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Learn
more about Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
The
UK's Favourite Pedigree Pooches
A Norfolk Terrier may have been crowned ‘best in show’ by the
judges at Crufts 2005, but according to a census of over 118,000 dog
owners in the UK, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the nations’ favourite
‘pedigree pooch’. The PDSA Best of Breeds census shows the
breed of choice for superstars such as Michael Owen and The Streets’
Mike Skinner, is ‘top dog’ in 2005 after charting only 8th
five years ago.
Published by leading veterinary charity, PDSA the 2005 Best of
Breeds census is the first in an annual series that will track the
changing trends of dog ownership in the UK and influences that affect
their popularity. Following Staffies in the top ten for 2005 are Yorkshire
Terriers (2nd) German Shepherds (3rd), Jack Russell
Terriers (4th) and Rottweilers (5th).
PDSA Best Of Breeds: UK
1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Jack Russell Terrier
5. Rottweiler
6. Border Collie
7. Labrador
8. Boxer
9. West Highland White Terrier
10.Shih Tzu
Of all canine patients treated by PDSA over 35% are in fact Cross
Breeds. However when it comes to pedigree breeds, Staffordshire Bull
Terriers make up 12% of the doggy client base, 8% are Yorkshire Terriers,
over 6% are German Shepherds, 6% are Jack Russell Terriers and nearly 3%
are Rottweilers.
Care
and training:
Staffordshire
Bull Terriers are a "natural" dog and generally robust. The
short coat of this breed requires little grooming other than an occasional
brushing and a bath. The downside of this drip dry coat is that Staffords
are susceptible to fleas and ticks. The general remedies to discourage
fleas and ticks are recommended, as well as a thorough going-over with a
flea comb during the worse months of summer. Staffords covet human
attention to the extent that I have seen several of them gather around
their "person", waiting to be combed from head to tail for
fleas!
Care of nails, ears, teeth and anal glands are the same as they would be
for any other breed (beginning when young and attention on a regular
basis).
The Stafford is not a dog that tolerates weather extremes easily. Because
of its short coat, it prefers plenty of shade and water on sweltering
summer days (a child's wading pool has been a popular choice in the past;
supervised of course). Its Bulldog ancestry and brachycephalic
(short-headed or broad-headed) respiratory system can contribute to
overheating. Watch carefully to be sure that your Stafford doesn't become
overheated during intense play in the summer; if she appears to be
wheezing or gasping for air, find the nearest source of cool - not ice
cold - water and soak her to lower her body temperature.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers can boast a number of obedience and dogsport
degrees and are "quick studies," provided the trainer utilizes a
positive, creative approach. Staffords are smart with a capital S. Young
puppies enrolled in Kindergarten Puppy Training classes can begin to learn
good habits and mix with other puppies. In addition to AKC obedience
competition, Staffords have been successful Therapy Dogs, Canine Good
Citizens, participated in Agility and Flyball Competitions and even
"gone to ground" with other terriers!
Staffords are exuberant, impulsive, sometimes bull-headed ... and
surprisingly sensitive. A trainer must learn to be persistent, patient,
and firm. Rome wasn't built in a day and a great deal of ground may be
lost in trying to adhere to the sort of inflexible techniques and rigid
time frame advocated by some training books. Basic obedience training (at
the very least) is a must for any Bull and Terrier. It helps to maintain
control in unexpected situations. Because of their impulsive natures, the
other cardinal rule of Bull and Terrier ownership is "always think
ahead." An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! When it
comes to strange - and especially aggressive - dogs, few Staffords are
complete pacifists. Most will not back down if they are attacked or
menaced, and some just don't get along with strange dogs, period. This is
a physically and mentally tenacious breed; be prepared!
Characteristic
and temperament:
Although
individual differences in personality exist, there are some things that
you can expect to find in the personality of every Stafford. They are
tough, courageous, tenacious, stubborn, curious, people-loving and
comfort-loving, protective, intelligent, active, quick and agile, and
possess a strong "prey drive". They are extremely
"oral" youngsters and need a safe alternative to furniture, toys
and clothing for their busy jaws. Staffords love to play tug-of-war and to
roughhouse, but YOU must set the rules and YOU must be the boss. This is
not a difficult task if you begin working with your Stafford when she is a
puppy.
Most adult Staffords, particularly bitches, make excellent watchdogs; but
in general they are inclined to protect people and not property. Their
alert, muscle bound appearance is so striking that it's easy to forget
that they are smaller than most American Pit Bull Terriers. As Steve
Eltinge in the book, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier in America
says, "When a Stafford shows its teeth in a snarl, it can be
frightening. They look tough and can be a positive deterrent to thieves,
but because of their natural fondness for people, most Staffords are
temperamentally ill-suited for guard or attack-dog training." As with
other members of the Bull and Terrier family, they can be the biggest
people lovers in the world!
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier desires, more than anything else, to be with
her people. Most adore a car ride, going on hikes and walks, enjoying a
romp up the beach, and cozying up (or on) to you when you settle down for
an evening of TV or reading.
Whatever the activity, "From the time it awakens in the morning until
the quiet of night, a Stafford lives life to the fullest." (Linda
Barker, writing in The Staffordshire Bull Terrier in America, by
Steve Eltinge).
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