Korvosa Staffords
The Stafford
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in a nut-shell, is a medium-sized, muscular breed of English origin showing great strength for its size. The muscular but agile Stafford is courage and tenacious, but should have an exuberant affection and empathy for humans big and small, with an unmatched zest for life, with a quietness off duty. It is not uncommon for a stafford to not particularly enjoy the company of other animals, or be less tolerant of other dogs; therefore, Staffords are not dog park dogs.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie/Stafford) should not to be confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am. Staff) or American Pit Bull Terrier (Pitty). These are three very distinct breeds, with their own unique history and characteristics.
"Every pet may not be a show dog,
but be assured, every show dog
is a pet."
- Patricia Craige Trotter
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The Breed Standard
A breed standard is the guideline that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed; ensuring that the breed is fit for function. The purpose of a dog show is to evaluate quality breeding stock in order to maintain the integrity of the breed. A dog with good conformation (appearance and structure), is more likely to produce correct, structurally sound, puppies than a dog with poor structure.
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog. It should be of great strength for its size and, although muscular, should be active and agile. Height at shoulders ranges from 14 to 16 inches, and weight between 24 - 38 pounds. These heights being related to weights.
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Colour red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle, or any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colour not to be encouraged.
*Be advised that no reputable breeder will purposely breed blue dogs. Blue dogs do not meet the standard naturally. Due to the backyard breeders, many blues now have Colour Dilute Alopecia and allergies, or produce affected puppies. Blues are not rare, and no blue dog has ever obtained a champion in the country of origin.
Temperment
Bold, fearless, and totally reliable, is how the breed standard describes a Stafford. But they are also incredibly intelligent and active dogs. They require both physical and mental stimulation to be happy dogs. A walk around the block each day will not satisfy the needs of a Stafford.
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Staffords are not good candidates for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of time with their dog, because all a Stafford wants to do is spend time with you. You will never go to the bathroom alone again once you welcome one into your home.
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Those interested in a Stafford need to accept that some have little or no tolerance of other animals or dogs. Despite what keyboard warriors claim, it is not all in how you raise them, it is simply genetics.
Health Testing
Though a relatively healthy breed, reputable breeders will always health test their dogs prior to being bred. For example, the best way to prevent hip dysplasia is by breeding dogs with good hips, and the only way to ensure a puppy is clear of hereditary cataracts is by breeding unaffected parents. The following list is what all Stafford breeders should test for. Click on the name for a description of what each test/disease is.
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OFA Elbow (new)
Optional:
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Breed History
Although there has been some discussion through the years about the origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, authorities generally agree that the breed can be traced back to the Mastiff-like dogs through the old Bulldog which, when crossed with British terriers, produced the first “Bull and Terriers.” Books published in the early 1800s which refer to “Bull and Terriers,” “Pit Dogs”, and “Fighting Dogs” confirm that the cross existed at that time.
The old-fashioned Bulldog was a fierce, courageous animal used in the sports of bear- and bull-baiting as early as the mid-sixteenth century. When these sports fell from public favor and were outlawed, their supporters turned to dog fighting and sought to create a sporting dog that, while retaining the legendary courage and ferocity of the Bulldog, would incorporate the greater agility of the terrier.