First Published: 1982

Hardcover 

176 pages - 1982 

Publisher: David & Charles (Publishers) Limited 

Printed by: Redwood Burn Limited

ISBN: 0715382322

Product Dimensions: 22cm x 14cm

Book Weight: 415g approx

reprinted 1983, 1985, 1989, 2004

Book Description:

"The friendly, fearless, sporting Staffordshire Bull Terrier is now the most popular breed of terrier in the Kennel Club's 'league table'. For the many owners and would-be owners, this book is the ideal guide. It gives full information in the delightful character and temperament of these dogs, on selecting a puppy, on management and feeding, breeding and showing; and also covers the breed's sporting potential and its remarkable history. The appendices of Kennel Club registrations and of champions, with their sires and dams, owners and breeders, over to the last 40 years, are of particular value to those wishing to breed and show their Staffords. The author has long and successful personal experience of the breed.

The Author:

W M Morley has been associated with Staffords for over thirty years, and has been a successful breeder, exhibitor and judge. He had the distinction of campaigning the first challenge certificate winner and breeding the first champion in the North East. He contributes regular articles on Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the canine press. He lives in Houghton-le-Spring"

INTRODUCTION

The main factor that prompted me to write this book was the opportunity to combine two of my principal hobbies: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and writing.

Since we acquired our first Stafford in 1948, my wife and I have increasingly admired both the physical and mental characteristics of the breed, which we believe to be superior to those of any other breed of dog. During the past thirty years there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as more people have become aware of the pleasures of owning specimens of the breed.

Although a considerable number of owners exhibit their Staffords — and undoubtedly the show-ring is a prerequisite for the continuing popularity of any breed of dog — there are many owners who, for a variety of reasons, are not so interested in showing their dogs. Nevertheless, they may have an important contribution to make to the future of this breed, and many are interested in obtaining as much information as possible in order to be better informed about their hobby.

This book has been designed, therefore, to be of interest to a wide range of Stafford owners, from beginners in the breed to experienced breeders and exhibitors. it is hoped that the contents may also prove of value to owners of other breeds of dogs, especially other sporting breeds, who are not yet fully conversant with the peculiarities and propensities of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

From its beginnings as a sporting terrier used in bull baiting and organised dog fighting, the Stafford is one of the few breeds of dog that has been able to retain its ‘naturalness’. Not for him the intricate trimming, the scented shampoos or the coat ribbons; he is in his element in any outdoor environment where his sporting instincts can be enjoyed by him and his owner alike. He is also equally satisfied lying in front of an appealing coal fire!

CONTENTS:

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Character and Temperament

Early Ancestry

Development of the Breed

Stock Selection

Management and Feeding

Breeding

Exhibiting and Judging

Sporting Aspects

Organised Dog Fighting

The Contemporary Scene

The American Scene

The Future of the Breed