Читать книгу Staffordshire Bull Terrier: An Owner’s Guide - Alison Smith - Страница 7

In the early nineteenth century, terriers of all kinds were bred for their ability to take part in what were then known as bloodsports, the two most popular being bull-baiting and cock-fighting. In the mid-1800s, bulls were brought to markets and upon by dogs. Baiting was done for two reasons: to tenderize the bull’s meat and provide entertainment for the spectators, who enjoyed nothing more than watching the specially bred dogs bring down a bull. This pastime also extended to bears and other animals.

These bloodsports were very common at this time and would often take place in villages and at country fairs. The dogs would grab the bulls and be tossed around, sometimes even being hurled over a bull’s head, only to be thrown back into the action by their owners.

Bred to win

The secret to a winning dog’s success lay in the strength of his jaw. The ability to ‘lock’ his jaws onto another animal meant that, no matter how strong the opposition, the steely grip and weight of the dog would eventually tire the bull out and bring it down.

Another trait of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was (and still is) its incredible tolerance to pain. This meant that they invariably continued to hang on, despite suffering severe injuries.

These early dogs bore no resemblance to the noble breed we are used to today. They were bred not for their pleasing looks but for what was then known as their ‘gameness’ – in other words, their strength and skill against animals which were over 20 times their size.

The Stafford’s fearless nature, together with his in-built resolve never to quit, are still much in evidence in the breed today, although modern breeders are also careful to breed for a good, sound temperament in their dogs, so that they will make good family pets.

The loyal Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most noble looking and wonderful dogs imaginable