Stocky strong and very muscular, the Staffordshire Terrier or Staffy for short, is one of the breeds referred to as a Pit Bull. The mention of Pit Bull evokes strong opinions and emotions in people, mostly due to misunderstanding and incomplete media reports. Staffy's are boldly courageous and have strength well beyond their stature. The Staffy's head is of medium length and very broad with muscular cheeks often giving the dog the appearance of having a big smile. Staffy's have a head which is proportionally larger than other dogs of their stature. Their ears are on the smallish side, sitting high up on the head, some breeders choose to crop the ears which I oppose. Their Dark brown or almost black eyes are set wide in the skull. The body is completely muscled and covered with short stiff easily managed hair. Their wide set front legs give the dog great stability and a poweful appearance. A medium to short tail completes the Staffy's handsome prone. These dogs can be just about any colour.
The character of the dog belies its false reputation as being aggressive, and the term pit bull stuck because the breed was used in the fighting pits. Staffys, like most dogs can bite or attack if provoked. Dingos, german shepherds, malamutes, rottweilers, fox terriers, kelpies, dobermans and just about most other breeds have been reponsible for injuries if not trained and cared for properly. Restrictions on breeding and ownership of the breed are prevelant around the world. Complete education on the subject is vital before classifying these dogs. These incidents were almost universally the result of brutal treatment or training by thoughtless owners. Staffys are a loyal, intellingent and eager to please. Combined with the dogs sheer power, it is easy for a malicious owner to want to instill aggression into the dog.
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