A great canine breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a very cool history. Also dubbed as Staffies by breeders, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very popular for two main reasons. First, Staffies are super reliable. In fact, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is regarded as the worlds most reliable canine breed. The second reason is it is the only dog breed that has been certified in the United Kingdom to be safe for children.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a pit dog. In spite of this, Aristocrats and even ordinary folks keep Straffies as pet due to their intelligence and excellent hunting ability. In fact, English working class households use this canine breed as hunting dogs as well as ratters. Dog lovers from various parts of Europe and America prefer Staffordshire Bull Terriers from other canine breeds due to their special attributes. Straffies are very popular because they are:
- Intelligent
- Great Hunters
- Obedient
- Loyal
- Brave
- Strong
- Indefatigable
Actually, there is more to Straffies than these traits. You just have to get to know one to understand how incredible this particular breed is.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier History
Now, like all canine breeds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an excellent history. The breed, which has been coveted by canine breeders due to their agility and strength, traces its origin to 17th century England. Straffies, over 350 years, have evolved most specifically for bull baiting and, of course, bloodsport. Originally, Straffies came from bulldogs. To make the canine breed more ferocious for practical reasons, breeders crossed it with terriers. As a result, the resulting hybrid became more plucky and tenacious. Latter dubbed as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, this particular canine breed became stockier and more muscular than ordinary terriers. Aside from its built, this particular dog breed is known for its almost indefatigable body as well as its go-for-broke fighting spirit. Before it was widely known as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Straffies are called Pit Dogs.
Of course, they were not dubbed as Pit Dogs for nothing. In the late 18th century, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very popular fighting dogs. People from the working class and even members of the aristocratic class spend their leisure time betting on dogfights featuring the best Straffies in town. However, during the early 1800s, dog fighting in the United Kingdom lost its legitimacy. Certain parliamentary officials moved to outlaw the practice. As a result, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed was in the brink of extinction since breeders no longer have the drive not to mention the incentive for breeding Straffies. Good thing a group of dog lovers came in to the rescue. With a mission to save the almost dying canine breed, the group established a wide network to help protect Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The name, which stuck until this day, was given to make a distinction that this particular breed came from the United Kingdom.
A Child-Friendly Canine Breed
Albeit its uncanny hunting ability and impressive ferocity in hunting smaller preys and combating its own kind, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are famous for their kid-friendly side. In fact, it has been certified by the United Kingdom parliament as safe for families with little children. Most pet-owners would think twice of having bull terriers live with their kids but not with Straffies. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have this unusual affection towards humans. Aside from their affinity with their human masters, they are also very much adaptable in terms of their environment. Unfortunately, this trait makes them very prone to notorious dognappers.
If what you are looking for is a reliable, intelligent, loyal, and safe animal canine companion, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the breed that you might want to consider.
Staffy Training…
