What Are We Looking For?

What does it mean to “reward the virtues” in Staffordshire Bull Terriers? Just what are the virtues that are important to us, and why should they be rewarded?

Our breed standard describes what a Staffordshire Bull Terrier should look like, but the descriptions are more or less a list of parts, with no emphasis given to the priorities.

It is easier to visualize the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Standard if the “list” is organized into four major categories. These four categories for me are head, balance, soundness, and temperament. These are the four VIRTUES, that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier must possess. Positive characteristic attributes in all of these categories need to be apparent to be a good Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Head: The correct head is a virtue comprised of bits of elements which make up the whole.

Balance: The correct amount of dog to get the job done, not an ounce more or less. The presence of correct balance is a virtue.

Soundness: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier must be constructed soundly with movement being a test of soundness. Can the dog do the job it was intended to do over and over without injury?

Temperament: The correct temperament is often overlooked in the ring. There are tells and indications even in a short exam. We explained correct Stafford temperament in the June Newsletter.

SBTCA JEC presents:

Stafford Breed Specific Exam – What is the Judge Doing? CLICK TO VIEW
Understanding Stafford Movement – What is Economy of Effort?- CLICK TO VIEW

This and other descriptive excerpts can also found inside SBTCA mentor packets and seminar materials as well as all the other materials available for free and often updated download on the JEC page on our website.