The cruel sports of bull baiting and bear baiting are favorite entertainment of the British people centuries ago. These cruel sports are favored not only by the commoners but by the royalty as well. 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. Because of the dog fighting ancestry, a lot of would-be owners are asking – “Would this dog be a wonderful pet”?
An Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a large breed but the dog has an impressive well muscled and strong boned body. An impressive strength is one of the admirable qualities of this breed. People that see the dog would be intimidated not only because of its dog fighting ancestry but also because the large head, the strong jaws and sharp teeth as well as the short but muscular neck really give the dog an intimidating appearance. Anyone enticed to have this dog for a pet has to understand how it was developed.
Due to the popularity of bull and bear baiting, breeders have crossed bulldogs with terriers to create fighting dogs. 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. The new breed was named Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier to distinguish it from is progenitor.
Surprisingly, the dog that was once used in dog fighting has turned a new leaf and become ideal home companions. An Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier would not be an ideal pet for a weak owner that will allow the dog to have its way. For the information of anyone wanting to have this breed for a pet, an Irish Sttaff is rather stubborn, difficult to house break and has the inclination to jump from heights and to be a destructive chewer.
However, in the hands of a strong and dog-experienced person, an Irish Staffie makes an ideal pet that adores children and loves all the members of the family. An obedience trained and well socialized Staffie makes an outstanding family companion as the dog has a lively and friendly personality. An active family is the ideal owner of this dog so that it will be provided with sufficient opportunities to exercise.
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