Angel Rock Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Angel Rock Staffords NANNY or NINNY? FUNCTIONAL or FANCIFUL? How to Choose a GREAT Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy
by Cheryl Ellicott
nanny: one who looks after the children of the family in their home	ninny: fool; idiot; simpleton; dunce
What's the first thing to look for in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy? High intelligence and a rock solid/stable temperament! Without these traits, no dog should wear the name SBT! StaffyBulls are known for being nanny-dogs, the highest possible calling for a dog. Most everyone selling SBT puppies will tell you their dogs have high intelligence and stable temperaments. We all know it's vital! Unfortunately, it's not so easy to find these days. To find a puppy with high intelligence and a stable temperament, you'll first need to find a breeder whose dogs do not live in kennels or crates. They must live in homes and prove to be good family members before being bred. Why? When dogs are kenneled outside or often crated inside, behavior problems can be overlooked, but are inherited by the puppies! When a breeder has a number of breeding dogs in kennels and crates, can they tell you how easily this dog was housetrained? Hint: if it lives in a crate, it has never been housetrained! Can they tell you if this dog is an annoying barker and constantly destructive? Hint: if it lives in a kennel, they might only see it at feeding time or when it's time to go to a show! Can they tell you if the dog is a willing and fast learner? Is he steady and calm, a pleasure to live with and gentle with the children and babies? Hint: a breeder cannot possibly know these answers if the dog hasn't lived it's life as part of a family! Crate or kennel dogs have never proven anything in regards to their intelligence or stable nature. So without intending to, even the most well meaning breeder can quickly lose intelligence and stable temperaments in their bloodline. The scariest thing is that they won't even know it! The second thing to look for is "type". People often refer to the two extreme types of Staffordshire Bull Terriers as "bully type" and "terrier type". They state their preferences as if they're discussing white wine over red. But, in wine, if you choose white over red the results are the same. It's just a matter of taste. Not so with the two types of SBT. A better way to describe the extreme types are FUNCTIONAL and FANCIFUL. This is more like saying, Do you prefer a Twinkie-cake, or a shot of whiskey?
Func´tion`al a. 1. Pertaining to, or connected with, a function or duty. . . 2. Designed for or capable of a particular function or use . . 3. Fit or ready for use or service; useable; in working order . . . Antonym: of out of order and nonfunctional.	Fan´ci`ful 1. Full of fancy; guided by fancy, rather than by reason and experience; whimsical; as, a fanciful man forms visionary projects. 2. Curiously shaped or constructed . . . Antonym: practical, earthly, real.
Study canine anatomy and you'll see that certain physical traits - across the board - allow dogs to function and enjoy good health. Here are a few examples: a shortened muzzle hinders breathing/air intake when exerting energy or in high heat. A wide, barrel-chested style does not have the endurance of a leaner body. Without leg length, a dog lacks maneuvering ability and reach. "Straight" shouldered dogs and dogs with straight rears are impaired, and can become lame. Angles of the shoulders and rear enable smooth and powerful movement, and the ability to run and jump. For an illustrated lesson on soundness, visit Diane Jessup's "working pitbull" website. It's no secret that in dogs of the extreme bulldog type, health problems are common. Respiratory distress, very little endurance, heat intolerance, roaching toplines with rupturing vertebrae, displaced hips and shoulders, luxating patella and twisting stifles, skin-fold dermatitis/ear infections and more plague the extreme bully type. What health risks does breeding too far toward the terrier type involve? None. The historical dogs called bull and terrier (ancestors of today's SBT) were a working canine. They were smart, powerful little warriors (against other animals). Their quick-wit, extreme intelligence, intense zeal and courage also made them tremendously stable, reliable and affectionate with humans. A bulky and cloddy, dull or deadhead dog wouldn't have lasted if pitted against the baddest of the bad among his species. He'd have no practical value in the working-class society he arose from. Also, a flighty or bad tempered dog lacked the bold and unswerving spirit required. In light of the history and ancestors of the SBT, the breed's founders penned the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Standard. They described the personality as, "character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog." "It should be of great strength for its size and, although muscular, should be active and agile," they said. Fanciful Staffords are built nothing like their ancestors. This fact is evident when you compare them to photos of the dogs the founders owned when they penned the standard. But as a commodity, heavier bone, shorter leg, excessive muscle mass, wider skulls and more wrinkles are great selling points now. The more extreme style turns heads and commands a higher price; they often do very well in shows. Even when they're unsound or lame. Over the years, the supremely stable, courageous and tenacious attitude of the SBT has also been in danger of fading. Maintaining the high intelligence and heart in the breed isn't easy. While all dogs might posture and threaten each other, a typical game-natured dog (of any breed) will gladly prove to other dogs why he doesn't need to back down. For this reason, the courageous, tenacious, stable tempered SBT usually needs a one-dog home, although two, (if opposite gender) can usually coexist happily. This fact makes breeding and showing the SBT extremely challenging. Temptation to allow the swaggering confidence and intense passion to slip away is understandable, in the name of harmony in a multi-dog home. But we cannot repay the love and integrity of this trustworthy little friend by causing him to morph into a dimwit with a fanciful and freakish form. Without his deeply game, passionate and loving heart, AND his strong, capable little body he ceases being what he's cherished for. But am I saying that the extreme functional body style and extreme high-drive is correct type? No. I don't think either extreme is necessary or historically correct. Form follows Function and the function of the purebred, registered Staffordshire Bull Terrier has never predominantly been as a working breed; nor has it ever existed to perform a legitimate and legal "job". Before the SBT breed was even official, the pitting of bull and terriers was outlawed. In the early 1900's the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was recognized as a breed. He was something of a show dog, but mostly a family companion, loved for the steady and devoted friend that he is. These were his primary functions. When a breed exists primarily to perform a job, it's considered a performance animal, or a working breed. Ability to perform must come first, making looks virtually without importance. Performance bred dogs can often be so varied in appearance that it's next to impossible to recognize them as purebreds. True performance animals usually require higher drive and greater physical capabilities; regardless of breed, they're *more than most families can control* or channel into positive activities. The SBT has no need to be a highly engineered, extreme working breed in a day and age where only a very small handful of people will spend time channeling all of that drive, ability and energy into a positive job. For those who do maintain and breed an athlete supreme, I have the utmost respect. I support the preservation of extreme specimens, but in small doses only! A trip down death row in any large shelter facility will show you that the modern world already has way too many amazingly athletic working style bull and terrier dogs . . . and they're dying by the thousands while waiting for homes. (This is the situation in the USA, with the APBT, the American Bulldog and other similar breeds. I cannot speak for other countries.) Any breeder producing dogs who will not be content nor happy in today's typical family environment, and who will be more than the average experienced dog owner can handle, must be sure they breed only as many pups as they have superior working homes for. Yes, Form Follows Function. So forget the fanciful type; it's only function is as a miserable adornment - an unhealthy, freakish, eye-catching ego-booster for insecure people. Likewise, an extreme athletic build is healthy, but more than necessary for good health and competence in the life your SBT will likely lead. He's not a warrior. He's not a decoration. He's a foremost, all purpose dog. He's your friend.
CONCLUSION
Extremely athletic, high drive, tenacious, and super game? Or merely balanced, functionally built, intelligent and stable tempered? Care about your dog enough to wish him a healthy, functional body & a heart and mind that live up to the written standard of the breed. Beyond that, the choice is yours. If your SBT has an extreme functional body & the high drive of a super athlete, you have a good dog. But be prepared to give him a fun and positive outlet for his extreme capabilities. Be prepared to spend plenty of time playing sports with him and money insuring he has a fun, safe and escape proof place to run and play. No, we don't want our dogs to be like Twinkie Cakes . . . but whiskey has a way of getting people (and dogs) into trouble. Be responsible. And remember, *"off duty quiet"* is one of the defining attributes of the breed. My ideal isn't Twinkie, nor is it whiskey. It's more like a cup of strong, sweet tea & some oven warm biscuits with honey. Give me that, and I'll sit by the fireplace with my dog . . . Later on, we'll run and play with the children, but for now, let us just sit and enjoy one another's company.
MORE PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PUPPY It's great if he's a looker; but looks only matter when the dog belongs to someone else. Don't choose a pup based on color, the size of muscle, bone and head. Ask the breeder to help you choose one whose personality and social-rank in the litter are compatible with your lifestyle. Insist that your friend possess the gift of a healthy & sound body. Give him the gifts of enough muzzle to draw air, enough loin and leg to get out of his own way (and accompany you on a hike or jog!) and a strongly built, properly constructed body that will get him around for many happy years. Being the offspring of Champions, or Imported means nearly next to nothing as well. Be sure your pup is intelligent and stable tempered. Meet the parents, and consider this: would you want them as members of your family? Would you enjoy their company and consider them fun and intelligent companions? Would you feel safe letting them play unsupervised with children? If they aren't trying to lick you or if they don't seem interested in what you're doing and saying - or if they're nervous or spooky and noisy, then they aren't correct SBT. If they have never lived as a family pet, no one knows what their intelligence and temperament might be. Look elsewhere. To get an idea of their health, ask how many pups are typically born in the litters and whether they're born naturally or not. There are always exceptions, but a healthy canine line should not consistently have small litters. It should not consistently produce deformed babies. If possible, find out if the sire and dam have had any health problems. Ask how long the dog's family members are living/or lived. If the grand-dam and grand-sire didn't have long-lasting health and soundness (into their teens) then the pup probably won't either. Longevity and good health in the immediate ancestors is the best indicator of a healthy puppy. Beware when breeders overemphasize the fact that they health test. Breeders who loudly brag this point are often using this as a marketing tool, and yet don't have the integrity to stop breeding animals who are dull-witted, nasty or unstable tempered, weak, short-lived and/or who can't even naturally reproduce. Ask them how many of the dogs they bought, hoping to add to their breeding program, were NOT bred and why. (for example - half of the dogs I brought into my home for this purpose ended up not being smart or stable enough for me to want to breed them.) Don't just choose "a puppy". Choose a breeder who you really trust and believe can produce a great puppy for you. This will not be a "newbie" to the breed. This will not be a "show-win crazed" hobbyist. Choose a breeder who is ethical and committed to maintaining all around excellence within the breed. This might require you to get onto a waiting list, but a dog is for a lifetime. It's worth the wait to get a GREAT ONE.
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Oasis staffordshire bull terrier rescue and rehoming assistance in spokane Washington Breeder of quality Staffordshire Bull Terriers Bred selectively for soundness of body, mind and soul. Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder with emphasis on stable temperaments, affection and athletic health. Staffords for home and hearth. Breeding quality English StaffyBull puppies conforming to grand champion ancestors type with special attention to breed preservation. Striving to produce a dog superior in agility and athletic ability who is a loyal, loving pet. Staffordshire bull terrier is the nanny dog, hearth terrier children child’s pet and ultimate family pet. Puppies available only occasionally and only by prior reservation to approved homes only - maintaining the sound stable strong muscular agile athletic affectionate gentle loving loyal protector who is intelligent beautiful and of solid build. The English StaffyBull, or sometime knowns as staffy or staffies are the ultimate nanny dog of the UK.

Angel Rock - Classic British Staffords

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS

	This Staffordshire Bull Terrier Web Ring site is owned by ANGEL ROCK STAFFORDS.
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