The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Right Staff

7

“Houston, we have a problem.” “A wide-spread malfunction in the communications system is causing crew members to be mistaken for hostiles. Please advise.”

Pit Bull. Devil dog. Killer. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (also called the Staffie, Stafford or SBT) is none of these, yet he is constantly mislabelled. Frequently just lumped in with other “bully” breeds and slapped with breed- specific legislation that can condemn dogs to a lifetime of muzzles and close confinement or even send them to death, the Stafford does, indeed, have a serious problem. Yet, those who know the breed well say it is rarely aggressive towards humans. In the United Kingdom, the Stafford is sometimes called “the nanny dog” for his solid reputation as a family dog, and under the official breed standards of several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the Stafford must be affectionate with children. Few standards go that far in mandating a breed’s compatibility with children.

Confusion in the public’s mind among several breeds, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Pit Bull, along with mixed-breeds arising from or even merely resembling those breeds, is one major issue. A child is bitten, the news reports another vicious attack by a “Pit Bull,” and since most people cannot tell the difference between these breeds, everyone glances fearfully at the neighbour’s jovial Bull Terrier or the well-behaved Stafford down the street.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier's appearance—compact, solidly muscled, broad chest, wide mouth—probably also contributes to its unearned reputation. This is a dog that looks like a bare-knuckles boxer in peak condition. Dayna Lemke, author of A New Owner’s Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers, writes: “Part of their charm is that they look so tough, but they really aren’t. Their inner beauty will steal your heart.”

Like most breeds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a product of its heritage and breeding—for both good and ill. There is no getting around the fact that the Stafford was originally created in late 18th- and early 19th-century northern England for the “sport” of dogfighting, so it is not a breed that always socializes easily with other dogs or animals. Lemke says: “Staffords can be dog aggressive. It’s better to go into the Stafford experience expecting to have a dog who isn’t canine social than the other way around.” Early and extensive socialization with other dogs and animals is recommended for all Staffords.

At the same time, those who bred dogs for fighting were usually working-class men who kept their dogs in the home with their families and were likely ruthless in weeding out any animals that showed aggression towards humans. Thus, the SBT Club of Canada writes: “The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the friendliest and silliest breeds in the dog world. They are highly intelligent and extremely submissive to people.”

Individual dogs, whether Stafforshire Bull Terriers or members of other bully breeds—indeed, individual dogs of any breed—are also, ultimately, products of their own unique situation. Their birth, upbringing, and training play a crucial role in determining their behaviour. An experienced, firm, and consistent handler will produce the dog desired. The American Kennel Club website states: “While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way.”

Famed conservationist, animal handler, and TV personality Steve Irwin raised his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sui, from a pup and rarely went on an adventure without her by his side. He trained Sui to help him wrangle crocodiles, wild pigs, and snakes and she was seen in many episodes of Irwin’s show The Crocodile Hunter.

She was, according to the page dedicated to her on his website, his: “loyal friend, protector and wildlife warrior.” Irwin loved Sui enough to name his daughter, Bindi Sue, after her, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the little girl shared a special bond. “Sui protected Bindi for six years,” wrote Irwin. “It was so funny—no-one was allowed to muck with Bindi whilst Sui was guarding her. Then Bindi would put bows in her hair and play Barbies with her, we lost count how many times Bindi fell asleep on top of a very, very patient Sui.”

After a long and exciting life, Sui passed away at the age of 16, not unusual for this breed, which is typically healthy, athletic, and long-lived. Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders should test for hereditary cataracts and L2- HGA, L2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a rare disorder that affects the breed.

Sui was a typical Staffordshire Bull Terrier in another way: she spent her life as the beloved member of a human family, sharing their daily chores and their escapades. This is where a Staffordshire Bull Terrier excels. “Staffords are so people-oriented that they don’t need canine companionship if they are getting plenty of attention from their human family,” says Lemke.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a breed to suit every owner, but for those who appreciate this dog’s unique characteristics and are prepared for a bold, tenacious, and loyal companion that prefers human friendship over canine buddies, he does indeed have “the right stuff.”

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Comments (7)

We have two "pit bulls" that we rescued from horrible situations. They are the best dogs ever! I will admit that we didn't know a lot about them or their role in society years ago ... partially because all you hear are the bad things. You will never see a story on the news that says "poodle bites child", even though our vet has told us that they have been bitten by more poodles than any other breed of dog. From the very beginning (once they were well enough) we have socialized our dogs with other dogs, cats, friends, family etc. They don't have a mean bone in their body. Although they probably have every right to considering how they had been treated prior. They are playful and need exercise. They are not aggressive. For a day and age where everyone claims to be open minded about certain issues with society, people sure are close minded when it comes to these dogs. Educate yourself and others. Blame the deed, not the breed!
Thu, 10/25/2012 - 12:47
I'm also a proud owner of two bullies. My female is a staffie, and the other one is a young american pit mix boxer. They're the best I ever known. I'm a young grandmother of two toddlers and they're their best friends. The oldest of my grandson can do whatever he please with both of them. It's sad that bad people uses the strength and temper of a breed to do bad things. The problem is not the bullies, it's coming from the other end of the leash. I love my bullies so much, people would have to pass over me before doing something to my dogs. My female has a big ego but my male has a lack of selfesteem, so it makes him scared of everything he sees. But he doesn't mind the presence of other dogs. If they don't bother he won't bother the others. I just love them. They are my precious with my children and grandchildren.
Thu, 03/14/2013 - 15:36
Just love my Am Staff. She goes where ever I go and is in training to be a therapy dog. I am a healthcare professional and am fully confident of her around all types of people and other dogs. She's very friendly, comical and obedient.
Wed, 04/02/2014 - 08:17
I have had my Sophie for a year she always slept by me head as a pup. Now if my girlfriend and I don't let her sleep in the bed she thinks we are punishing her. She is super smart and love to play with other dogs and people. I have yet to see her bear teeth in anger and she has been attacked by a few smaller breeds. That meant her harm she would just back up confused with what she did wrong to piss the other dog off. I suggest socialization early I did and she's great with others but protective in our home and car. Its her territory so don't look at any dog no matter what breed and go away cute im gonna reach in and pet them unless you know them personally. Well thats all oh and if your a couch potato do not get this breed my SBT plays in neg. 20 degree weather until her paws are raw from the snow she has more energy than five pups combined. Thanks for reading.
Tue, 04/22/2014 - 22:38
Echoing Dusty's final sentences regarding energy in the Staffordshire Bull Terriers (SBT's): They really are puppies for life - there is no getting around that fact. I am surprised to read through such a well informed article with that glaring omission. Above all, the SBT is a highly adaptive breed which is, as the article states, owner oriented. It is not unusual, for example, to re-home a rescued Staff and reorient it as a couch potato. However, that should not be an expectation.
Please do not hesitate to re-home a Staff, though. As far as I know, rescue organisations the length and breadth of Great Britain are (still) full to bursting point with SBT's of every size, colour and age.
Thu, 06/20/2019 - 22:51
I am a very proud owner of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. My dogs are active therapy dogs who work with all age groups. It is sad that most times the media portrays this and other Bully breeds in such a bad light. It is time we all become responsible dog owners and make sure our dogs are well socialized and well trained. Lets not give the media anymore fuel for bad press.
Wed, 08/20/2014 - 16:35
Nothin better then a “Bully”. Proud pitbully dad here, have had my furchild since she was only 6 weeks old and have legit been inseparable ever since! And when I say inseparable, I mean it, I have unfortunately been on disability for a couple years now and don’t leave the house much except for the usual appointments, grocery, family event, dog park, etc. & most of the time she comes with me. So even though being on disability sucks the upside is that I’m able to spend pretty much every moment with my pibble. So I’m obviously actually very blessed in that way. I do think we’re codependent however, which can be a good & bad thing. Sometimes I’ll eve refuse to go certain places that I’m not allowed to bring her lol. She’s almost 2 now and she is legit my child. My first pibble passed about a decade ago now and I still find my heart acheing over her still to this day. I have had other dogs before yet nothing comes close to that of a Bully. If I could have one wish it would honestly be to have my very own dog sanctuary so I could have as many dogs as i could take exceptional care of. But for now I’ll keep dreaming until then I’m happy enough to be blessed with such an amazing bully of my own. God bless all the bully’s and dogos in the world, and all the good hearted people who treat them with nothing but kindness and respect! Much love. - KL
Thu, 10/17/2019 - 13:23

Dog of the Week!