Introduction
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, often called “Staffies,” are a medium-sized breed of dog in the terrier family that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Staffordshire, England. They were originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting until those blood sports were banned in 1835, after which they were bred as companion dogs. Staffies are stocky and muscular, with broad heads, a short muzzle, and pronounced cheek muscles. They are known for their courage, tenacity, and loyalty (Wikipedia).
Staffy Breed History
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in the city of Birmingham and the Black Country of Staffordshire, England. They were bred starting in the early 1800s by crossing bulldogs and terriers to produce a dog with strength and agility for bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting. Bull baiting and bear baiting had been popular bloodsports involving pitting dogs against bulls or bears tied to a post. Dog fighting was another cruel practice where dogs would fight each other in a pit.
Sources indicate that early Staffords were bred from a bulldog with some Mastiff bloodlines crossed with certain terriers. Selective breeding focused on courage, tenacity and strength. The goal was to produce a powerful and agile fighting dog. Eventually the breed became lighter in build than bulldogs for greater speed and athleticism. They had the muscular power of bulldogs combined with terrier feistiness and quickness. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was founded in England in 1935 to promote and establish breed standards.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_Bull_Terrier
http://thestaffordshirebullterrier.co.uk/history
Staffy Temperament
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for having friendly, loving temperaments. They desire to be around people and aim to please their owners (AKC). Staffies are highly intelligent and are eager to learn new things and respond quickly to training (Dogtime). The breed standard describes the temperament as “intensely loyal” with an “exceptionally courageous nature” (AKC). While Staffies may appear imposing due to their muscular build, their personalities make them devoted companions that crave human affection.
Despite their fierce reputation, most Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a gentle, stable disposition. They have a zest for life and a dynamic energy matched by few other breeds (AKC). However, Staffies can sometimes display a stubborn streak due to their original purpose as a fighting and baiting dog – requiring confident, consistent handling (Dogtime). With proper socialization and training, Staffies are typically very friendly towards all people, including children.
Staffy Aggression Towards Humans
Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically have a very gentle and loving temperament with humans, especially their family and children. According to the American Temperament Test Society, Staffies score very high for friendliness towards strangers. They are affectionate, loyal, and good with kids when raised with proper socialization and training.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred in 19th century England to be a people-friendly dog for family companionship. They were nicknamed “nanny dogs” for being so reliable with children. Their close historical bond with humans means that Staffies today still thrive on being lapdogs and pleasing their owners.
Well-bred and properly socialized Staffies will be highly unlikely to show any aggressive tendencies towards humans and will make a trustworthy family pet. They aim to please their owners and form very close bonds. With their low aggression and high patience, Staffies are one of the top recommended breeds for families with children. Their loving temperament combined with their physical strength does require supervision around very young kids, like all dog breeds.
Staffy Aggression Towards Other Dogs
The level of dog aggression Staffies show towards other dogs can vary significantly between individual dogs. According to a 2020 study by the Royal Veterinary College, Staffies are no more likely to show aggression towards other dogs than most breeds. However, early and ongoing socialization is important to curb potential aggression in Staffies.
As pups, Staffies should be exposed to many different dogs and people in a positive, supervised setting. Ongoing socialization into adulthood, where they frequently interact with other friendly dogs, is also beneficial. With proper socialization and training, most Staffies can coexist peacefully with other dogs.
However, some Staffies may still show dog aggression even with socialization, due to genetic factors. It’s important for owners to be alert to signs of aggression and take steps to keep their dog under control around other dogs. But the majority of properly socialized Staffies live peacefully with other dogs, despite their reputation.
Influence of Owners & Training
Proper socialization and training from a young age are key in ensuring that Staffordshire Bull Terriers develop a friendly temperament around people and other dogs. According to a 2020 study by the Royal Veterinary College, there was no significant difference in aggression between Staffordshire Bull Terriers and other breeds when raised in a normal home environment. Their reputation comes more from past use in dog fighting and irresponsible ownership practices.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers that receive regular positive interactions, firm but fair training, and socialization from puppyhood are very unlikely to show unwarranted aggression or reflect the outdated stereotypes surrounding the breed. Proper care and training allows their friendly and loyal nature to shine through. As with any breed, aggression issues arise primarily from nurture rather than nature.
Staffy Bite Statistics
Despite their reputation, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a relatively low rate of bites and attacks according to research. While their jaws are strong, Staffies are not actually predisposed to aggression compared to other breeds. According to the American Temperament Test Society, Staffies passed temperament testing around 87% of the time, above the average pass rate of 83%.
In one study analyzing dog bite statistics, Staffies accounted for only 9 total bites over a 31 year period from 1982-2013. This amounted to only 0.9% of total bites, despite Staffies making up a much larger percentage of the overall dog population. Other breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds had significantly higher rates of bites.
Overall, research does not indicate that Staffies have an inherent tendency towards aggression or bites/attacks compared to other dog breeds. Their reputation appears to be more based on their history and physical strength rather than data-driven statistics.
Reasons for Reputation
There are a few key reasons why Staffordshire Bull Terriers have developed a reputation for aggression and danger:
Media portrayal – Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often portrayed negatively in movies, TV shows, and news reports as aggressive and dangerous dogs. This constant association with violence and crime in pop culture has led to public misperceptions about the breed. As noted in one source, “Staffies have been unfairly villanised in the media as a ‘dangerous breed'” (source).
Misidentification – Many dogs that attack or bite humans are misidentified as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. In fact, according to one study, “of the dogs identified, less than 20% were breeds covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act” (source). Since Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a strong muscular breed, they are often mistakenly assumed to be pit bulls, which can contribute to an unfair reputation.
Ways to Curb Aggression
There are several effective ways to help curb aggressive tendencies in Staffordshire Bull Terriers:
Socialization from a young age is key. Exposing Staffies to a wide variety of people, dogs, places and situations will help them become more confident and less reactive. Positive reinforcement training can also teach them how to behave appropriately around triggers that provoke aggressive responses. Refer to this training course for guidance on reducing Staffordshire Bull Terrier aggression through proper training techniques.
Spaying/neutering is highly recommended, as intact dogs are more prone to aggression issues due to hormonal influences. This can help curb territorial behavior, reactivity towards other dogs, and potential aggression problems.
Providing adequate physical and mental stimulation is also important to prevent boredom and frustration, which can contribute to aggressive tendencies. Staffies need daily exercise and playtime, along with interactive toys and training activities that engage their minds.
While Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not inherently aggressive dogs, proper care, training and socialization from an early age can help prevent and curb any problematic behaviors that may emerge.
Conclusion
While Staffies have gained a reputation for aggression, the evidence shows they are not inherently aggressive dogs. Their history shows they were historically bred more for companionship and family loyalty than for fighting or guarding. While their athleticism and strength could potentially be used for harm in the wrong hands, a well-socialized and trained Staffy that receives proper care, exercise and attention is no more likely to show aggression than any other breed.
It is critical that any dog owner provides sufficient physical and mental stimulation, quality nutrition, training and socialization to curb any potential behavior issues. With proper care and management, Staffies can make wonderful family pets known for their affection, loyalty and zest for life. Their nature is to seek human companionship, not confrontation. Any dog can become aggressive if mistreated, neglected or encouraged to be mean. But inherent breed traits show Staffies aim to please people, not attack them. Their unjust reputation for being inherently aggressive is inaccurate when viewing the breed as a whole. Staffies can make remarkable companions in the right homes.