BREEDS
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER Over the years the fun-loving Staffy, with a smile as big as its heart, has proved its worth as a nonaggressive, loyal and doting member of any family. By Helen Frost. The Stafy is sought-after by families wanting a fun pet for adults and kids alike.
BREED RE: FEATU HIRE D R O S STAFF ERRIER L BUL T
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he smiling Stafy is a wonderful dog that has proven, over the years, to be one of the most loyal, doting canine companions any family could wish for. With a big heart, a big personality and a smile so large you’d think it could swallow you up, this happygo-lucky breed will repay a good, caring family tenfold in love and afection. With a history dating back to the bloody dog sport rings of the 1800s, the Stafy’s nature was unfairly tainted when, in those days, it was bred for dog fighting and bear-baiting to provide entertainment for blood-thirsty audiences. However, it was often said that as soon as the dogs left the fighting ring, their aggression would disappear and they would become calm and gentle, even watching over babies in the family. With those cruel days now far behind it, the Stafy has become one of the most popular of all dog breeds and is sought after by families wanting a fun, gentle pet for adults and kids alike.
MAD ABOUT KIDS The Stafy got its name from Stafordshire in England, where, in the early 1900s, miners and iron workers began breeding the dogs for companionship and showing. The Stafy arrived in Australia in the 1950s and is today one of the most even-tempered breeds available. According to the experts, the Stafy is one of the best dogs to have around kids and seems to have a natural afinity for children. Breeders recommend early training and socialisation, as with all breeds, but warn the Stafy does not respond well to harsh training methods. Gentle, positive reinforcement and lots of patience is the way to go. The Stafy is known to be a highly intelligent dog and excels at obedience, flyball and agility.
While the idea of owning a Stafy may seem a good one to some, keep in mind the advice of Stafy breeders who emphasise this is an inside dog and needs to be a part of the family rather than left outside to its own devices. The Stafy craves attention and love from its family and can become problematic if left on its own. Breeders say this can lead to destructive behaviour, separation anxiety, barking and depression. 80
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Photos: Big Stock Photo
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