Pretoria

         Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club

            passionate about stafford's

 

Home About us Shows Breed std Breeders Contacts

 

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

 

reun1&reun2.JPG (27733 bytes)

groepc.JPG (39354 bytes)

groepb.JPG (39153 bytes)

reun2f.JPG (48175 bytes)

teefc.JPG (23515 bytes)

 

 

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).

 

Copyright © 2005-2008 Pretoria Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club. All rights reserved.

Website developed by Henry Strachan and maintained by Louis Coetsee