AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BREED
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed of dog with a history and origin more complicated than it is given credit for, but for the sake of those who are just getting acquaintanced with these dogs, I will do my best to simplify it. From now though, i'd like to establish that the Stafford was never created to be a Nanny Dog, that's a big marketing scam!
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognized by Kennel Clubs, particularly The Kennel Club of Egland, in 1935, when the original standard for the breed was written. However, the origin of this type of dog is more blurry, and at times uncertain. The general consensus amongst studious enthusiasts, is that they diverged from a common ancestor with the Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier, a battle cross of old bulldog-type and terrier-type dogs created for their performance and usefulness, popularly known as The Bull And Terrier Dogs, whilst others would argue the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is the original Bull And Terrier dog, I myself believe the Stafford to be the purest descendant of the Bull and Terrier but that is always up for debate. These were dogs traditionally kept by workers in the chain and iron factories, or by miners. The hard jobs and harsh lifestyle shaped men and women that were mentally tough; they were not squeamish about their entertainment, in which animals - dogs in particular - played a major role. Bloodsports (although illegal) were common, hence where the "bull and terrier" comes in. These were dogs bred and kept primarily for dog-on-dog combat, but they were alternatively used for ratting and baiting other animals such as badgers or fox.
By essence, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a fighting dog, and although the selective pressure for that purpose has diminished over the past couple decades, the heart of the breed still beats for action - or at least, it should! Due to their heritage and origins, the stafford has a natural predisposition for animal and particularly dog-on-dog aggression, and this is something every potential owner should know and be reasonably prepared for. These dogs have an active nature and love to be engaged in some kind of activity, from sports, to work (hunting etc) to just running with their owner, being given a hobby or a job is ideal for the mental wellbeing and satisfaction of a stafford. They crave engagement with their owner and family and can become depressive and mellow should they not be offered enough activity and challenge - those two should be a keywords for owning a content stafford.
More than most other breeds, the stafford requires mental and physical challenges, something which demands extra of their body and mind in order to be successfully accomplished, that is where the staffordshire bull terrier finds their happiness. Having always been bred and selected for high intensity, life threatening activities and jobs, to this day these dogs are in their element when given the opportunity to express their intense character and drive.
Don't let that scare you off though, the staffordshire bull terrier is your best friend, and a fantastic companion to those willing to put in the time. Their commitment to their owner is particularly strong and profound, they can be quite sensitive and in tune with their people and are great company all round. These dogs are the life of the party wherever they are, with their active, clownish disposition and carefree approach to life. They are confident dogs that should feel in control of their space and ready to take on the world. In the hands of a dedicated owner, the stafford can thrive in any environment, from an apartment to a house, to a farm, given their fair share of activity, they are home where their people are.
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