Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs

With the tenacity of the Old English Bulldog and the fire of the terrier, the original Bull and Terrier was bred in Britain as a pit fighter, a job at which the dogs excelled for more than 175 years. Fortunately, humane laws put an end to such blood sports and, although some underground activity did continue for a few years, the end was inevitable. Had it not been for a group of fanciers led by Joseph Dunn, the Bull and Terrier might have gone the way of the fighting pit. These men appreciated the dogs for their other qualities and persuaded The Kennel Club (England) to recognize the breed as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a name taken from the English county where the dogs were most popular. In 1935 the breed was accepted under this name and some 15 years later was introduced to this continent. It is a rugged, smooth-coated breed, measuring from 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder. Color may be solid red, fawn, white, black, blue or any of these with white; black and tan or liver color is undesirable. A vigorous weekly rubdown with a hound mitt is all the grooming needed. Some members of the breed retain a strong antipathy toward other dogs, but generally they are wonderful family pets and exceptionally fond of children. These dogs should have a daily run outdoors to work off some of their energy. Their size makes them just right for large apartments or homes, and they're great watchdogs.

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