The loveable Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or Staffy as many owners tend to refer to) is intelligent, loyal, affectionate and fearless. Whilst all dog owners will tell you that their breed is the ultimate family dog, Staffy owners will give you a long list of reasons why their dog is genuinely the best ‘all-rounder’ and a great family dog.
The Staffy can draw ‘marmite’ reactions amongst dog owners and its muscular build can give the impression that it’s boisterous or even threatening. But those in the know will understand that they are far from either and whilst energetic, the Staffy will be equally happy to curl up on the sofa or even invade the bed if allowed, seeking a cuddle.
Famous Staffy owners
As if to prove the universal appeal of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, you only need to look at the broad spectrum of celebrity owners, happy and proud to share their Staffies with the world across social media.
To demonstrate its fearless, bold and energetic characteristics the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can count among its supporters the late Steve Irwin, Vin Diesel and Superman actor, Tom Holland; all of whom own or have owned Staffies. Back in the day, Steve Irwin would even take his Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Sui) on adventures with him, and she made regular appearances on his shows. Steve apparently raised Sui from a pup and spoke fondly of her unwavering loyalty in interviews.
Similarly in an interview in 2021, Tom Holland says he takes his Staffy Tessa everywhere with him and that they are best friends. In fact, the two have been spotted together so many times, Tessa has built her own fan base – pushing her owner into the celebrity shade!
The other side of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the fun –loving, relaxed and playful temperament which is what has drawn the likes of the late Keith ‘Cheggers’ Chegwin, supermodel Kate Moss and Everybody Loves Raymond star, Ray Romano, to the breed. According to one Staffy rescue website, Cheggers wouldn’t have any other breed but also went on to warn prospective owners about not letting them into or onto your bed as they’ll very quickly make it their own!
A proud military background
As well as being a well-disposed pet and best friend, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier also has a proud history dating back hundreds of years. As namesake to the Staffordshire regiment, the Staffy became their traditional mascot for many years supporting battalions through various wars. The first Staffy to hold this role, Boxer, reportedly fell or jumped out of a train carrying the members of the regiment and then walked over 200 miles across the desert to re-join the troops.
In America, Sergeant ‘Stubby’, a 10-year-old American Staffy holds the honour of being the most decorated war dog of World War 1, having served in the trenches through France with the 102nd Infantry. His acute senses of smell and hearing helped protect his troops from gas attacks and the approaching enemy and even though he was injured several times in the line of duty, he managed to survive and earned his Sergeant stripes through combat. Having officially retired, he was also later decorated by various other organisations for his bravery and service to his country.
It’s probably little wonder that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is such a popular companion and continues to be one of the top dog breeds in the UK.
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