Origin
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has it's beginnings in England when the Bulldog & Mastiff were closely linked. Bull & Bear Baiting gave rise to large 100-120 Pound dogs but soon gave way to smaller 90 LB, and more agile dogs.
Early in the 19th century dogfighting became popular with a desire for smaller, faster dogs. They were given names such as the "Bulldog Terrier" & the "Bull & Terrier" The bulldog bred at this time was a much larger dog then the one of today and weighed about 60 LBS. This dog was then bred down to a dog of 30-45 LBS and became the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In 1935 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was admitted to the England Kennel Club and allowed to participate in Conformation Matches. By this time dog fighting had become illegal and breeders had bred out aggressiveness for more acceptable temperments that made them fine family pets and show dogs.
Early in the 19th century dogfighting became popular with a desire for smaller, faster dogs. They were given names such as the "Bulldog Terrier" & the "Bull & Terrier" The bulldog bred at this time was a much larger dog then the one of today and weighed about 60 LBS. This dog was then bred down to a dog of 30-45 LBS and became the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In 1935 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was admitted to the England Kennel Club and allowed to participate in Conformation Matches. By this time dog fighting had become illegal and breeders had bred out aggressiveness for more acceptable temperments that made them fine family pets and show dogs.
American Influence
Bull and Terrier breeds were believed to have made their way to North American in the Mid 1800's. Here they developed in a completely different line of dog. A much heavier and tall breed that we know of as The American Staffordshire Terrier of today.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book On October 1st, 1974. It was then classified to the Terrier Group and allowed to participate in shows in March of 1975.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book On October 1st, 1974. It was then classified to the Terrier Group and allowed to participate in shows in March of 1975.
Breeding & Purpose
During the 19th century when the breed was bred down from the large baiting dogs to the "bulldog Terrier" and "Bull and Terrier" dogs it was then crossed with a smaller native terrier seen in the history of the Manchester Terrier of today to create a dog around 30-45 pounds that we know of as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of today.
In 1860, James Hinks, cross bred the "Old Pit Bull Terrier" now known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, to create an all white English Bull Terrier. The English Bull Terrier gained recognition into the England Kennel Club in the last quarter of the 19th century while the Staffordshire, who was still seen as a fighting dog, did not.
Eventually the Staffordshire Bull Terrier had developed into a dog of fine temperment that made them a great family pet, companion & show dog.
It has lost it's original purpose of a pit fighting dog to a lovely, friendly and adorable companion dog instead. But you can still see some of these tendencies today in their personality with their "terrier-like" drive and stubborness but contain no other fighting instincts then that of any other terrier.
In 1860, James Hinks, cross bred the "Old Pit Bull Terrier" now known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, to create an all white English Bull Terrier. The English Bull Terrier gained recognition into the England Kennel Club in the last quarter of the 19th century while the Staffordshire, who was still seen as a fighting dog, did not.
Eventually the Staffordshire Bull Terrier had developed into a dog of fine temperment that made them a great family pet, companion & show dog.
It has lost it's original purpose of a pit fighting dog to a lovely, friendly and adorable companion dog instead. But you can still see some of these tendencies today in their personality with their "terrier-like" drive and stubborness but contain no other fighting instincts then that of any other terrier.
Currently Competing Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Current & Retired Champions & Grand Champions
-None At This Time-
Deceased Champions & Grand Champions
-None At This Time-