Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origin: Great Britain, especially Staffordshire. Developed from Bulldog and Terrier crosses and first recognized in 1935.
Legacy: For years primarily used as a fighting dog, today a popular companion dog.
A.k.a: English Stafford, Nanny Dog, Staffy Bull.
Size (FCI): 35,5-40,5 cm. Females: 11-15,4 kg, Males: 12,7-17 kg.
Classification: Bull & Terriers.
Breed history
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in terms of cynology a relatively new breed but as a type of working dog it existed much longer. In a way, similar to the old Bulldog which certainly is his ancestor. Crosses between Terriers and Bulldogs took place allready around 1800 but when the name Staffordshire Bull Terrier became in use is not certain. Its name is derived from both his ancestors and the British region famous of its fighting dogs, Staffordshire.
For years Bull and Terriers were just fighting dogs which could differ much in appearance, small, big, shorthaired, rough haired...The only common traits were gameness and fighting ability...The pit fighting dogs were commonly owned by poor men, like the miners and ironworkers of Staffordshire. The type of men who didn't know anything about breeding techniques and genetics. They bred by and for performance and so created a superior battle dog which fights for pleasure instead of food and territory as canines normally do.
Later, around the second half of the 19th century the showdog phenomenon arose and quickly gained popularity and in 1873 the British Kennel Club established and dogshows became a legal alternative for the old bloodsports.
Before recognition of the breed in 1935, we can distinguish mainly 3 different types. First the Bulldog-type with a mighty head, broad jaw and heavy front. Dogs which showed obviously strength, however, maybe at the cost of speed and agility. This type occured mainly in Cradley Heath, Black Country...and became well-known under the name Cradley Heat type.
The Walsall type, named after the city of Walsall, Staffordshire, looked like there was Whippet blood mixed in it. A rather tall (ca 17 kg), slim built dog, very fast and agile. Probably this type occured by random crosses with Whippets, which were bred back to Bull and Terrier dogs. The famous Lloyd's Pilot came from Walsall (he was bred by John Holden of the Red Lion inn, 1878), later he was brought to America by Cockney Charlie Lloyd...
Not far from Walsall, we find Darlaston (now a part of Walsall) where the fighting dogs obviously show a lot of Terrier influence...longer heads with fine muzzles and generally smaller in size with light bones. According to the Darlaston men their fighting dogs were the only real Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The breed standard eventually was based on the Cradley Heat type but still today we can distinguish three different types.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in terms of cynology a relatively new breed but as a type of working dog it existed much longer. In a way, similar to the old Bulldog which certainly is his ancestor. Crosses between Terriers and Bulldogs took place allready around 1800 but when the name Staffordshire Bull Terrier became in use is not certain. Its name is derived from both his ancestors and the British region famous of its fighting dogs, Staffordshire.
For years Bull and Terriers were just fighting dogs which could differ much in appearance, small, big, shorthaired, rough haired...The only common traits were gameness and fighting ability...The pit fighting dogs were commonly owned by poor men, like the miners and ironworkers of Staffordshire. The type of men who didn't know anything about breeding techniques and genetics. They bred by and for performance and so created a superior battle dog which fights for pleasure instead of food and territory as canines normally do.
Later, around the second half of the 19th century the showdog phenomenon arose and quickly gained popularity and in 1873 the British Kennel Club established and dogshows became a legal alternative for the old bloodsports.
Before recognition of the breed in 1935, we can distinguish mainly 3 different types. First the Bulldog-type with a mighty head, broad jaw and heavy front. Dogs which showed obviously strength, however, maybe at the cost of speed and agility. This type occured mainly in Cradley Heath, Black Country...and became well-known under the name Cradley Heat type.
The Walsall type, named after the city of Walsall, Staffordshire, looked like there was Whippet blood mixed in it. A rather tall (ca 17 kg), slim built dog, very fast and agile. Probably this type occured by random crosses with Whippets, which were bred back to Bull and Terrier dogs. The famous Lloyd's Pilot came from Walsall (he was bred by John Holden of the Red Lion inn, 1878), later he was brought to America by Cockney Charlie Lloyd...
Not far from Walsall, we find Darlaston (now a part of Walsall) where the fighting dogs obviously show a lot of Terrier influence...longer heads with fine muzzles and generally smaller in size with light bones. According to the Darlaston men their fighting dogs were the only real Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The breed standard eventually was based on the Cradley Heat type but still today we can distinguish three different types.
Nine weeks after the establishment of the club, the first show was organized. All the well-known dogs of that time were present. Jim the Dandy and Fearless Joe, his son Vindictive Monty (owned by Jack Birch), Game Lad and Cross Guns Johnson (Best of Breed at Crufts 6 months later). Present female dogs were Queenie, Brave Nell and Lioness. Offcourse there were a lot of other dogs present too.
The dogs were judged by H.N. Beilby. The results of the first Stafford show:
Males,
1 Jim the Dandy - Open Dog and Best in show
2 Game Lad
3 Cross Guns Johnson
Females,
1 Brave Nell - Open Bitch
2 Queenie
3 Lioness
Some more results of the 30's.
In 1936, Staffordhire Bull Terriers went to the Crufts show for the first time. Cross Guns Johnson of Joe Mallen became Best of Breed and Brother of Looe owned by Tom Walls became Best Bitch. The dogs were judged by Joe Dunn.
At the National Wembley Dogshow of 1936, also an important event, Bocking Josepf of Joan Elliott became Best of Breed and Timyke Mustard of Bill Boylan became Best Bitch. The dogs were judged by J. Saunders.
1937 at Crufts, Game Bill, first owned by Joe Mallen, later Dan Potter, became Best of Breed.
Crufts 1938, Gentleman Jim, Best Stafford pup. Game Laddie, Best of Breed.
At the dogshow in Bath (1939), Gentleman Jim became the first male Champion of the breed and Lady Eve, owned by Joe Dunn, the first female Champion. They were judged by A. Fulwood.
The dogs were judged by H.N. Beilby. The results of the first Stafford show:
Males,
1 Jim the Dandy - Open Dog and Best in show
2 Game Lad
3 Cross Guns Johnson
Females,
1 Brave Nell - Open Bitch
2 Queenie
3 Lioness
Some more results of the 30's.
In 1936, Staffordhire Bull Terriers went to the Crufts show for the first time. Cross Guns Johnson of Joe Mallen became Best of Breed and Brother of Looe owned by Tom Walls became Best Bitch. The dogs were judged by Joe Dunn.
At the National Wembley Dogshow of 1936, also an important event, Bocking Josepf of Joan Elliott became Best of Breed and Timyke Mustard of Bill Boylan became Best Bitch. The dogs were judged by J. Saunders.
1937 at Crufts, Game Bill, first owned by Joe Mallen, later Dan Potter, became Best of Breed.
Crufts 1938, Gentleman Jim, Best Stafford pup. Game Laddie, Best of Breed.
At the dogshow in Bath (1939), Gentleman Jim became the first male Champion of the breed and Lady Eve, owned by Joe Dunn, the first female Champion. They were judged by A. Fulwood.
In 1937 the next Stafford club became a fact...The Southern Counties Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and in the middle of World War 2 (1943) the third club was formed, The Northern Counties. They started with no less than 13 members...
The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Ireland (Daphy owned and bred by D. Williams, Linksbury kennels) was registrered in 1940, in 1946 there just were 19 registrations with the Irish kennel Club, however, finally in 1947 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Ireland was founded.
In 1974 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America was founded and two years later the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Six main lines are known, which are named after their founder. The two most important ones are the J-Line (named after Fearless Joe) and the M-Line (named after Brindle Mick). Other lines are: L-Line (Game Lad), B-Line (Rum Bottle), R-Line (Ribchester Max) and C-Line (Cinderbank Beauty).
The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Ireland (Daphy owned and bred by D. Williams, Linksbury kennels) was registrered in 1940, in 1946 there just were 19 registrations with the Irish kennel Club, however, finally in 1947 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Ireland was founded.
In 1974 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America was founded and two years later the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Six main lines are known, which are named after their founder. The two most important ones are the J-Line (named after Fearless Joe) and the M-Line (named after Brindle Mick). Other lines are: L-Line (Game Lad), B-Line (Rum Bottle), R-Line (Ribchester Max) and C-Line (Cinderbank Beauty).
During World War 2, the interest to dogs decreased but after the war in 1946 the Southern Club organized a show and got no less than 300 registrations. The first Champions after the war were CH. Head Lad of Vilmar, CH. Widneyland Model and CH. Widneyland Kim.
In the following years the popularity increased considerably and in 1949, 2357 Staffordshire Bull Terrier were registrered. The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier was registrered in 1931, 1933, two more and in 1934 twelve registrations again. In 1935, the year the club was formed, there were 174 registrations, just before the war in 1939 there were 310 Staffords registered, 1941 - 135, 1944 - 841 and in 1945 at the end of World War 2, 1097 registrered, therefor we can say that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have endured the war reasonably well.
Some important dogs of the 1950's were Bomber Command, CH. Goldwyns Leading Lad, CH. Wychbury Kimbo, CH. Bellerophon Billy Boy, CH. Son of Billy Boy and not to forget CH. Rellim a'Boy which died at an early age but was of outstanding quality. He produced CH. Rellim Ferryvale Victor, which became an important dog during the 1960's.
Some leading names of the 1960's: CH. Eastaff Danom, CH. Black Monarch CH. Wyecombe Dandy and CH. Judy of Brunaburgh (first bitch that became Best of Breed twice at Crufts). During the 1970's we come across CH. Rapparee Rothersyke Vow, CH. Westpoint Warrior, CH. Topcroft Toreador, CH. Hurricane of Judael, CH. Skean Dhu (late 1970's - 80's), CH. Black Tusker and later in the 80's/90's his son CH. Constones Yer Man produced a lot of great dogs.
In spite of increasing popularity, it still was difficult to beat other Terrier breeds in the show ring. The first Stafford which won the Best in Show All Breeds title was CH. Wystaff Warfare, bred by Gwen Gallimore (20-01-66) and owned by R. Armitage.
In the following years the popularity increased considerably and in 1949, 2357 Staffordshire Bull Terrier were registrered. The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier was registrered in 1931, 1933, two more and in 1934 twelve registrations again. In 1935, the year the club was formed, there were 174 registrations, just before the war in 1939 there were 310 Staffords registered, 1941 - 135, 1944 - 841 and in 1945 at the end of World War 2, 1097 registrered, therefor we can say that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have endured the war reasonably well.
Some important dogs of the 1950's were Bomber Command, CH. Goldwyns Leading Lad, CH. Wychbury Kimbo, CH. Bellerophon Billy Boy, CH. Son of Billy Boy and not to forget CH. Rellim a'Boy which died at an early age but was of outstanding quality. He produced CH. Rellim Ferryvale Victor, which became an important dog during the 1960's.
Some leading names of the 1960's: CH. Eastaff Danom, CH. Black Monarch CH. Wyecombe Dandy and CH. Judy of Brunaburgh (first bitch that became Best of Breed twice at Crufts). During the 1970's we come across CH. Rapparee Rothersyke Vow, CH. Westpoint Warrior, CH. Topcroft Toreador, CH. Hurricane of Judael, CH. Skean Dhu (late 1970's - 80's), CH. Black Tusker and later in the 80's/90's his son CH. Constones Yer Man produced a lot of great dogs.
In spite of increasing popularity, it still was difficult to beat other Terrier breeds in the show ring. The first Stafford which won the Best in Show All Breeds title was CH. Wystaff Warfare, bred by Gwen Gallimore (20-01-66) and owned by R. Armitage.
UNITED STATES
Between approximately 1870 and 1910 during the great migrations to the new world a lot of Bull and Terriers came to America. Especially English and Irish migrants took their fighting dogs with them.
Dog fighting allready was a popular pastime since the first colonists arrived in America but around the early 19th century it became part of the American society. Even the in 1898 founded United Kennel Club (by C. Bennett in order to provide a registry for working dogs) promoted dog fighting. Later, the UKC banned the sport and in 1976 dog fighting was illegal in all states.
Much is written (by Irish - Americans) about the so-called Irish strains, nevertheless, mostly it concerns English dogs. Moreover, Ireland was occupied by the English since 1650, just in 1922 Ireland became independent. The only period before 1922 that Ireland was recognized as an independent nation was between 1641 and 1649. Therefor it's not always easy to make the difference between English and Irish dogs.
The imported Bull and Terrier dogs / early Staffordshire Bull Terriers of England and Ireland were the ancestors of both the Pit Bull and the American Staffordshire Terrier... So writings from those days are a little confusing sometimes because they apply for both breeds. Some important dogs of that period were Cockney Charlie Lloyd's Pilot and - Paddy, Mc Donald's Grip, Galvin's Pup, Mc Gough's Tige and Krieger's Crib. The dogs in the States developed different, especially in weight and height. In 1936 the American Kennel Club (founded in 1884) officially recognized the Pit Bull but it changed the name into Staffordshire Terrier (American is added in 1972) to distinguish it as a separate breed. Still today a lot of Amstaff are dual registered, as Pit Bull with the UKC and Amstaff with the AKC. However, the UKC recognized the Pit Bull as a breed allready in 1898 and the in 1909 founded American Dog Breeders Association also registered Pit Bulls as a breed so whereas developed by British fighting dogs, we have to admitt that the Pit Bull as a registered breed is the oldest one.
The Staffordshire dogs imported to America in those days, like Lloyd's Pilot for example, have had nothing to do with development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as such. SBTC/ USA Registry was founded in 1967 by Steve Stone (author of the book 'Celebrating Staffordshire Bull Terriers'), the first 3 Staffords registered in the studbook were Bandits Belle-Lettres (1964), Bandits Firestreak Red Rover (1963) and Loggerheads Hengist (1966). After some disagreements there was formed a second club but later around 1974 it became one national club, the 'Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Incorporated'. Strange enough the AKC recognised the breed not untill 1975...The first male Champion of the US became Tinkinswood Imperial, an English (Wales) import owned by L. Rant. First female Champion was Australian import Northwark Becky Sharpe. The first 'American-bred' Champion was Gamecock Another Brinsley Lad.
Between approximately 1870 and 1910 during the great migrations to the new world a lot of Bull and Terriers came to America. Especially English and Irish migrants took their fighting dogs with them.
Dog fighting allready was a popular pastime since the first colonists arrived in America but around the early 19th century it became part of the American society. Even the in 1898 founded United Kennel Club (by C. Bennett in order to provide a registry for working dogs) promoted dog fighting. Later, the UKC banned the sport and in 1976 dog fighting was illegal in all states.
Much is written (by Irish - Americans) about the so-called Irish strains, nevertheless, mostly it concerns English dogs. Moreover, Ireland was occupied by the English since 1650, just in 1922 Ireland became independent. The only period before 1922 that Ireland was recognized as an independent nation was between 1641 and 1649. Therefor it's not always easy to make the difference between English and Irish dogs.
The imported Bull and Terrier dogs / early Staffordshire Bull Terriers of England and Ireland were the ancestors of both the Pit Bull and the American Staffordshire Terrier... So writings from those days are a little confusing sometimes because they apply for both breeds. Some important dogs of that period were Cockney Charlie Lloyd's Pilot and - Paddy, Mc Donald's Grip, Galvin's Pup, Mc Gough's Tige and Krieger's Crib. The dogs in the States developed different, especially in weight and height. In 1936 the American Kennel Club (founded in 1884) officially recognized the Pit Bull but it changed the name into Staffordshire Terrier (American is added in 1972) to distinguish it as a separate breed. Still today a lot of Amstaff are dual registered, as Pit Bull with the UKC and Amstaff with the AKC. However, the UKC recognized the Pit Bull as a breed allready in 1898 and the in 1909 founded American Dog Breeders Association also registered Pit Bulls as a breed so whereas developed by British fighting dogs, we have to admitt that the Pit Bull as a registered breed is the oldest one.
The Staffordshire dogs imported to America in those days, like Lloyd's Pilot for example, have had nothing to do with development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as such. SBTC/ USA Registry was founded in 1967 by Steve Stone (author of the book 'Celebrating Staffordshire Bull Terriers'), the first 3 Staffords registered in the studbook were Bandits Belle-Lettres (1964), Bandits Firestreak Red Rover (1963) and Loggerheads Hengist (1966). After some disagreements there was formed a second club but later around 1974 it became one national club, the 'Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Incorporated'. Strange enough the AKC recognised the breed not untill 1975...The first male Champion of the US became Tinkinswood Imperial, an English (Wales) import owned by L. Rant. First female Champion was Australian import Northwark Becky Sharpe. The first 'American-bred' Champion was Gamecock Another Brinsley Lad.
NETHERLANDS
In spite of his growing popularity in Britain, the Stafford remained fairly unknown for a long time in the Netherlands. As far as we know, two Staffords were present at the later 1950's. Springrise Anchor (dhr. van der Bent) and Longtonion Active (dhr. Gaasbeek). However, there was not much interest and it will last till the early 1970's when a Stafford appeared at a dogshow again (Winner 1970). This dog (Sevenoaks Slenkge) was imported by the late ms. A. Schneider-Louter (who also imported the first Lhasa Apso in the Netherlands around the 1960's). In 1971 A. van Herpen (Melmar's) and N. Grishkov (Cracking Staffords) imported the next Stafford from England, Martyr's Dutch Joe. Sevenoaks Slenkge (later owned by A. van Herpen) and Martyr's Dutch Joe became the base of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the Netherlands. However, Martyr's Dutch Joe produced only 2 litters, one by Sevenoaks slenkge and one by Feiwmid Gipsy.
They produced some great dogs and the most important one appeared to be CH. Melmar's Admiral Avalanche (owned by J. van Doesburg).
Later they imported again some dogs, two daughters out of CH. Christopher of Geneva (Warmaid of Geneva and Imago bellicose Boadicea), one considerable bitch out of Westpoint warrior (Brindle Bett of Melmars), a daughter out of Ashstock Max the Miller (Feiwmid Gipsy) and a daughter out of CH. Rapparee Threapwood Handyman (Nineacre Black Magic). Warmaid of Geneva has been undoubtedly the most influential bitch in the Netherlands. She produced some important dogs like CH. Melmar's Crafty Croaker and CH. Melmar's Crafty Cindy.
The combination of Black Magic and Admiral Avalanche in 1976 produced an important male, Melmar's Dutch Genius which produced a lot of great dogs in the 1980's. Especially Melmar's The Cocker (Cracker Cockerson, Melmar's Cocker Junior, Melmar's Easy Lad, Melmar's Explosive Kate, Cracking White Charm) and Melmar's Courageous Idol (Melmar's General, Melmar's Brindle Lady, Melmar's The Warrant, Tu Staff's Black Belt, Tu Staff's Try Me).
Another important male out of Melmar's Dutch Genius and Warmaid of Geneva was Melmar's Cambrian Imperator (Melmar's Clever Boy Lewis, Melmar's Rough Rover Ben).
In spite of his growing popularity in Britain, the Stafford remained fairly unknown for a long time in the Netherlands. As far as we know, two Staffords were present at the later 1950's. Springrise Anchor (dhr. van der Bent) and Longtonion Active (dhr. Gaasbeek). However, there was not much interest and it will last till the early 1970's when a Stafford appeared at a dogshow again (Winner 1970). This dog (Sevenoaks Slenkge) was imported by the late ms. A. Schneider-Louter (who also imported the first Lhasa Apso in the Netherlands around the 1960's). In 1971 A. van Herpen (Melmar's) and N. Grishkov (Cracking Staffords) imported the next Stafford from England, Martyr's Dutch Joe. Sevenoaks Slenkge (later owned by A. van Herpen) and Martyr's Dutch Joe became the base of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in the Netherlands. However, Martyr's Dutch Joe produced only 2 litters, one by Sevenoaks slenkge and one by Feiwmid Gipsy.
They produced some great dogs and the most important one appeared to be CH. Melmar's Admiral Avalanche (owned by J. van Doesburg).
Later they imported again some dogs, two daughters out of CH. Christopher of Geneva (Warmaid of Geneva and Imago bellicose Boadicea), one considerable bitch out of Westpoint warrior (Brindle Bett of Melmars), a daughter out of Ashstock Max the Miller (Feiwmid Gipsy) and a daughter out of CH. Rapparee Threapwood Handyman (Nineacre Black Magic). Warmaid of Geneva has been undoubtedly the most influential bitch in the Netherlands. She produced some important dogs like CH. Melmar's Crafty Croaker and CH. Melmar's Crafty Cindy.
The combination of Black Magic and Admiral Avalanche in 1976 produced an important male, Melmar's Dutch Genius which produced a lot of great dogs in the 1980's. Especially Melmar's The Cocker (Cracker Cockerson, Melmar's Cocker Junior, Melmar's Easy Lad, Melmar's Explosive Kate, Cracking White Charm) and Melmar's Courageous Idol (Melmar's General, Melmar's Brindle Lady, Melmar's The Warrant, Tu Staff's Black Belt, Tu Staff's Try Me).
Another important male out of Melmar's Dutch Genius and Warmaid of Geneva was Melmar's Cambrian Imperator (Melmar's Clever Boy Lewis, Melmar's Rough Rover Ben).
May 4th 1975 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Nederland was formed by a group of Stafford enthousiastics (A. v Herpen, N. Grishkov, J. v Doesburg, H. Hoogendam and P. Hendriks) and finally in October 1975 the club was recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club as well as by Royal decree. Arie v Herpen became the first chairman and as passionate as he was concerning the Stafford, he has done very much for the club as well for the breed in general. In 1976 the first issue appeared of the club's magazine, the editorial staf existed out of J. v Doesburg and F. Jansen (later well-known breeder of Pit Bulls and owner of the famous CH. Spike).
The first clubmatch was held August 22 1976 in Schiedam, 30 dogs were registered. Melmar's Crafty Croaker (owned by L. Hendrik) became 'Best Male' and Melmar's The Bogus darling (owned by ms Huyskens) became 'Best Bitch'. They were judged by the English judge R. Servat.
During the 1980's the breed slowly became more popular at the general public. At the same time (late 1970's / early 1980's) the first Pit Bulls came to the Netherlands (Fonseca's Duke is supposed to be the first imported Pit Bull).
There is little to no interest for the breed, despite some inciting articles concerning dog fighting between 1983/ 1986 (Geo Magazine/ Panorama/ Nieuwe Revue but also different newspapers). Reports then were especially aimed at describing the 'horrible and bloody' dog fights. Later, the reports change (Panorama 1987, Pitbull Terrier-an extreme underdog) and soon everything and everyone in anyway connected to the Pit Bull were put down as a criminal and dog fighter. Almost every week there were reports of Pit Bull attacks and in 1990 the first deadly attack became a fact. Strange enough its popularity grew enormeously between 1985 and 1993 (the year that the Pit Bull became prohibited legally).
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier certainly also suffered from all negative publicity and frequently Staffordshire Bull Terriers been considered as a Pit Bull. As a result, Staffords also often labelled as dangereous dogs.
However, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier survived the media war against fighting dogs and managed to become well known as a reliable all-purpose dog. In fact, there is not a single bite incident known which involved the (FCI) Staffordshire Bull Terrier...whereas this breed allready a few years belongs to the 'top 25 most popular breeds' of the Netherlands (2007, 1360 registrered dogs, 5th place).
The first clubmatch was held August 22 1976 in Schiedam, 30 dogs were registered. Melmar's Crafty Croaker (owned by L. Hendrik) became 'Best Male' and Melmar's The Bogus darling (owned by ms Huyskens) became 'Best Bitch'. They were judged by the English judge R. Servat.
During the 1980's the breed slowly became more popular at the general public. At the same time (late 1970's / early 1980's) the first Pit Bulls came to the Netherlands (Fonseca's Duke is supposed to be the first imported Pit Bull).
There is little to no interest for the breed, despite some inciting articles concerning dog fighting between 1983/ 1986 (Geo Magazine/ Panorama/ Nieuwe Revue but also different newspapers). Reports then were especially aimed at describing the 'horrible and bloody' dog fights. Later, the reports change (Panorama 1987, Pitbull Terrier-an extreme underdog) and soon everything and everyone in anyway connected to the Pit Bull were put down as a criminal and dog fighter. Almost every week there were reports of Pit Bull attacks and in 1990 the first deadly attack became a fact. Strange enough its popularity grew enormeously between 1985 and 1993 (the year that the Pit Bull became prohibited legally).
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier certainly also suffered from all negative publicity and frequently Staffordshire Bull Terriers been considered as a Pit Bull. As a result, Staffords also often labelled as dangereous dogs.
However, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier survived the media war against fighting dogs and managed to become well known as a reliable all-purpose dog. In fact, there is not a single bite incident known which involved the (FCI) Staffordshire Bull Terrier...whereas this breed allready a few years belongs to the 'top 25 most popular breeds' of the Netherlands (2007, 1360 registrered dogs, 5th place).