The Staffie emerged around the 17th century from crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers of the time.
This cross produced what was known as the bull and terrier or pitdog.
They came about when bull and bear baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s and the interest in dog fighting increased. Although they were known for their ferociousness and courage in the dog pits they made excellent family pets, In fact it was not unknown for a injured dog to be transported home in a pram with the baby!
They belonged to people from all walks of life, form lords to miners.
Dog fighting wasn’t the only thing they were used for; they were also worked in badger hunting and as ratters.
With the introduction of the Humane Act in 1835, baiting sports and dog fighting became unlawful and a group of men in the Staffordshire area endeavoured to preserve the breed by introducing them to the show world.
A breed standard was created and this dog was named the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, The Stafford was officially registered by the Kennel Club in 1935 and the first club show for the breed took place in August 1935 at Cradley Heath in the West Midlands where 60 dogs and bitches were entered . The founder club was named the SBT Club and is affectionately known today as “The Parent Club”.