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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”.
The breed received championship status in 1938 when CC's were awarded for the first time at the
Birmingham National. The first two Champions of the breed were Ch. Gentleman Jim and Ch. Lady Eve. The popularity of the breed
has now spread abroad with well established clubs in many countries including Australia, Eire, France, Germany, Holland, Spain
and the USA, to name but a few.
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