With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most often used for ratting (hunting vermin), today»s Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the more intimidating of the group, but is at the same time often quite playful and puckish. Given this current temperament, it is reasonable to say this particular dog has come quite a long way from its ancestors» days.
With the English Bull Terrier once dubbed «The White Cavalier» for its bull-baiting abilities, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier becomes the second breed to be crossed between the first Bulldog breed and the last (now-extinct) White Staffordshire Terrier. Like the English Terrier, it was bred to bait bulls, but also to fight in blood sports events against badgers, vermin, and other dogs. Owned by the common man, this «bull and terrier» breed came to be known as the «working class dog» in England in the early 1800»s. Fortunately, blood sports were outlawed (in 1835), and the Staffordshire»s popularity began to increase among the other classes as well»though it has never completely shaken its tough image.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a survivor, though, so following the elimination of pit fighting, it slowly lost its viciousness and grit, especially by the time the new breeder, James Hinks, came on the scene to develop a purebred all white dog, which took it from the sides of sportsmen and brought it into the homes of gentlemen. Here it retained its instinct to fight and protect (people more than property, that is) with great agility and an alarming show of teeth if necessary, but adapted to a simple, active life it now enjoys.
More in need of affection than fight, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier today needs only occasional exercising with much more human and other animal companionship, though not in extreme temperatures, which it cannot tolerate. As well, this 19-20 inch and healthy 45-100 pound breed with the short but harsh coat needs minor grooming--a once-a-week bristle brushing or rubber brushing is all it needs.
Still, with the innate penchant for the feisty activity of conflict, pit-fighting, and bull-baiting, the muscular and tough-looking but fun loving Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs company and companionship most of all. It does not like being alone at all, and will grow destructive and disagreeable when trapped in a house for eight hours. In addition, without specific socialization and training, its natural energy can run rampant, thereby being too much for most people of any age.
Yet, this breed, fondly nicknamed the «Nanny Dog,» is one of the terrier types most tolerant of children. So while it no longer runs with the bulls, it does not favor the stagnation of staying inside the ranch house all day long with no guidance and no attention. It would rather be the best friend to its kid and adult charges.
