About

History

The SBT origins historically from the mining and industry areas in an around Birmingham, Staffordshire and Midlands. Since these working class areas were highly populated and rich of children these dogs were from the start bred to be totally reliable both towards grown ups and children.

All Bull Terrier breeds origiins from similar but different variations of bull-and-terrers, which was bred from different crossings of White English Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Old English Bulldogs.

The SBT origins from different breeds used for fighting, bull fighting amongst others. When bull fighting was banned in 1835 the interest of dog fights increased and took its place. The old bull fighting dog's courage and strenghts suited this purpose very well. To gain agility and stubborness Terrier blood was mixed into the fighting dogs. Old English Terrier was chosen as one, from which Bull and Terrier was developed and later became Bull Terrier.

The result was an agile, courageous and intelligent dog with great strenghts and stubborness.

Different kinds of fighting dogs developed in different areas. In 1835 dog fighting was banned, but in different regions of England there were engaged people who wanted to establish the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as an own breed, which is was in 1935. Two SBTs; Jim the Dandy and Fearless Joe laid the foundation of the breed standard.

The breed gained championship status in 1928 when certificates was handed out for the first time at Birmingham National. The first two SBTs to become champions was CH. Gentleman Jim and CH. Lady Eve.

Since dog fights were banned the breeding was successfully focused on moderating the fighting will, withouth loosing the strenghts, the courage and intelligence. The SBTs of today are the result of this breeding strategy.

By chance the breed developed qualities that made them wonderful family dogs. The most important is the breed's unusal affection towards people, especially children. It is not by accident the breedin its home country is called the Nanny Dog.

Its history and breeding has lead to a SBT that is energetic, stubborn and courageous, agile strong and who loves people, and is happier the more children climbing it in the dog bed.

It is in general a healthy breed that does not need much grooming.