The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a British breed of short-haired terrier of medium size. It originated in the city of Birmingham and in the Black Country of Staffordshire, it is the direct descendant of the Bull and terrier which was itself bred from cross-breeding the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier.

 

The breed’s ancestors were bred primarily for the blood sports of dog fighting and rat-baiting.

With the introduction of legislation criminalising blood sports including dog fighting in 1835 and again in 1911, attitudes changed which resulted in generations of responsible breeding and further breed refinement of the Stafford as a family pet and companion dog. The Stafford's association in early 19th century as a fighting dog made it difficult for the breed to gain recognition by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom but was eventually added to their purebred registry in 1935.

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Even in the days of blood sport, the Stafford was always a family pet and companion dog, and is even more so today. They are considered loyal, courageous and affectionate, and are among the dog breeds recommended by the KC as suitable for families. It is recommended that puppies receive early socialisation; certainly before 18 months. Staffordshire Terriers are healthy and robust dogs with a life expectancy of 12–14 years.