The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a British breed of short-haired terrier. It is a stocky, muscular and unusually strong dog of small to medium size. The Staffy originated in the Black Country of the English Midlands. The ancestry of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dates back to the early 1800s when the Old English Terrier was crossed with the Bulldog (which were lighter and more agile than the modem British Bulldog) to produce the 'Bull and Terrier'. The Bull and Terrier was the ancestor of the Stafford.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been a favourite choice as a family pet for many years. Loyal and devoted, patient and tolerant, bold and above all, reliable, the Stafford is an ideal medium sized, easy care family pet.

Staffords are smooth-coated dogs with a mainly dark pigmented skin making them ideal for Australian conditions. Staffords are highly intelligent and affectionate, gentle and trusting to humans, especially children. These qualities make them an outstanding family dog which will stand its ground in the face of adversity and give its life for those it loves. As with any breed of dog, young children should be supervised and not left alone with the dog.

As a member of your family the Stafford will expect to be a full participant in family activities. They are happiest when allowed to have the full run of the family home and be with you whenever possible. Staffords have an independent mind of their own but are still responsive to training and must be socialised. Like most terrier breeds, they are best not kept with another dog of the same sex.