The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a popular breed that is commonly confused with several other types of dog. When they are not being pegged as their cousin the Pit Bull, they are also frequently confused with their other cousin the American Staffordshire Terrier. While each originates from similar beginnings, over time the breeds have evolved into their own; similar in some features but very different in nature. Many have come to find the great benefits of owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, insisting that for all its similarities to other like Terrier varieties, this breed is truly one of a kind.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffie as it is often called, is the American Staffordshire Terrier's predecessor. As is commonly seen in American dogs that descend from English dog breeds, the American Staffie is slightly taller with leaner bone structure. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a strong and stocky breed, lower to the ground but solid and very well proportioned. As many Staffordshire Bull Terrier enthusiasts will note, the head of the English Staffordshire is similar to the American Staffie; however, the cheeks of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are much more distinct. The ears of the American Staffie are typically cropped while the English Staffie's half pricked ears are usually left to themselves.
In earlier times, it was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's rock solid physique that allowed the breed to be successfully used for bullbaiting and other dangerous sports. It is generally believed that they descend from the Mastiff family. The English Staffie was brought over from England to the United States in the early 1800's. As time went by, the breed evolved into the taller American Staffie and was bred to be an all purpose animal. Not only were they used for hunting, they also served as companions and guarded property if and when they were not helping herd animals. Both breeds do share the trait of a noticeably resolute courage.
As it can be very difficult to tell the difference between American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Pit Bulls, the three breeds have often found themselves facing breed ban legislation. This is largely done on municipal levels. While some area legislations choose to recognize the distinctions that make up the American and English Staffie, other locales ban not only the Pit Bull but any breed that is related or resembles it. Some breed enthusiasts find this incredibly unfair since the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has made tremendous headway proving itself as a loving family pet. It is, after all, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that is given the nickname of The Nanny Dog. Nonetheless, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can always be expected to approach each aspect of its life with full enthusiasm.
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