THE EARLY BREED
ORIGINS AND HISTORY
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed of long standing, developed from old English stock. It is the oldest Bull Terrier breed and one of the progenitors of other Bull Terrier breeds. Origins and History is a subject sometimes forgotten and that is why I consider it an interesting and important subject to include in the site.
Having kept Staffordshire Bull Terriers for many years I have been fortunate to have known and had conversations with many of the old timers, who have given me an insight and understanding of the breeds earlier days. These conversations and the literature I have acquired - old pedigrees, books, old show programmes and magazines have motivated me to give an account of this subject. It is impossible to cover everything, but this article looks into the Stafford’s origins and early development, until the years following the breed’s recognition with the English Kennel Club in 1935, which was relatively late, compared to some other Bull Terrier breeds.
The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, traces back several centuries to the old English Bulldogs, used in bull baiting during the 12th century and before. Baiting sports were legitimate past times in England before 1835 when bulls and bears and other kinds of animals were baited against Bulldogs for the amusement of the spectators. These were different times when a culture existed, which saw courage in the dog as a great virtue and where a Bulldog’s or Bull Terriers bravery was revered.
These Bull and Terriers, the direct forebears of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, had been kept and bred as a fighting dog until the early 20th century in different areas of the British Isles. Although there was not an official body to record pedigrees and breedings at this time, many owners of these Bull and Terriers knew their background and bloodline off by heart, because they had been kept in their families and close-knit circles for a lifetime.
However much we may disagree with these activities practiced in the past it produced the breed we know today as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The modern ‘Stafford’ has not been actively bred or used for fighting in many years, but it has retained a certain inner courage that gives the breed its unique character, generally speaking a very friendly dog especially around children. To those that have never kept the breed this may sound unusual, but it is inherent in the breed.
Having kept Staffordshire Bull Terriers for many years I have been fortunate to have known and had conversations with many of the old timers, who have given me an insight and understanding of the breeds earlier days. These conversations and the literature I have acquired - old pedigrees, books, old show programmes and magazines have motivated me to give an account of this subject. It is impossible to cover everything, but this article looks into the Stafford’s origins and early development, until the years following the breed’s recognition with the English Kennel Club in 1935, which was relatively late, compared to some other Bull Terrier breeds.
The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, traces back several centuries to the old English Bulldogs, used in bull baiting during the 12th century and before. Baiting sports were legitimate past times in England before 1835 when bulls and bears and other kinds of animals were baited against Bulldogs for the amusement of the spectators. These were different times when a culture existed, which saw courage in the dog as a great virtue and where a Bulldog’s or Bull Terriers bravery was revered.
These Bull and Terriers, the direct forebears of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, had been kept and bred as a fighting dog until the early 20th century in different areas of the British Isles. Although there was not an official body to record pedigrees and breedings at this time, many owners of these Bull and Terriers knew their background and bloodline off by heart, because they had been kept in their families and close-knit circles for a lifetime.
However much we may disagree with these activities practiced in the past it produced the breed we know today as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The modern ‘Stafford’ has not been actively bred or used for fighting in many years, but it has retained a certain inner courage that gives the breed its unique character, generally speaking a very friendly dog especially around children. To those that have never kept the breed this may sound unusual, but it is inherent in the breed.
It was not until 1935 that the breed was recognised by the English Kennel Club (KC). This raised some concerns with die hard enthusiasts, but others saw this as an opportunity to bring the breed forward in a more positive way.
Gameness
Gameness was everything to breeders and owners of baiting and fighting dogs of the past. Large wagers were often placed on the dogs taking part and if they did not prove their gameness they were soon discarded or passed on. This brought about a kind of natural selection where a fighting dog was expected to meet its adversary, yet be handled by its owner in the midst of battle.
The trait of gameness and courage is complex and there are different levels, but it has always been admired - the will to keep going when the chips are down or to face the enemy on the battlefield. Examples are seen in all walks of life - thoroughbred racehorses show a kind of gameness in a close fought race, and in many sports, including boxing.
I recall my father, who was a big boxing fan; tell me how the English Boxer Don Cockell refused to sit on his stall when taking a beating at the hands of the great Rocky Marciano in 1955 for the world heavyweight title. He lost, but that was not the point, he showed guts. Rocky Marciano stated: “He’s got a lot of guts. I don’t think I hit anyone else any more often or harder.” My father and uncles definitely admired courage and naturally the dog that fitted the bill was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, especially back in the 50’s and 60’s.
Like most enthusiasts they had not wanted to fight or bait their dogs, and it was not about being macho, far from it, but it was a quality they admired in the breed and wanted to retain it, because they knew it was an essential part of the breed’s character.
Many modern owners may not want the breed associated with its past. I can understand this, but to own any breed one has to acknowledge a breed’s original function and understand it. So can this character be maintained in the modern Stafford?
First and foremost, the breed is known for its love of people especially children - this is natural behaviour in the real Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It shows an inner stability, in spite of its gameness and courage, mentioned before and is an inherent part of the breed. This is the first requirement of a good Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Gameness was everything to breeders and owners of baiting and fighting dogs of the past. Large wagers were often placed on the dogs taking part and if they did not prove their gameness they were soon discarded or passed on. This brought about a kind of natural selection where a fighting dog was expected to meet its adversary, yet be handled by its owner in the midst of battle.
The trait of gameness and courage is complex and there are different levels, but it has always been admired - the will to keep going when the chips are down or to face the enemy on the battlefield. Examples are seen in all walks of life - thoroughbred racehorses show a kind of gameness in a close fought race, and in many sports, including boxing.
I recall my father, who was a big boxing fan; tell me how the English Boxer Don Cockell refused to sit on his stall when taking a beating at the hands of the great Rocky Marciano in 1955 for the world heavyweight title. He lost, but that was not the point, he showed guts. Rocky Marciano stated: “He’s got a lot of guts. I don’t think I hit anyone else any more often or harder.” My father and uncles definitely admired courage and naturally the dog that fitted the bill was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, especially back in the 50’s and 60’s.
Like most enthusiasts they had not wanted to fight or bait their dogs, and it was not about being macho, far from it, but it was a quality they admired in the breed and wanted to retain it, because they knew it was an essential part of the breed’s character.
Many modern owners may not want the breed associated with its past. I can understand this, but to own any breed one has to acknowledge a breed’s original function and understand it. So can this character be maintained in the modern Stafford?
First and foremost, the breed is known for its love of people especially children - this is natural behaviour in the real Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It shows an inner stability, in spite of its gameness and courage, mentioned before and is an inherent part of the breed. This is the first requirement of a good Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
English Baiting Sports
Bull baiting in England was most probably practiced by the Romans, but can actually be traced back to the 12th century during the reign of King John, when it is thought by most historians that a larger type of Mastiff/Bulldog was used.
In the centuries that followed a gradual process of selection took place where game Bull dogs were selected and specialised in the field for which they were required.
In those days blood sports were a regular past time and in fact Bull baiting was known almost as a national sport, popular with all sections of society. There was a belief that the baiting of a Bull tenderised the meat and at one time it was illegal to kill a Bull without it first being baited.
It was during the 1600’s that baiting sports in England were at their most popular, during the reign of Elizabeth I, who was known to entertain foreign dignitaries at Bear baiting events. The most well known venue, being the Paris Bear Garden, built at the end of King Henry VIII reign at Southwark on the south bank of the Thames. It was during this time circa 1630, that the dogs were first referred to as ‘Bulldog’s’ in literature, renowned for their tenacity. (It should be noted that the working Bulldog of this time was a completely different dog to the modern day British Bulldog).
Looking at various historic paintings and artworks it is noticeable that these Bulldogs had a similar look to the early Staffordshire Bull Terriers - the expression, blocky head, roundish eye, small rose ears, and some displaying rat tails. They varied in size and weight, which I would guess was between 30 to 60lb, notwithstanding, a lighter Bulldog built on more terrier lines can be seen in some artworks.
By the mid 1700’s, Bear baiting had started to dwindle and become less popular, perhaps because Bears were valuable and not so readily available. Bear Wards were paid to look after the bears, which were often kept to fight another day - some known by name - ‘Sackerson’ being one of the more famous. Bull baiting superseded Bear baiting, becoming more popular, because it was seen as a more exciting sport, and it is thought a smaller and faster Bulldog was favoured to attack a tethered bull.
Various town festivals would advertise a Bull Baiting event, which would include other games for the entertainment of the local folk, such as catching a soaped pig, the prize being the same, and various races for a monetary reward. In 1819 the town of Eccles held a Wake, which involved bull baiting, using two bulls. The poster stated that the hour’s for baiting the bulls would be at 10am for practice and at 3pm and 7pm for a prize. The dogs that did not run for practice were not allowed to run for a prize. The notice also assured that barriers would be provided for the safety of the ladies and gentlemen spectators.
The owners of the dogs would often pay for their dog to take its turn and wagers would be placed on the dog able to take hold and pin the bull by its nostrils. This required the Bulldog to remain low, avoiding the horns - any hold other than the bulls head was seen as a sign of cowardice, which would place doubt on the purity of the dog’s breeding. The tethered bull would sometimes gore or toss the dogs, which in spite of their fatal injuries were expected to show their unbelievable gameness and return to the fray.
Referring to the historic book by Jack Barnard it describes Bull Baiting events in the Black Country areas of Rowley Regis and Halesowen, reprinted from the Birmingham Post 1886 and 1887. The Reverend George Barrs was the curator for the Parish for 40 years entering the ministry in 1800 and describes in his memoirs, ‘The horrid practice of bull baiting here prevailed with all its revolting aggravations, and to their shame be it recorded, received countenance and support from the many who considered themselves far from the vulgar rabble.’
Bull baiting in England was most probably practiced by the Romans, but can actually be traced back to the 12th century during the reign of King John, when it is thought by most historians that a larger type of Mastiff/Bulldog was used.
In the centuries that followed a gradual process of selection took place where game Bull dogs were selected and specialised in the field for which they were required.
In those days blood sports were a regular past time and in fact Bull baiting was known almost as a national sport, popular with all sections of society. There was a belief that the baiting of a Bull tenderised the meat and at one time it was illegal to kill a Bull without it first being baited.
It was during the 1600’s that baiting sports in England were at their most popular, during the reign of Elizabeth I, who was known to entertain foreign dignitaries at Bear baiting events. The most well known venue, being the Paris Bear Garden, built at the end of King Henry VIII reign at Southwark on the south bank of the Thames. It was during this time circa 1630, that the dogs were first referred to as ‘Bulldog’s’ in literature, renowned for their tenacity. (It should be noted that the working Bulldog of this time was a completely different dog to the modern day British Bulldog).
Looking at various historic paintings and artworks it is noticeable that these Bulldogs had a similar look to the early Staffordshire Bull Terriers - the expression, blocky head, roundish eye, small rose ears, and some displaying rat tails. They varied in size and weight, which I would guess was between 30 to 60lb, notwithstanding, a lighter Bulldog built on more terrier lines can be seen in some artworks.
By the mid 1700’s, Bear baiting had started to dwindle and become less popular, perhaps because Bears were valuable and not so readily available. Bear Wards were paid to look after the bears, which were often kept to fight another day - some known by name - ‘Sackerson’ being one of the more famous. Bull baiting superseded Bear baiting, becoming more popular, because it was seen as a more exciting sport, and it is thought a smaller and faster Bulldog was favoured to attack a tethered bull.
Various town festivals would advertise a Bull Baiting event, which would include other games for the entertainment of the local folk, such as catching a soaped pig, the prize being the same, and various races for a monetary reward. In 1819 the town of Eccles held a Wake, which involved bull baiting, using two bulls. The poster stated that the hour’s for baiting the bulls would be at 10am for practice and at 3pm and 7pm for a prize. The dogs that did not run for practice were not allowed to run for a prize. The notice also assured that barriers would be provided for the safety of the ladies and gentlemen spectators.
The owners of the dogs would often pay for their dog to take its turn and wagers would be placed on the dog able to take hold and pin the bull by its nostrils. This required the Bulldog to remain low, avoiding the horns - any hold other than the bulls head was seen as a sign of cowardice, which would place doubt on the purity of the dog’s breeding. The tethered bull would sometimes gore or toss the dogs, which in spite of their fatal injuries were expected to show their unbelievable gameness and return to the fray.
Referring to the historic book by Jack Barnard it describes Bull Baiting events in the Black Country areas of Rowley Regis and Halesowen, reprinted from the Birmingham Post 1886 and 1887. The Reverend George Barrs was the curator for the Parish for 40 years entering the ministry in 1800 and describes in his memoirs, ‘The horrid practice of bull baiting here prevailed with all its revolting aggravations, and to their shame be it recorded, received countenance and support from the many who considered themselves far from the vulgar rabble.’
The Bull and Terriers circa 1800’s
It was during the early 18th century that the first Old English Bulldog crosses were thought to be made, using game terriers to produce the Bull and Terrier fighting dogs. It is believed that the old English Terrier now extinct, was probably the main terrier used, although others may well have been tried, including the English White Terrier often named, the Black and Tan and the larger Fox Terrier.
Some breed enthusiasts have questioned the acceptance of terrier blood, but the name ‘Bull Terrier’ was freely used in literature, proving that this cross did take place.
It was Pierce Egan in his Annals of Sport (Volume 1) 1822, who refers to the result of these crossings for the first time as ‘Bull Terriers’. There is also a description of the Bull Terrier from Meyrick’s ‘House Dogs and Sporting Dogs’ 1861. It reads: ‘It is a current axiom among dog fanciers that no gameness can be got in any dog without a taint or cross of the Bulldog. The Bull-Terrier is a signal proof of this theory . . .’
Whether this cross was first made by accident or design it created a Bull and Terrier fighting dog that combined the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog with the speed and intelligence of the Terrier. These crosses most probably favoured a much higher percentage of Bull blood, bearing in mind that some Bulldogs in those days were of a lighter and more athletic build anyway. These dogs became known as, Pit Bull Terriers, Half and Half’s or Brindle Bulls, and were the forebears of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Dog Fighting
In 1835 a humane Act of Parliament was passed, abolishing blood sports, which saw the end of bear and bull-baiting, although dog fighting was not so easy to enforce and continued clandestinely behind closed doors. It has been said that this was when a smaller and faster Bull and Terrier was favoured.
The real fighting dog has evolved from a combination of different fighting strains of Bull and Terriers, ranging from small lightweights of 15lb to heavyweights of 60lb and is what we know of today as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
There are references to dog fighting in different areas of the country in the middle nineteenth century - London, Birmingham and Walsall being notorious for staging these past times. The most infamous indoor venue was the Westminster Pit at Duck Lane, London, where bear baiting, dog fighting, badger baiting; cock fighting and other unusual animals were baited regularly.
In dog fighting, special rules were laid down and dogs were matched by weight for an agreed purse or prize money. They fought like prize fighters, their owners acting as seconds between rounds, each dog taking its turn to cross a line scratched in the surface to meet its opponent. The dog on the losing end of the fight was still expected to show its courage or ‘bottle’ and meet its opponent.
Bets would be placed on the celebrated fighting dogs of the day, frequented by all sections of society, including the gentry. One such fight was published in Bells Sporting Life, which took place at the Westminster Pit in January 1825 between ‘Boney’ a London dog and ‘Gas’ from the Midlands, weighing 32 and 34lbs respectively for a purse of 40 guinea’s.
Dog fighting continued secretly for the best part of another hundred years, especially in the dog pits of London and the provinces and in the Black Country and other industrial and mining areas, until the early 20th century, when it became more sporadic and localised. At this time the breed was virtually unknown to the general public.
In 1835 a humane Act of Parliament was passed, abolishing blood sports, which saw the end of bear and bull-baiting, although dog fighting was not so easy to enforce and continued clandestinely behind closed doors. It has been said that this was when a smaller and faster Bull and Terrier was favoured.
The real fighting dog has evolved from a combination of different fighting strains of Bull and Terriers, ranging from small lightweights of 15lb to heavyweights of 60lb and is what we know of today as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
There are references to dog fighting in different areas of the country in the middle nineteenth century - London, Birmingham and Walsall being notorious for staging these past times. The most infamous indoor venue was the Westminster Pit at Duck Lane, London, where bear baiting, dog fighting, badger baiting; cock fighting and other unusual animals were baited regularly.
In dog fighting, special rules were laid down and dogs were matched by weight for an agreed purse or prize money. They fought like prize fighters, their owners acting as seconds between rounds, each dog taking its turn to cross a line scratched in the surface to meet its opponent. The dog on the losing end of the fight was still expected to show its courage or ‘bottle’ and meet its opponent.
Bets would be placed on the celebrated fighting dogs of the day, frequented by all sections of society, including the gentry. One such fight was published in Bells Sporting Life, which took place at the Westminster Pit in January 1825 between ‘Boney’ a London dog and ‘Gas’ from the Midlands, weighing 32 and 34lbs respectively for a purse of 40 guinea’s.
Dog fighting continued secretly for the best part of another hundred years, especially in the dog pits of London and the provinces and in the Black Country and other industrial and mining areas, until the early 20th century, when it became more sporadic and localised. At this time the breed was virtually unknown to the general public.
Ratting Pits
Ratting was another old past time that was not seen as illegal until 1912 when the RSPCA successfully prosecuted a Leicester owner of a rat pit. The dogs used in Rat killing pits were small Bull and Terriers or Bull and Terrier crosses. They looked like small Staffords, but were often referred to as Bulldogs, averaging around 12lb in weight.
Bets were placed on the dogs, whose task was to kill as many rats as possible in a given time. This required a very fast terrier to bite the rats, killing them instantly without wasting time running around holding them. The famous ratter ‘Billy’ killed 100 rats in five minutes in 1823.
Unfortunately, the rats carried disease and the dogs quite often died from a jaundice type of infection picked up from rat bites. It was often said that these ratting contests were a disguise for the main event of dog-fighting.
Ratting was another old past time that was not seen as illegal until 1912 when the RSPCA successfully prosecuted a Leicester owner of a rat pit. The dogs used in Rat killing pits were small Bull and Terriers or Bull and Terrier crosses. They looked like small Staffords, but were often referred to as Bulldogs, averaging around 12lb in weight.
Bets were placed on the dogs, whose task was to kill as many rats as possible in a given time. This required a very fast terrier to bite the rats, killing them instantly without wasting time running around holding them. The famous ratter ‘Billy’ killed 100 rats in five minutes in 1823.
Unfortunately, the rats carried disease and the dogs quite often died from a jaundice type of infection picked up from rat bites. It was often said that these ratting contests were a disguise for the main event of dog-fighting.
Ancestors - Exports to America from 1850’s
It was during the middle of the 19th and early 20th century that many Bull and Terriers were exported to America from the British Isles, mainly from England and Ireland, where they were matched and bred to other imports and to dogs already there.
In the historical book ‘The Dog Pit’ by Richard Fox originally published in 1888, he describes how the sporting world in America had been interested in fighting dogs since 1817. Some of these dog men coming from high social standing and financial positions, who could spend large sums importing famous fighting dogs.
I have included a few very old historical photographs of these early Bull and Terriers/Staffords that were exported to America, to illustrate what they looked like. It is known that ‘Cockney’ Charlie Lloyd from England had been importing these dogs since about 1854, including ‘Rafferty’, the pied dog ‘Paddy’ circa 1868 and later the brindle ‘Pilot,’ in 1881.
Pilot came from a long line of English fighting dogs and was bred by John Holden of the Red Lion Inn, Walsall in the Black Country of England. He was by Small’s dog Billy of Sedgley out of Tom Darby’s Kit. He is described as a brindle, weighing just under 30lb and is in many early pedigrees of the American Pit Bull Terrier. I have no ‘accurate’ information of the pied dog Paddy; however his name would suggest he had possible Irish connections.
One of the early breeders of American Pit Bull Terriers, Mr. John P. Colby, developed his famous Colby strain from imports from England, Ireland and Wales at the end of the 19th century and is famously known to have recorded all his pedigrees and kept them straight.
Colby’s ‘Pincher’ a big Pied dog, whelped in 1896, was a great grand son of Cockney Charlie Lloyd’s ‘Pilot’. The Colby strain is very interesting, because it was developed from British stock without any outcrosses for over 100 years, making it the purest strain in America.
This was personally told to me by the late Mr. Pete Sparks, an American enthusiast of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, who I corresponded with for some years back in the 80’s. He was an Officer of the first American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and would sometimes contribute articles published in the earlier editions of ‘The Stafford’ magazine.
One outcross Mr. Colby made later was with the dog called ‘Galtie’ 1912-1921, whose parents were imported from Ireland anyway, pictured herein.
Since Mr. J. P. Colby’s death in 1941 his family have continued to breed the same family of Pit Bull Terriers. The late Louis Colby explains in his brilliant book how his father J. P. Colby obtained dogs bred from imported stock from Ireland and England and were then known as Pit Bull Terriers and sometimes as Staffordshire Bulls after the area in England particularly noted for its pit dogs. The dogs that J. P. developed his line from were the same dogs the English developed their dogs from, which later became officially known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers (Colby, Louis 1997).
Thereafter from these early days the two groups of dogs have been bred on different lines - the American Pit Bull Terrier with more emphasis to sport, is now a bigger breed than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, whose current Breed Standard is based on a smaller height and weight size. This has caused much debate within breed circles as will be explained later in this article.
It was during the middle of the 19th and early 20th century that many Bull and Terriers were exported to America from the British Isles, mainly from England and Ireland, where they were matched and bred to other imports and to dogs already there.
In the historical book ‘The Dog Pit’ by Richard Fox originally published in 1888, he describes how the sporting world in America had been interested in fighting dogs since 1817. Some of these dog men coming from high social standing and financial positions, who could spend large sums importing famous fighting dogs.
I have included a few very old historical photographs of these early Bull and Terriers/Staffords that were exported to America, to illustrate what they looked like. It is known that ‘Cockney’ Charlie Lloyd from England had been importing these dogs since about 1854, including ‘Rafferty’, the pied dog ‘Paddy’ circa 1868 and later the brindle ‘Pilot,’ in 1881.
Pilot came from a long line of English fighting dogs and was bred by John Holden of the Red Lion Inn, Walsall in the Black Country of England. He was by Small’s dog Billy of Sedgley out of Tom Darby’s Kit. He is described as a brindle, weighing just under 30lb and is in many early pedigrees of the American Pit Bull Terrier. I have no ‘accurate’ information of the pied dog Paddy; however his name would suggest he had possible Irish connections.
One of the early breeders of American Pit Bull Terriers, Mr. John P. Colby, developed his famous Colby strain from imports from England, Ireland and Wales at the end of the 19th century and is famously known to have recorded all his pedigrees and kept them straight.
Colby’s ‘Pincher’ a big Pied dog, whelped in 1896, was a great grand son of Cockney Charlie Lloyd’s ‘Pilot’. The Colby strain is very interesting, because it was developed from British stock without any outcrosses for over 100 years, making it the purest strain in America.
This was personally told to me by the late Mr. Pete Sparks, an American enthusiast of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, who I corresponded with for some years back in the 80’s. He was an Officer of the first American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and would sometimes contribute articles published in the earlier editions of ‘The Stafford’ magazine.
One outcross Mr. Colby made later was with the dog called ‘Galtie’ 1912-1921, whose parents were imported from Ireland anyway, pictured herein.
Since Mr. J. P. Colby’s death in 1941 his family have continued to breed the same family of Pit Bull Terriers. The late Louis Colby explains in his brilliant book how his father J. P. Colby obtained dogs bred from imported stock from Ireland and England and were then known as Pit Bull Terriers and sometimes as Staffordshire Bulls after the area in England particularly noted for its pit dogs. The dogs that J. P. developed his line from were the same dogs the English developed their dogs from, which later became officially known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers (Colby, Louis 1997).
Thereafter from these early days the two groups of dogs have been bred on different lines - the American Pit Bull Terrier with more emphasis to sport, is now a bigger breed than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, whose current Breed Standard is based on a smaller height and weight size. This has caused much debate within breed circles as will be explained later in this article.
Black Country Staffords 1930-1940s
‘To a large extent the Stafford has always been a constant pal to the working man, especially in the Black Country. Undoubtedly a born fighter, he is in ordinary life a docile and intelligent companion.’”
Jack Barnard the first President of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 1935
Jack Barnard the first President of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 1935
The late Mr. Phil Drabble 1914-2007 the well-respected author, naturalist and broadcaster was born in the town of Bloxwich in the Black Country in 1914; in his books ‘Of Pedigree Unknown’ and the ‘Counties Book of Staffordshire’ he gives an insight into the dog men and their dogs during the 1930’s and 1940’s in the Staffordshire area. His ambition as a lad was to own a Bull Terrier – and he says, ‘in those days in Staffordshire there was only one kind of Bull Terrier – the Stafford.’
He recounts how the dog men he knew from the Black Country admired courage and saw it as a great virtue in their dogs and game birds; a man’s status was often measured by the game dogs he kept. They would take their dogs to work with them in the quarries and iron works and would frequent the local pubs, particularly Joe Mallens’ ‘Old Crossguns Inn’, where their Staffords would also often accompany them.
Phil Drabble was from the old school and was not enthusiastic about dog shows, believing that ‘nothing spoils dogs like shows.’ Black Country dog men had their own prejudices and one firmly held and unusual, was that against the practice of inbreeding, where it was believed you would get a ‘runner’ if fresh blood was not used. Dogs and game birds were matched by weight and an old saying in the Black Country was that ‘an ounce tew a cock is a pound tew a dog or a stone tew a man.’
He describes how the different areas within the Black Country preferred a particular type. The Walsall dogs were fairly tall and reachy, but within four miles, in the Darlaston area they had little dogs of 20 to 24lb, eight or ten pounds lighter than the Walsall dogs’ while in the chain-making areas of Cradley Heath they were thicker set. It was a matter of choice, but if a dog from any type proved himself then he would be used at stud.
He recounts how the dog men he knew from the Black Country admired courage and saw it as a great virtue in their dogs and game birds; a man’s status was often measured by the game dogs he kept. They would take their dogs to work with them in the quarries and iron works and would frequent the local pubs, particularly Joe Mallens’ ‘Old Crossguns Inn’, where their Staffords would also often accompany them.
Phil Drabble was from the old school and was not enthusiastic about dog shows, believing that ‘nothing spoils dogs like shows.’ Black Country dog men had their own prejudices and one firmly held and unusual, was that against the practice of inbreeding, where it was believed you would get a ‘runner’ if fresh blood was not used. Dogs and game birds were matched by weight and an old saying in the Black Country was that ‘an ounce tew a cock is a pound tew a dog or a stone tew a man.’
He describes how the different areas within the Black Country preferred a particular type. The Walsall dogs were fairly tall and reachy, but within four miles, in the Darlaston area they had little dogs of 20 to 24lb, eight or ten pounds lighter than the Walsall dogs’ while in the chain-making areas of Cradley Heath they were thicker set. It was a matter of choice, but if a dog from any type proved himself then he would be used at stud.
These were fairly tight knit communities; breeders knew of the local Staffords and would not have entertained using a dog that was not game in those days. It is this inherited courage that has given the Staffordshire Bull Terrier its stable temperament, known sometimes as the nanny dog, because of its love of children seen in today’s breed.
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‘Pity Me’
Major Count V. C. Hollender:
Major Hollender’s first breed was the ‘English’ Bull Terrier, but he also admired Staffordshire Bull Terriers, owning the two breeds. He despised dog fighting, but gives accounts of the courage of both breeds in his rare booklet ‘Bull Terriers’ with ‘Chapters on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’, published by Watmoughs.
Hollender describes how ‘Pity Me’ had proved his gameness before he owned him, but never fought unless told to.
“His muscular development exceeded that of any dog I have ever seen in my life. He was a miniature Crib to look at, being all white, slashed with brindle markings.”
“He made history for himself when he attacked a man who assaulted his mistress. The assailant smashed a chair over its head, but quickly recovering, it got its own back by breaking his ankle. When the police arrived the man had fainted.”
“I had only had him two days when he held up Georges Carpentier, who wished to move his overcoat, which was on the same chair as mine at the Carlton Hotel. The dog was sitting on the coats.”
Major Hollender dedicated his book ‘Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ (1952) to: “PITY ME, the greatest and best Staffordshire who ever lived, weighing only 20 lbs.”
Rueben Timmins (Emden) a highly respected enthusiast from Bilston, confirmed that ‘Pity Me’ was one of the Staffords used in the development of the Coloured (English) Bull Terrier.
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‘Pity Me’
Major Count V. C. Hollender:
Major Hollender’s first breed was the ‘English’ Bull Terrier, but he also admired Staffordshire Bull Terriers, owning the two breeds. He despised dog fighting, but gives accounts of the courage of both breeds in his rare booklet ‘Bull Terriers’ with ‘Chapters on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’, published by Watmoughs.
Hollender describes how ‘Pity Me’ had proved his gameness before he owned him, but never fought unless told to.
“His muscular development exceeded that of any dog I have ever seen in my life. He was a miniature Crib to look at, being all white, slashed with brindle markings.”
“He made history for himself when he attacked a man who assaulted his mistress. The assailant smashed a chair over its head, but quickly recovering, it got its own back by breaking his ankle. When the police arrived the man had fainted.”
“I had only had him two days when he held up Georges Carpentier, who wished to move his overcoat, which was on the same chair as mine at the Carlton Hotel. The dog was sitting on the coats.”
Major Hollender dedicated his book ‘Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ (1952) to: “PITY ME, the greatest and best Staffordshire who ever lived, weighing only 20 lbs.”
Rueben Timmins (Emden) a highly respected enthusiast from Bilston, confirmed that ‘Pity Me’ was one of the Staffords used in the development of the Coloured (English) Bull Terrier.
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Early Black Country Owners
Mr. Joseph Dunn, Hon. Secretary of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 1935 writes:
“The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has only received this title since about the year 1928. Previous to this he was known outside the Black Country as the Fighting Terrier, Bull and Terrier and Pit-Dog.
In the surrounding districts of the Black Country he was commonly known as the Stafford or Bull and Terrier.
Without doubt he is one of our oldest British breeds, and can be traced back well into the 18th century by the present generation, now residing in various districts of the Black Country, such as Halesesowen or Yelse, Brockmoor, Harts Hill, Lye, Cradley Heath, Quarry Bank, Bilston, Darlaston, Dudley, Gornal, Blackheath, and Netherton. All these areas had their iron works and chain factories.
The Stafford was mostly owned by these workers, and it has been common to see them going to work, accompanied by their dog, he being tied to the block or beneath the fire hole while work was being done.
These men were great lovers of this particular breed of dogs, no sacrifice being too great with regard to its welfare.
All they required was a game, intelligent dog with plenty of pluck, as a companion, and in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier they had all their requirements.
I have been fully aware and acquainted, with all the qualities and especially the character of this particular breed of dog all my life.
The chief breeders that I knew during the period 1910 to 1934 were the Skidmores of Brockmoor, the Woods of Amblecote, the Timmingtons of Halesowen, the Gowers of Netherton, the Robinsons of Dunns Bank, the Ness’s of Mushroom Green, the Smiths of Dudley Wood, the Grews of Bilston, the Smiths of Cradley Heath and Lye, the Garretts of Old Hill. These families were well-known prior to 1910 and up to 1920, others in these localities came in afterwards up to 1934, and these are still breeding up to the present time.”
Mr. Joseph Dunn, Hon. Secretary of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club 1935 writes:
“The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has only received this title since about the year 1928. Previous to this he was known outside the Black Country as the Fighting Terrier, Bull and Terrier and Pit-Dog.
In the surrounding districts of the Black Country he was commonly known as the Stafford or Bull and Terrier.
Without doubt he is one of our oldest British breeds, and can be traced back well into the 18th century by the present generation, now residing in various districts of the Black Country, such as Halesesowen or Yelse, Brockmoor, Harts Hill, Lye, Cradley Heath, Quarry Bank, Bilston, Darlaston, Dudley, Gornal, Blackheath, and Netherton. All these areas had their iron works and chain factories.
The Stafford was mostly owned by these workers, and it has been common to see them going to work, accompanied by their dog, he being tied to the block or beneath the fire hole while work was being done.
These men were great lovers of this particular breed of dogs, no sacrifice being too great with regard to its welfare.
All they required was a game, intelligent dog with plenty of pluck, as a companion, and in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier they had all their requirements.
I have been fully aware and acquainted, with all the qualities and especially the character of this particular breed of dog all my life.
The chief breeders that I knew during the period 1910 to 1934 were the Skidmores of Brockmoor, the Woods of Amblecote, the Timmingtons of Halesowen, the Gowers of Netherton, the Robinsons of Dunns Bank, the Ness’s of Mushroom Green, the Smiths of Dudley Wood, the Grews of Bilston, the Smiths of Cradley Heath and Lye, the Garretts of Old Hill. These families were well-known prior to 1910 and up to 1920, others in these localities came in afterwards up to 1934, and these are still breeding up to the present time.”
Recognition of the Stafford 1935
In 1932-33 Mr. Joseph Dunn decided to put forward his plans to gain recognition of the Stafford with the Kennel Club. In June, 1935 a meeting took place at Joe Mallen’s Old Cross Guns Inn, Cradley Heath, where 40 to 50 owners/breeders attended and agreed to name the club ‘The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club’, which was accepted by the Kennel Club.
Mr. J. Barnard was elected President, Mr. H. N. Beilby Chairman and Mr. Joseph Dunn as Hon. Secretary. Other members present were Messrs. Jack Dunn, H. Pegg, M. Smith, J. Mallen, J. Skidmore, F. W. Holden, S. Grew, S. W. Poole, B. Hardwicke, J. Birch, C. Grosvenor, H. Priest, G. Homer, H. Hough, G. Williams, A. Forest, M. Hill, A. Demaine, A. Slater, G. A. Dudley, N. Dunne, H. Boxley, T. B. Bishop, J. Wood, T. W. Barnard, A. Foxall, W. Shakespeare, A. Griffiths and Mr. F. Silvers.
Joseph Dunn stated that without the co-operation of these persons it would have been impossible to form such a club and these should be recognised as the pioneers of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Many of those who attended this meeting had kept Staffords all their lives, like the Garrett family - Mr. Alf Garrett stated that his family had kept them for 80 years, which counting back would have been since the 1850’s. We must assume from this that his family acquired their Staffords from dogs bred before the 1850’s. Mr. Joseph Dunn says in his book that the breed had become known locally as ‘Staffords’, since the early 1930’s, although of course they were not officially called ‘Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ until 1935.
In 1932-33 Mr. Joseph Dunn decided to put forward his plans to gain recognition of the Stafford with the Kennel Club. In June, 1935 a meeting took place at Joe Mallen’s Old Cross Guns Inn, Cradley Heath, where 40 to 50 owners/breeders attended and agreed to name the club ‘The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club’, which was accepted by the Kennel Club.
Mr. J. Barnard was elected President, Mr. H. N. Beilby Chairman and Mr. Joseph Dunn as Hon. Secretary. Other members present were Messrs. Jack Dunn, H. Pegg, M. Smith, J. Mallen, J. Skidmore, F. W. Holden, S. Grew, S. W. Poole, B. Hardwicke, J. Birch, C. Grosvenor, H. Priest, G. Homer, H. Hough, G. Williams, A. Forest, M. Hill, A. Demaine, A. Slater, G. A. Dudley, N. Dunne, H. Boxley, T. B. Bishop, J. Wood, T. W. Barnard, A. Foxall, W. Shakespeare, A. Griffiths and Mr. F. Silvers.
Joseph Dunn stated that without the co-operation of these persons it would have been impossible to form such a club and these should be recognised as the pioneers of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Many of those who attended this meeting had kept Staffords all their lives, like the Garrett family - Mr. Alf Garrett stated that his family had kept them for 80 years, which counting back would have been since the 1850’s. We must assume from this that his family acquired their Staffords from dogs bred before the 1850’s. Mr. Joseph Dunn says in his book that the breed had become known locally as ‘Staffords’, since the early 1930’s, although of course they were not officially called ‘Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ until 1935.
Formation of Original Breed Standard 1935
General Appearance
“Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth coated dog, standing about 15 to 18 inches high at the shoulder. He should give the impression of great strength for his size, and although muscular, should be active and agile.”
At this celebrated 1935 meeting at the Old Cross Guns Inn the first Breed Standard was drawn up. Consideration was given to the construction and characteristics the Staffordshire Bull Terrier should posses. There were two dogs in attendance, being Fearless Joe a fawn and Jim the Dandy a brindle, thought to be two of the best Staffords of that time.
After much debate agreement was finally reached and it was Jim the Dandy’s measurements and structure that formed the blue print of the first Breed Standard of 1935. (See Breed Standards Page). Both these Staffordshire Bull Terriers were from the J-Line originating from Black Country stock.
General Appearance
“Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth coated dog, standing about 15 to 18 inches high at the shoulder. He should give the impression of great strength for his size, and although muscular, should be active and agile.”
At this celebrated 1935 meeting at the Old Cross Guns Inn the first Breed Standard was drawn up. Consideration was given to the construction and characteristics the Staffordshire Bull Terrier should posses. There were two dogs in attendance, being Fearless Joe a fawn and Jim the Dandy a brindle, thought to be two of the best Staffords of that time.
After much debate agreement was finally reached and it was Jim the Dandy’s measurements and structure that formed the blue print of the first Breed Standard of 1935. (See Breed Standards Page). Both these Staffordshire Bull Terriers were from the J-Line originating from Black Country stock.
There were some misgivings among enthusiasts whether showing the breed would be detrimental to it. Some from the old school of thinking thought that showing their Staffords was daft and there was no way they would take part in what they saw as a beauty parade. Unfortunately, some of these enthusiasts and their Staffords would fall by the wayside.
Others saw it as a positive move - now Staffords could be registered officially with recorded pedigrees and exhibited at Kennel Club sanctioned shows. Fortunately, some of the pioneers of the breed like Joe Mallen accepted the challenges this brought and were able to impart their great knowledge and allow their Staffords to influence future generations of the breed.
On the 17th August 1935, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club held its first official Club show, with Mr. H. N. Beilby judging, held on the bowling green of the Cradley Heath Conservative Club, South Staffordshire. There was a large entry of over 60 with ‘Jim the Dandy’ winning the day.
Others saw it as a positive move - now Staffords could be registered officially with recorded pedigrees and exhibited at Kennel Club sanctioned shows. Fortunately, some of the pioneers of the breed like Joe Mallen accepted the challenges this brought and were able to impart their great knowledge and allow their Staffords to influence future generations of the breed.
On the 17th August 1935, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club held its first official Club show, with Mr. H. N. Beilby judging, held on the bowling green of the Cradley Heath Conservative Club, South Staffordshire. There was a large entry of over 60 with ‘Jim the Dandy’ winning the day.
In 1937 the Southern Counties Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society (SCSBTS) was the second major Breed Club to be established and others followed throughout the British Isles and have since created their own history. The SCSBTS produced the ‘The Stafford’ magazine that became one of the best loved publications in the breed, but is sadly no longer produced.
Other independent publications that have given me great pleasure while they ran was Freddie Phillips’ photographic magazines and Ron Turnbull’s ‘The Pit International,’ which was the best ever produced and now a collector’s item.
Other independent publications that have given me great pleasure while they ran was Freddie Phillips’ photographic magazines and Ron Turnbull’s ‘The Pit International,’ which was the best ever produced and now a collector’s item.
Jake the Rake plays Sykes’ Bull’s Eye 1948
In 1948 the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, written in 1837, was adapted into a film directed by David Lean. It starred John Howard Davies as Oliver Twist, Robert Newton as Bill Sykes and Alec Guinness as Fagin.
In the film the notorious criminal Bill Sykes is seen accompanied by his faithful dog, ‘Bull’s Eye’, played by ‘Jake’ the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In one scene the murderous Bill Sykes goes into a rage and ‘Bull’s Eye’ is seen scratching at a door to get out of the way. Apparently to produce this ‘take’ his real owner was standing the other side of the door and ‘Jake’ is determinedly scratching at the door to get to him.
Jake was registered as ‘Relyon Jake the Rake’ bred by C. Townsend, but carried Jimmy Russ’ affix ‘Relyon’. He was sired by Major Mont and his dam was Quicksilver. Major Mont was sired by Wheatley’s Scamp out of Owen’s Nell. Quicksilver was sired by Son of Jim out of Quick Jane. Quicksilver’s paternal grandsire was none other than Ch. Gentleman Jim.
In 1948 the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, written in 1837, was adapted into a film directed by David Lean. It starred John Howard Davies as Oliver Twist, Robert Newton as Bill Sykes and Alec Guinness as Fagin.
In the film the notorious criminal Bill Sykes is seen accompanied by his faithful dog, ‘Bull’s Eye’, played by ‘Jake’ the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In one scene the murderous Bill Sykes goes into a rage and ‘Bull’s Eye’ is seen scratching at a door to get out of the way. Apparently to produce this ‘take’ his real owner was standing the other side of the door and ‘Jake’ is determinedly scratching at the door to get to him.
Jake was registered as ‘Relyon Jake the Rake’ bred by C. Townsend, but carried Jimmy Russ’ affix ‘Relyon’. He was sired by Major Mont and his dam was Quicksilver. Major Mont was sired by Wheatley’s Scamp out of Owen’s Nell. Quicksilver was sired by Son of Jim out of Quick Jane. Quicksilver’s paternal grandsire was none other than Ch. Gentleman Jim.
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Early Fanciers Opinions
The following are references from Joseph Dunn’s book 1947.
Mr. G. A. Dudley writes:-
“Once a Stafford owner, always a Stafford owner, is a very common remark to be heard in all spheres of life, so what better compliment can be handed out to any breed.
This dog has certainly proved himself to be ‘The Sportsman’, and we have to thank our predecessors who bred and passed such a specimen along to us, so let us, therefore, keep him as such, however much our opinions may differ with respect to any progress made in appearance, and we shall have the satisfaction in knowing that we have done our part and be able to pass along the most Loveable, Intelligent, Fearless and above all, The Greatest Pal man, woman or child ever had.”
Mr. A. Payton Smith writes:-
“The Stafford, now becoming one of the most popular dogs in all parts of the country today, is a unique dog in many ways. If correctly trained when young, no better pal, child guard, or showman can be found. On the other hand, should his preserves be poached upon or another dog show hostile signs against him, your Stafford changes to a fighting machine (unequalled in any other breed), in which his great speed, his magnificent muscles, his powerful jaws and his great heart, all work in unison. On such occasions the size of his opponent, pain or defeat, mean nothing to him. Whilst holding no brief for organized dog-fighting, it will be a sorry day for the breed if the gameness is ever bred out of it, as seems to be the aim of some present day breeders.
Let us remember that the ancestors of the present day Stafford were brought up by men who lived hard, worked hard and played hard and expected the same of their dogs.
Lack of space forbids me to write more, but in conclusion, may I make one plea, no matter how well behaved we make our Staffords, whether at home or in the ring, let us keep him as he was meant to be, hard and tough.”
Early Fanciers Opinions
The following are references from Joseph Dunn’s book 1947.
Mr. G. A. Dudley writes:-
“Once a Stafford owner, always a Stafford owner, is a very common remark to be heard in all spheres of life, so what better compliment can be handed out to any breed.
This dog has certainly proved himself to be ‘The Sportsman’, and we have to thank our predecessors who bred and passed such a specimen along to us, so let us, therefore, keep him as such, however much our opinions may differ with respect to any progress made in appearance, and we shall have the satisfaction in knowing that we have done our part and be able to pass along the most Loveable, Intelligent, Fearless and above all, The Greatest Pal man, woman or child ever had.”
Mr. A. Payton Smith writes:-
“The Stafford, now becoming one of the most popular dogs in all parts of the country today, is a unique dog in many ways. If correctly trained when young, no better pal, child guard, or showman can be found. On the other hand, should his preserves be poached upon or another dog show hostile signs against him, your Stafford changes to a fighting machine (unequalled in any other breed), in which his great speed, his magnificent muscles, his powerful jaws and his great heart, all work in unison. On such occasions the size of his opponent, pain or defeat, mean nothing to him. Whilst holding no brief for organized dog-fighting, it will be a sorry day for the breed if the gameness is ever bred out of it, as seems to be the aim of some present day breeders.
Let us remember that the ancestors of the present day Stafford were brought up by men who lived hard, worked hard and played hard and expected the same of their dogs.
Lack of space forbids me to write more, but in conclusion, may I make one plea, no matter how well behaved we make our Staffords, whether at home or in the ring, let us keep him as he was meant to be, hard and tough.”
Mr. F. W. Holden writes:
“It is more than twelve years since I was approached by Mr. Joseph Dunn to officiate as judge at a show in Cradley Heath (by permission of Kennel Club) to raise funds to form a club, which is now known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.
At this show there were some 26 Staffords on view, and my awards in the class provided were 1st ‘Vindictive Monty,’ 2nd ‘Shaws Jim’ (Jim the Dandy), 3rd ‘Fearless Joe,’ 4th ‘Cross Guns Johnson.’ All afterwards, becoming big winners, at all shows.
Since then the breed has made rapid progress. I would like to warn breeders against sacrificing the true type, spirit and character for the drawing room type to which we seem to be drifting.”
Mr. John F. Gordon writes:
“Since 1935, when the Kennel Club granted show status to the breed, we have watched the Staffordshire emerge from the shadow of his gladiatorial background, still with a courage unsurpassed in any other animal, and retaining still, despite the handicaps imposed by past associations, the same inborn gentleness, affection and undying loyalty of his forebears. Highly intelligent, gentle with youngsters and readily amenable to training and discipline, he is adaptable to most conditions of life, and constitutes a wonderful watchdog.”
“It is more than twelve years since I was approached by Mr. Joseph Dunn to officiate as judge at a show in Cradley Heath (by permission of Kennel Club) to raise funds to form a club, which is now known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.
At this show there were some 26 Staffords on view, and my awards in the class provided were 1st ‘Vindictive Monty,’ 2nd ‘Shaws Jim’ (Jim the Dandy), 3rd ‘Fearless Joe,’ 4th ‘Cross Guns Johnson.’ All afterwards, becoming big winners, at all shows.
Since then the breed has made rapid progress. I would like to warn breeders against sacrificing the true type, spirit and character for the drawing room type to which we seem to be drifting.”
Mr. John F. Gordon writes:
“Since 1935, when the Kennel Club granted show status to the breed, we have watched the Staffordshire emerge from the shadow of his gladiatorial background, still with a courage unsurpassed in any other animal, and retaining still, despite the handicaps imposed by past associations, the same inborn gentleness, affection and undying loyalty of his forebears. Highly intelligent, gentle with youngsters and readily amenable to training and discipline, he is adaptable to most conditions of life, and constitutes a wonderful watchdog.”
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Joe Mallen – Black Country Legend
Of all the stalwarts and fanciers in the breeds rich heritage there is nobody more famous than Joe Mallen born in Cradley Heath in 1890. He owned and bred some of the more famous Staffords from the Black Country, and built a strain of game dogs that were admired throughout the Black Country.
In 1939 Mallen’s Gentleman Jim became the first official Champion Dog, with Dunn’s Lady Eve the first Champion Bitch in the same year.
It should be noted that ‘Gentleman Jim’, Joe’s favourite, sired approximately 250 registered offspring (some say 350), which undoubtedly had a positive and lasting effect on the breed. This great dog was superbly bred, by Mr. Jack Dunn by Brindle Mick (M Line) out of Triton Judy (J Line), who was the litter sister to Fearless Joe (J Line). Credit must be given to Joe Mallen, who claimed he was the founder of ‘Jim’s’ bloodline, going back through ‘Monty’ to ‘Johnson’, for keeping ‘Jim’ open at public stud.
To list the Staffords of note owned or bred by Joe Mallen, the following should be included: Mallen’s Nell, Brave Nell, Old Cross Guns Lucky Jim, Simon, Trudy, Cradley Tyke, Sally, Cross Guns Johnson, Miss Johnson, Lady Liquer, Carless Bill, Alf’s Kit, Lofafellow, Good Lad, Game Bill, Fearless Joe, Gentleman Jim, The Great Bomber and Old Cross Guns Show Boy of Woldingham, who sired Stowecote Pride, a highly regarded and very game dog of his time. Some of Joe’s exceptional Staffords are deservingly highlighted in this article.
Interestingly, Joe’s first Stafford was a fawn, crop eared bitch, a great grand daughter of a dog called Blue Jack, owned by Walter Slim. Joe had an old frame of a Notice, dated 1893, stating that Blue Jack is ‘Open to fight anything in the world from 50 to 500lbs’ at Smethwick, 1893, (Pringle, M., Dog World, April 1973).
Joe Mallen – Black Country Legend
Of all the stalwarts and fanciers in the breeds rich heritage there is nobody more famous than Joe Mallen born in Cradley Heath in 1890. He owned and bred some of the more famous Staffords from the Black Country, and built a strain of game dogs that were admired throughout the Black Country.
In 1939 Mallen’s Gentleman Jim became the first official Champion Dog, with Dunn’s Lady Eve the first Champion Bitch in the same year.
It should be noted that ‘Gentleman Jim’, Joe’s favourite, sired approximately 250 registered offspring (some say 350), which undoubtedly had a positive and lasting effect on the breed. This great dog was superbly bred, by Mr. Jack Dunn by Brindle Mick (M Line) out of Triton Judy (J Line), who was the litter sister to Fearless Joe (J Line). Credit must be given to Joe Mallen, who claimed he was the founder of ‘Jim’s’ bloodline, going back through ‘Monty’ to ‘Johnson’, for keeping ‘Jim’ open at public stud.
To list the Staffords of note owned or bred by Joe Mallen, the following should be included: Mallen’s Nell, Brave Nell, Old Cross Guns Lucky Jim, Simon, Trudy, Cradley Tyke, Sally, Cross Guns Johnson, Miss Johnson, Lady Liquer, Carless Bill, Alf’s Kit, Lofafellow, Good Lad, Game Bill, Fearless Joe, Gentleman Jim, The Great Bomber and Old Cross Guns Show Boy of Woldingham, who sired Stowecote Pride, a highly regarded and very game dog of his time. Some of Joe’s exceptional Staffords are deservingly highlighted in this article.
Interestingly, Joe’s first Stafford was a fawn, crop eared bitch, a great grand daughter of a dog called Blue Jack, owned by Walter Slim. Joe had an old frame of a Notice, dated 1893, stating that Blue Jack is ‘Open to fight anything in the world from 50 to 500lbs’ at Smethwick, 1893, (Pringle, M., Dog World, April 1973).
Revision of the KC Breed Standard 1948
The revision of the KC Breed Standard in 1948 was one of the most important developments in the history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I refer to the amended size. I have had many conversations with enthusiasts, who were alive at the time and read enough literature on the subject to fill a book. Bear in mind opinions varied. The following is a brief summary.
Amendments were made to the original Breed Standard of 1935 at a meeting of delegates from breed clubs on 9th October 1948 in Wolverhampton. The convention was arranged by the now defunct Staffordshire Bull Terrier Clubs’ Advisory Council after the KC had asked for suggestions. Its findings were approved by the Kennel Club in 1949.
There were five alterations to the original Breed Standard, by far the most important being the change of height from 15 to 18 in., amended to 14 to 16 in., with the weights staying the same - 28lb to 38lb, bitches 4lb less.
Bill Boylan from the Southern Counties was very upset by this outcome and felt that delegates had acted against the wishes of the membership in a published letter. Apparently a height of not less than 17 inches was agreed to be put forward, but rejected at this meeting with other delegates, and the KC.
It had been 13 years since breed experts had formulated the original Breed Standard, in between which there had been six years of the Second World War 1939-45 and some have voiced the opinion that this revision was too soon.
A number of enthusiasts, however, were in agreement to the amendment, pointing out that there were many Staffords of approximately 16 inches in height and 38lb, which were good specimens of the breed, well balanced and in proportion. However, other experts at the time felt the amendment was wrong, because it discriminated against the excellent specimens of the larger size.
The lower 14 inch measurement was brought in because one delegate thought there should be a place for the little 20-odd pounders his relative had kept. ‘Nap’ Cairns later remarked that the twenty pounders were probably 16 inch dogs anyway!
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I refer to the ‘English’ Bull Terrier breed Standard which has no height or weight stipulated and an intermediate size has been maintained and much argument has been avoided.
Joe Mallen remarked:
‘Well, as regards the new standard, I am sure they are bringing them too low to the ground. Give me a Staffordshire about 17 ins. at the shoulder. He must be on the alert, strong, active, a very hard and strong muzzle with clean lips.’. . . (Hollender, 1952).
I agree with Joe Mallen’s opinion. I personally believe a Stafford of 15 to 17 ins. with the weights remaining the same would have been a more acceptable and realistic measurement criteria for enthusiasts and would have encouraged judges to put up more balanced specimens of the breed.
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Ancestors - The White ‘English’ Bull Terrier
Mr. James Hinks from Birmingham introduced the White (English) Bull Terrier in the 1850’s, known as the White Cavalier, whose breeding has never been authenticated. It is believed that he took the old Bull and Terrier (now known as the Stafford) and crossed it with the English White Terrier, now extinct and possibly with some infusion of the Dalmatian.
Some puppies from these breedings had some brindle patches at first, but these were gradually bred out to produce a smart looking all White Bull Terrier. It was bred mainly as a show dog and gained recognition with the name ‘Bull Terrier’ with the KC earlier than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In the late 19th century it became very popular and was exported to other countries, including the United States of America, Europe, South Africa and Asia, where apart from being exhibited, proved its gameness in sporting and hunting activities and very adaptable to the different climates of these regions.
There was some antagonism between the Stafford fanciers, and the ‘Bull Terrier’ enthusiasts. This came about when the Bull Terrier people, objected to the word ‘Bull’ in the name of the ‘Staffordshire Bull Terrier’ when it was first put forward for recognition with the Kennel Club. The Stafford fanciers, especially the Black Country enthusiasts, took this as an insult, because they knew their dog was the original Bull Terrier and therefore entitled to the name.
Mr. James Hinks from Birmingham introduced the White (English) Bull Terrier in the 1850’s, known as the White Cavalier, whose breeding has never been authenticated. It is believed that he took the old Bull and Terrier (now known as the Stafford) and crossed it with the English White Terrier, now extinct and possibly with some infusion of the Dalmatian.
Some puppies from these breedings had some brindle patches at first, but these were gradually bred out to produce a smart looking all White Bull Terrier. It was bred mainly as a show dog and gained recognition with the name ‘Bull Terrier’ with the KC earlier than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
In the late 19th century it became very popular and was exported to other countries, including the United States of America, Europe, South Africa and Asia, where apart from being exhibited, proved its gameness in sporting and hunting activities and very adaptable to the different climates of these regions.
There was some antagonism between the Stafford fanciers, and the ‘Bull Terrier’ enthusiasts. This came about when the Bull Terrier people, objected to the word ‘Bull’ in the name of the ‘Staffordshire Bull Terrier’ when it was first put forward for recognition with the Kennel Club. The Stafford fanciers, especially the Black Country enthusiasts, took this as an insult, because they knew their dog was the original Bull Terrier and therefore entitled to the name.
Ancestors - The Coloured (English) Bull Terrier
This variety is identical to the White Bull Terrier and was formed in the early part of the 20th century by crossing the White Bull Terrier back to his progenitor the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. One of the Staffords used in this project was claimed to be the famous ‘Pity Me’ bred by Jack Kinsey, a Bilston dog, who Hollender as previously noted, claimed was the best Staffordshire Bull Terrier he ever knew.
This cross produced dogs with the same coat colours as Staffords and after several generations of selective breeding a Coloured Bull Terrier was eventually produced identical to the White (English) Bull Terrier variety in type.
Both ‘English’ Bull Terrier varieties are very different to the Stafford, being bigger and heavier. They have different temperaments, being more aloof and without the same tenacity I think it is fair to say. Their head is more streamlined and down faced, without stop or pronounced cheek muscles. They have the erect ears and triangular shaped, deep set eyes. They also do not have the athletic and distinct nimble gait of the true Stafford, which is like no other breed.
Both varieties of the ‘English’ Bull Terrier are now identical and very distinct in their own breed ‘type’ and character.
There is also the small version of the coloured variety called the Miniature Bull Terrier.
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This variety is identical to the White Bull Terrier and was formed in the early part of the 20th century by crossing the White Bull Terrier back to his progenitor the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. One of the Staffords used in this project was claimed to be the famous ‘Pity Me’ bred by Jack Kinsey, a Bilston dog, who Hollender as previously noted, claimed was the best Staffordshire Bull Terrier he ever knew.
This cross produced dogs with the same coat colours as Staffords and after several generations of selective breeding a Coloured Bull Terrier was eventually produced identical to the White (English) Bull Terrier variety in type.
Both ‘English’ Bull Terrier varieties are very different to the Stafford, being bigger and heavier. They have different temperaments, being more aloof and without the same tenacity I think it is fair to say. Their head is more streamlined and down faced, without stop or pronounced cheek muscles. They have the erect ears and triangular shaped, deep set eyes. They also do not have the athletic and distinct nimble gait of the true Stafford, which is like no other breed.
Both varieties of the ‘English’ Bull Terrier are now identical and very distinct in their own breed ‘type’ and character.
There is also the small version of the coloured variety called the Miniature Bull Terrier.
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Looking Back
There is always more that can be said and more Staffords that could be included in this subject. I should also not forget the many colourful owners and breeders that I have not mentioned, who have influenced the development of the breed.
The oldest historical photographs herein date back nearly 170 years - that of Lloyds ‘Paddy’, who was exported to America between the years of 1854 and 1868 and the famous Lloyds ‘Pilot’ exported circa 1881 as described earlier. These two are typical examples of very early Bull and Terrier fighting dogs bred in England and Ireland that would much later become known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier when recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1935.
Some of the famous Black Country Stafford’s and their breeders from the first half of the 20th century are also included, because they were so important in the development of the Staffordshire. Several outstanding dogs could be chosen from all that have gone before, but perhaps Shaws/Barnards ‘Jim the Dandy’ and Mallen’s ‘Ch. Gentleman Jim’ are two worth giving extra recognition.
‘Jim the Dandy’ was the Stafford used as the blue print of the original Breed Standard in 1935 as mentioned, but unfortunately died young and was unable to fulfill his potential as a sire. This was a sad loss for the breed and it will never be known what influence he may have had. There are few photographs, but I am informed that he was a great Stafford.
‘Ch. Gentleman Jim’, was the breeds first Champion in 1939, who produced many outstanding Staffords. He was a tough, well made Black Country dog, who I believe would have been great in any era that he lived. Enthusiasts who knew him claimed he was the epitome of the breed and will go down as one of the iconic Staffords of all time.
There is always more that can be said and more Staffords that could be included in this subject. I should also not forget the many colourful owners and breeders that I have not mentioned, who have influenced the development of the breed.
The oldest historical photographs herein date back nearly 170 years - that of Lloyds ‘Paddy’, who was exported to America between the years of 1854 and 1868 and the famous Lloyds ‘Pilot’ exported circa 1881 as described earlier. These two are typical examples of very early Bull and Terrier fighting dogs bred in England and Ireland that would much later become known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier when recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1935.
Some of the famous Black Country Stafford’s and their breeders from the first half of the 20th century are also included, because they were so important in the development of the Staffordshire. Several outstanding dogs could be chosen from all that have gone before, but perhaps Shaws/Barnards ‘Jim the Dandy’ and Mallen’s ‘Ch. Gentleman Jim’ are two worth giving extra recognition.
‘Jim the Dandy’ was the Stafford used as the blue print of the original Breed Standard in 1935 as mentioned, but unfortunately died young and was unable to fulfill his potential as a sire. This was a sad loss for the breed and it will never be known what influence he may have had. There are few photographs, but I am informed that he was a great Stafford.
‘Ch. Gentleman Jim’, was the breeds first Champion in 1939, who produced many outstanding Staffords. He was a tough, well made Black Country dog, who I believe would have been great in any era that he lived. Enthusiasts who knew him claimed he was the epitome of the breed and will go down as one of the iconic Staffords of all time.
Phil Knowles