The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium sized, short coated, old time breed of dog, originally bred for bull and bear fighting. Dogs proven in the pit were bred with others of like skill and ability and over time the Staffie was produced. In the early part of the twentieth century they gained respectablity and were accepted into the Kennel Club of England as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier - not to be confused with the Bull Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an English breed of dog and should not be confused with their larger cousin the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The Staffie is a breed that has many supporters and perhaps just as many detractors. Over the generations the Staffie has put his or her fighting history behind him or her and his or her other famous trait, as a loving family member, has earned him or her a place in the hearts of many. Staffie owners recommend their dogs as confident, people-loving dogs. A typical staffie is energetic, devoted to his or her families, and normally loves meeting strangers. Famed animal conservationist Steve Irwin incorporated Sui, his Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, into many episodes of his documentary television show, The Crocodile Hunter.
Often held responsible for many of the unpleasant attacks reported on humans and other animals, the Staffie can polarise public opinion. When spoken of, people will generally fall into one of two camps, those strongly for the breed and those strongly against.
In cases of reported attacks, there is often little distinction made between the bull terrier breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Pit-Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffie. Perhaps because of its comparative high numbers and poor recognition by the public, the Staffie wears much of the blame for reported attacks that may have been perpetrated by any member of the bull terrier breeds.
Staffies are regularly the fourth most popular breed in Australia, behind German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, according to the numbers of puppies bred each year.
