Other names/Nicknames:
- Bull and Terrier
- Pit Bull
Country/Date of origin:
- England
- 1800′s
Height:
- 14 to 16 inches
Weight:
- Females: 24 to 34 pounds
- Males: 28 to 38 pounds
Personality:
- Quarrelsome with other dogs but surprisingly gentle towards his humans.
- Must be supervised around other animals and strangers.
- Loyal and devoted.
- A courageous and determined watchdog that fears no human or animal.
History:
A 19th-century variety of a much older form of bull and terrier cross that was bred for the sport of dog fighting. After bullbaiting was abolished in England, a smaller, faster dog was created by crossing the Bulldog with more agile terriers. The outlawing of dog fighting did not wipe out the breed, it merely went underground. Sad to say, illegal dog fighting continues to this day. The ruffian street fighter was not granted the respectability of Kennel Club registration in England until 1935, and it took decades for the American Kennel Club (AKC) to acknowledge it. In 1975, the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier competed in a dog show here. Today, the fire and fight remain but the show-dog’s temperament has been refined so that it now makes a fine family pet.
Body Type:
- A medium-sized, heavy-set dog that gives the appearance of power and strength combined with athletic ability.
- Often confused with the larger American Staffordshire Terrier which has cropped ears.
- Rose or half pricked ears are not altered.
- The medium-length tail is not altered and is carried downward.
Coat:
- Smooth and close to the skin.
- Numerous colors and combination of colors allowed: red, fawn, white, black, blue or any of these colors in combination with white, or brindle with or without white.
- Black and tan and liver are not allowable colors in the show ring.
- Easily groomed at home.
Health and Wellness:
- Generally very healthy.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Cataracts.
- Follicular dysplasia.
- Hemangiomas (actinic).
- Hemangiosarcomas.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, actinic).
What you should know:
- It is illegal to own this breed in many places and many insurance companies will not cover owners of these dogs.
- Puppies must be separated from each other at an early age to prevent fights.
