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Through the course of time, the Staffordshire bull terrier has changed into his modern variety,
a dog perhaps calmer in temperament but certainly different in appearance from his ancestors. Though this modern type has
been enjoying great increase in popularity and is in some circles considered a product of a positive evolution of the breed,
in other circles it is agreed that he is not what he was originally intended to be... Some would go as far as to say that
he has become a caricature of him self, that might be a bit too hard, but I guess in a way that is the truth. Surely, the
modern type of dog could not be expected to show the high level of courage, tenacity and drive of his ancestors, not to mention gameness, as these
highly valuable traits that play an important part in forming the true Staffordshire character, have been neglected in favour
of the superficial.
| CH WYCHBURRY JIMīS DOUBLE |
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| I THINK A DOG LIKE THIS ONE SHOULD BE REGARDED AS THE IDEAL "TYPE" |
"...a good deal of variation was bound to exist and the standard was accordingly worded so as
to define the perfect dog, but not to exclude or unduly panalize others which did not entirely comply with it" (H.N. BIELBY)
Sometimes, the standard is followed to an extend of being overdone, with the unfortunate result of poor soundness, such
as breathing difficulties and joint problems, which should not be found in a fighting dog, or if you donīt like the
term, a dog which existance alone is based on participating in such activities as dog fighting, badger bating and so on. It
is from these so-called sports that our beloved Staffordhire bull terrier has emerged. An inferior dog, mentally or
physically, would have not been able to participate or even survive in those events. These activities are since long not only
rejected by todays sociaties, but also banned and punishable by law. This of course being a good thing for the well fare of
the animals. The point however remains. Should the historical nature of the Staffordshire bull terrier be jeopardized in the
quest for so-called type, only to eventually end up with another disaster like the English bulldog as we know him today? I
think not!
In my opinion a real Stafford is a supreme athlete, throughout healthy, fit in body and sound in mind, full with fire
and hopefully with a good portion of guts.
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| NIKKI AT PROTECTION WORK...IT IS UNUSUAL FOR A STAFFORD BUT YES, SHE WILL HIT THE SLEEVE |
No, I am not trying to breed nor promote over-aggressive Staffordshires. Such behavior is not typical of this breed.
But, there must be no hesitation in his heart whatever the challenge might be!
I am also of the opinion that a Stafford must be kept fit. There are too many fat dogs around. Even at the dog shows.
Whatever happened to show-condition?
"...but I will tell you here and now that a 16inch dog weighing 36-40 lbs is to my mind silly..."
(Jack Barnard)
The Staffordshire bull terrier is many times refered to as the gladiator of the canine world. Imagine a fat gladiator
win a battle? Donīt think so. Or imagine a boxer, a wrestler, any sportsman out of shape being able to perform at a respectable
level. Not likely. Ok, a bodybuilder. They pose, just like our dogs at the dog shows. Get the point?
"...no dog shown out of condition has a chance against one properly put down..."
(Jack Barnard)
As goes for the situation today, whishful thinking, Iīm afraid.
I am not suggesting a dog should be kept in top-condition at all time, but bringing a fat Stafford to a dog show
is to me, mockery of the breed!
Dogs below display hard show condition. Similar conditon is said to have been required when entering a Stafford
into a dog show in the days gone by. Very different from what can be seen at the present KC-dog shows. Fortunately,
there are alternatives...
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