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| STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER |
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The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been a favourite choice as a family pet for many years. In fact the Stafford is the fourth most popular pure breed dog in Australia*. Loyal and devoted, patient and tolerant, bold and above all, reliable, the Stafford is an ideal medium sized, easy care family pet.
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.
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. |
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This group of dogs were bred primarily for the barbarous sporting practices of the day which included bull and bear baiting. Fortunately these sports were outlawed in the mid-nineteenth century and the breeds emerged as excellent companion animals.
The miners and iron workers of Staffordshire were responsible for the careful breeding of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to develop the qualities of courage, tenacity, intelligence and muscular agility coupled with a very low aggression to humans.
By 1935 the Stafford had been registered with the British Kennel club and the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier show was held at Cradley Heath, Staffordshire, in the heart of industrial England.. From their working class background in England, Staffords were introduced to Australia in the early 1950s.
Staffords are smooth-coated dogs with a mainly dark pigmented skin making them ideal for Australian conditions. |
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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.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is firmly established as a popular family pet due to its loyal and people-loving nature. There is a bit of magic in being greeted on your return home from a hard day at the office by a joyful Staffie, tail wagging and wearing the famous Staffie `grin'.
Reference
* Australian National Kennel Council, 2000 |
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| Petcare Information and Advisory Service Australia |
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| Last Update: 19/04/07 20:57 |
Views: 10000 |
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