“A Stafford in proper show condition exhibits what is OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ‘TUCK UP’ AT THE LOIN.”
the same throughout every revision of the standard for nearly 70 years. Head: “Short, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short foreface…” Th is par- ticular language is unchanged from the 1935 standard. Modern additions to this section include details of the correct scis- sor bite, tight, clean lips and dark eye rims with an allowance for pink on a dog with white around the eye. Body: Originally a separate section, it is now combined with Neck, Topline and Tail descriptors. “Deep brisket”, “level top line” and “[rather] light in loins” are all carried through from 1935 to today. “Short back” evolved into “close cou- pled” and “forelegs set rather wide apart” was simplified to “wide front.” Even though many of the adjectives that describe the Sta ff ordshire Bull Ter- rier have remained the same throughout the evolution of the standard; e.g. “deep”, “wide” and “broad”, the interpretations have changed. How we visualize subjec- tive words like these is mandated by the above referenced changes that were made to increase the overall substance of the dog. How wide is “wide”? In 1935, the same word was used, but as predicated by their original function the dogs from 70 years ago were more moderate compared to what today’s stan- dard call for. If you compare the 1935 standard to modern standards for other breeds you will find that the substance
of the original Sta ff ordshire Bull Terrier was something akin to today’s American Water Spaniel or in taller examples, the Wheaten. Th is shift in how we translate the descriptors found within the stan- dard does not suggest free, subjective interpretation today. Th e guidelines for substance are still given, and they are in fact referenced in today’s standard as “limits.” Non-conformity outside these limits is not a disqualification, but it is to be faulted. Th e modern show Sta ff ord should be exhibited in the condition out- lined in the breed standard: “although muscular, should be active and agile.” Th e standard call for him to be “rather light in the loins.” A Sta ff ord in proper show condition exhibits what is often referred to as “tuck up” at the loin. Th e relatively short history of the Sta ff ord- shire Bull Terrier in the US is that of a family companion, show dog, and per- formance sport animal. Fortunately he has never been a known as a fighting dog in this country, but he should never lose the strength, athleticism, and agility that is a reminder of that original purpose. One other significant change that occurred in the breed standard prior to the Sta ff ord ever making its way to the US was alluded to previously. Th is was the elimination of a 100 point judging system that weighted the importance of the various elements of the standard. Th is is of considerable interest in under- standing what the original architects of
the breed found to be most important. Originally adopted in 1935, the last pro- posed version that was to be submitted for approval in 1949, but by that time the Kennel Club (UK) had eliminated the 100-point scoring system from all breed standards, see Figure 1. Today, when people ask if the Sta ff ord is a “head breed” we can look back and see that even though it’s certainly not everything it was in fact quite impor- tant to those who originally decided how to prioritize the foundations of breed type. Th e original 1935 version of this scale actually had the head as 30 points before the revision was made attempting to address “movement.” Th e head was of particular importance to a group of people trying to standardize and obtain consistency with a new breed. Over the years breed type has tightened up as the standard has evolved. Th e purpose of the standard is, after all to describe the ideal specimen of the breed. Th e more strictly we adhere to it, the more consis- tency we will see as the breed continues to improve alongside the words that are used to outline its makeup.
General Appearance & Coat Condition
10
Head
25
Neck
10
Body
25
“OVER THE YEARS BREED TYPE HAS TIGHTENED UP AS THE STANDARD HAS EVOLVED.”
Legs & Feet
15
Tail
5
General Movement & Balance
10
Fig. 1: Last proposed 100-point scoring system version, c. 1949. 4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& " 13*- t
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