Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Will An Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Make a Good Pet

By Jerry Welsh


Centuries ago, the British are into the cruel and bloody sports of bull baiting and bear baiting. Bull baiting and bear baiting are favorite sports of both the royalty and the commoners. Agile dogs noted to have vicious temperaments are pitted against animals several times bigger in size. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier from where Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed is one of these fighting dog breeds. Having a fighting dog breed for an ancestor, the Irish Staff also known as Irish Staffie is believed to have the ferocious temperament of its ancestor. Does this mean that the dog would not be a suitable choice for a family companion?

An Irish Staff is a muscular dog that weighs from 55 to 77 lbs and measures about 24 inches at the withers. An impressive strength is one of the admirable qualities of this breed. Potential dog owners would think twice about getting this dog breed for a pet because of the intimidating appearance as well as its dog fighting ancestry. To mold this dog into a outstanding pet, it is necessary for a would-be owner to understand how the dog was developed.

Dogs that will be pitted with bulls and bears were developed from bulldogs and terriers during the early 19th century. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the breeds of fighting dogs that were developed from bulldogs and terriers. After bull and bear baiting was banned in 1835, dog fighting became popular. Dog fighting enthusiasts developed the Staffordshire Bull Terrier into taller but leaner dogs. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier was born.

The dog has started as a dog fighting breed but these dogs have adapted to the life of a household pet. An Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier would not be an ideal pet for a weak owner that will allow the dog to have its way. This dog is fearless, reckless, hard to housebreak, chews a great deal and has the propensity to jump from great heights.

However, the dog would be an ideal house pet that is tolerant and affectionate of the children if the owner knows how to control the pet. Socialization and obedience training is necessary to mold the dog into an ideal pet. This dog is ideal for an active family as without sufficient opportunities to exercise, the dog would become restless, destructive and hard to manage.




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