The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called the Staffy or Stafford, is a purebred dog of small to medium size in the terrier group that originated in the northern parts of Birmingham and in the Black Country of Staffordshire, for which it is named. They descended from 19th-century bull terriers that were developed by crossing bulldogs with various terriers to create a generic type of dog generally known as bull and terriers. Staffords share the same ancestry with the modern Bull Terrier, although the two breeds developed along independent lines, and do not resemble each other. Modern Staffords more closely resemble the old type of bull terrier, and were first recognised as a purebred dog breed by The Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1935.
Originated in the urban areas of the United Kingdom, particularly in Birmingham and Staffordshire, which were industrial regions.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is renowned for its courage and tenacity, with a history linked to bull and terrier types. Despite its tough appearance, the breed is known for being affectionate and especially good with children, often nicknamed the 'nanny dog.' Staffords require a strong, confident owner to guide them due to their strong will and powerful build.
Staffordshire bull terrier by J. M. Crossland (1799–1858)
The dog and its races, 1876. left column: English Mastiff, Dalmatian Shepherd Dog, Pug; right column: Danish Mastiff, Bull-dog
Dustman, bull and terrier, Benjamin Marshall 1804
Bulldog and two Bull Terriers circa 19th century
"Crib and Rosa" circa 1817 Abraham Cooper (1787–1868)
Bull Terrier by Maud Earl, circa 1909
First ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier show, Cradley Heath 1935
Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy
Kit Burns's Saloon, NY, by Edward Winslow Martin (James D. McCabe), "The Secrets of the Great City" (Philadelphia, 1868)
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5