enthusiasts gathered. It was there that the group also elected the club's first secretary, Joseph Dunn, a well-known figure connected with the breed.

Challenge certificates were awarded to the breed in 1938, and the first champions were Ch. Gentleman Jim (bred by Joseph Dunn) and Ch. Lady Eve (owned by Joseph Dunn), both taking titles in 1939.[12]

The breed was recognized in the U.S. by the American Kennel Club in 1975.[13]

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been the traditional mascot of the army regiments in Staffordshire, United Kingdom, since 1882. C/Sgt Watchman V is the current serving mascot.[14]

Characteristics

Appearance

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, stocky, and very muscular dog, with a similar appearance to the much larger American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier. The coat is smooth and clings tightly to the dog's body, making movement through air and water much easier for the breed. This dog has a broad, wedge-shaped head (male considerably more so than female), defined occipital muscles, a relatively short fore-face, dark round eyes and a wide mouth with a clean scissor-like bite (the top incisors slightly overlap the bottom incisors).[2]

A black Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The breed has small ears, pronounced cheek muscles, and tight jowls. The breed's waist is tucked up into their loins and the last 1–2 ribs of the rib-cage are usually visible. The tail is often straight and thin, with a slight curve at the end.

The hind quarters are well-muscled. The breed is naturally muscular and may appear intimidating.

Staffordshires' coats come in a variety of colors.

  • Brindle
  • Black
  • Red
  • Fawn
  • Blue
  • White

Any blending of these colors with white with any other color broken up over the body is known as "pied".[2]

It is advised not to breed from Staffordshires with light eyes or Merle coloring, as the coloring is a result of a genetic mutation and can cause health issues such as blindness and loss of hearing.[15]

The dogs stand 36 to 41 cm (14 to 16 in) at the withers (ridge between the shoulder blades) and weigh 13 to 17 kg (29 to 37 lb) for males; females are 11 to 15.4 kg (24 to 34 lb).[16]

Health

A fawn Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often at risk for various health problems.

  • Hereditary cataracts[17]
  • L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria — a metabolic disorder resulting in behavioral changes and dementia-like symptoms. These symptoms are detectable by DNA tests.[18]
  • Distichiasis (commonly known as “double eyelash”)[19]
  • Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous — a condition the blood supply to the ocular lens fails to regress and fibrovascular tissue forms, causing hazy vision. This health concern can be checked with an ocular examination throughout the life of the breed to prevent the transfer and spread of these conditions.[20]

The breed is known to be at a higher risk from mastocytoma (mast cell tumors) than the general population of dogs.[21]

A UK Kennel Club survey determined the median lifespan of the breed to be 12.75 years.[22] UK vet clinic data determined the median to be 10.7 years.[23]

Temperament

The modern breed is one that has a temperament suitable as a companion dog. Though due to its breeding and history, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for its character of fearlessness and toughness.[24] However, this breed is also known to have an affectionate nature and is naturally loyal; they are also a friendly and lively breed.[25][26] The breed is known to be quick learning and Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies are considered easy to house train.[27]

Staffordshires are notably adaptable in terms of changing home or even owners but this can cause issues as it makes them vulnerable to dog napping.[28]

Issues of Aggression

With proper socialization of the breed from a young age, Staffordshires can be friendly to both other dogs and humans. If lacking sufficient socialization with others, the breed will not be as friendly and would be wary of others.

Staffordshires are known to fight if challenged. When encountering unknown dogs, the Staffordshire could become aggressive if challenged by the unacquainted dog. This breed is also known to be headstrong and stubborn which contributes to the occurrence of challenge-related aggression. However, with dutiful obedience training by a confident owner, can alleviate this aggression.[29]

Misconceptions

RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans said: "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."[30]

Cooper

In March 2018, Staffordshire Police took two-year-old Cooper, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, from an RSPCA animal center in Taunton for training.[31][32] He is the first police dog of this breed in the UK.[33].[34][35][36][37]

Breed-Specific Legislation (US and UK)

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is subject to breed-specific legislation in various countries, which ban members of the Bull and Terrier family.[38]

Breed-specific legislation also includes breed-specific restrictions and requirements:

Staffordshires are currently the subject of debate on whether or not to be added to the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK. If they are to be added to this act, it would become illegal to own, breed, sell or abandon Staffordshires. Along with pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasiliero, the Staffordshire could be added to the list depending on the result of a Parliament vote.[40]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Dias v. City & County of Denver, 567 F.3d 1169, 1173 (10th Cir. Colo. 2009). "Pit Bull Law and Legal Definition". Retrieved 22 August 2018. A "pit bull" is defined as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds
  2. 1 2 3 "Breed Information Centre – Staffordshire Bull Terrier". The Kennel Club. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  3. ↑ Merriam-Webster. "Pit bull". Retrieved 26 October 2015. a dog... of any of several breeds... that was developed and is now often trained for fighting and is noted for strength and stamina
  4. ↑ ASPCA. "The Truth About Pit Bulls". Retrieved 26 October 2015. The term 'pit bull' is often misunderstood, because it does not apply to just one breed of dog. [This text is in the website's page description.]
  5. ↑ "Judging a person by their pooch: Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers just 'chav dogs'? - Mancunian Matters". www.mancunianmatters.co.uk. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  6. ↑ Potts, Lauren (3 September 2018). "Are Staffies a question of class?". BBC. Retrieved 3 September 2018 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  7. ↑ "How did the Staffordshire terrier fall in with the wrong crowd?". Independent. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  8. ↑ International., Animal Defenders. "What are bloodsports?". Animal Defenders International. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  9. ↑ "BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animal welfare legislation". Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  10. ↑ stason.org, Stas Bekman: stas (at). "12 What exactly is "gameness"?". stason.org. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  11. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  12. ↑ "Joe Dunn". www.sbtrescue.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  13. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  14. ↑ "The Staffordshire Regiment Museum". www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  15. ↑ "Dogs with Blue Eyes - Causes, Dangers, & Breeds". PlayBarkRun. 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  16. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Standard". The Kennel Club. September 2000. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  17. ↑ "Hereditary Cataract in Staffordshire Bull Terriers | Animal Health Trust". www.aht.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  18. ↑ "Currently Available DNA Tests". www.caninegeneticdiseases.net. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  19. ↑ "Pit Bull Eye Problems | Cuteness". Cuteness.com. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  20. ↑ "Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous | Animal Health Trust". www.aht.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  21. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Mast Cell Tumour - UFAW". www.ufaw.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  22. ↑ "Purebred Breed Health Survey 2004". www.thekennelclub.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  23. ↑ "Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England". The Veterinary Journal. 198 (3): 638–643. 2013-12-01. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.020. ISSN 1090-0233.
  24. ↑ "The Kennel Club". Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  25. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  26. ↑ "How did the Staffordshire terrier fall in with the wrong crowd?". The Independent. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  27. ↑ "Dogs New Zealand - Breeds STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER". www.dogsnz.org.nz. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  28. ↑ "Thieves 'targeting bull terriers'". 2007-02-19. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  29. ↑ Welton, Michele. "Staffordshire Bull Terriers: What's Good and Bad About Staffords". www.yourpurebredpuppy.com. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  30. ↑ "K9 Magazine Article". Dogmagazine.net. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  31. ↑ Knapper, Dave (21 March 2018). "Meet Cooper...the unwanted Staffie who's now a police dog!". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  32. ↑ "An interview with PD Cooper - Staffordshire Police's only Staffordshire Bull Terrier - BEFFSHUFF". Beffshuff. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  33. ↑ "Police force takes on first ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier recruit". Lichfield Live. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  34. ↑ "Staffordshire Bull Terrier qualifies as police dog". ITV. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  35. ↑ Knapper, Dave (21 March 2018). "Meet Cooper...the unwanted Staffie who's now a police dog!". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  36. ↑ "An interview with PD Cooper - Staffordshire Police's only Staffordshire Bull Terrier - BEFFSHUFF". Beffshuff. 21 June 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  37. ↑ "Police force takes on first ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier recruit". Lichfield Live. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  38. ↑ "Pit Bull Bans: The State of Breed–Specific Legislation". www.americanbar.org. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  39. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Is your bully breed banned?". Animal Planet. 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
  40. ↑ Burnett, Tom (2018-07-16). "Staffies could be added to Dangerous Dogs Act after petition". birminghammail. Retrieved 2018-10-01.
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