Welcome
General Information
Staffordshire Bull Terriers ( also known as Staffords) are the modern show and pet descendants of the “bull and terriers” originally bred in many parts of the UK well into the nineteenth century as fighting, rat catching and badger baiting dogs. Since he was first registered as a show breed in 1935, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier`s courage and affinity with people, especially children, has enabled him to become popular in many corners of the world and has established the breed`s well-earned nickname of the “nanny dog”.
A Family Dog
Because of his close relationship with humans the Stafford does not make a good guard dog and is not suited to being left for long periods without outside stimulation.Of course there are many positive virtues to owning a Stafford – he is a dog with very special qualities that make him an ideal family dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well suited to a close living relationship with his human companions – he is highly intelligent and thrives on a “one dog to one family” basis.He is ever eager to please and will give you a lifetime of devotion.
However, beware: his friendliness to humans in general also makes him an easy target for any “dog napper”.There are frequent reports of Staffords being stolen from homes, gardens and cars, so great care should be taken not to leave your Stafford unattended in public. You should also ensure that your garden is secure and “dog-proof”; Staffords have no fear of traffic and all too often become road accident victims.
Mixing with Other Dogs
The Stafford has a colourful history and you should remember that while they love people, they will react if challenged by another dog. For this reason you must always be a responsible owner and never take your dog into a public place unless he is on a collar and lead. Always ensure the collar and lead is of sufficient strength to withstand the wear and tear to which it will be subjected (leather or nylon webbing are ideal).A collar should be of sufficient width so as not to cut into your dog`s neck, and neither uncomfortably tight nor so loose as to pull over his head in one of those “stubborn” moments.
Every dog is different, and some Staffords live happily with other dogs or even cats.It has to be said that it`s an exception to find a Stafford that can be totally trusted when meeting strange dogs. Training classes provide a controlled environment where your dog can socialise with other dogs, learn to behave well and respond to you in their presence.
It is strongly recommended that where there are two or more Staffords in a household, they are separated if left unattended for any length of time. As with other breeds, it is not usually wise to try to keep two male animals - especially of similar ages – in one household.
The Rescue Stafford.
Everybody
that contacts the rescue groups with a view to adopting a Stafford, do so
because they claim to love the breed. However, not everybody seems to have
taken on board that this is a RESCUE Group, we are not breeders, and as
such, we are looking for kind, loving permanent homes, prepared to take
on a RESCUE dog.
This means that the dogs that we re-home may not be the Crufts-winning sleek-coated gladiator of a dog that your neighbour has. It is more likely to be a slightly ragged but loveable rogue with possibly middle age spread setting in (and maybe a case of fleas to boot).
If you are a genuine lover of animals, and feel that you could offer a better quality of life to one of our “little darlings”, PLEASE contact us on one of the telephone numbers listed.