The Nanny Dog

I quote from the second line of the KC Staffordshire Bull Terrier standard: "Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children". Both AKC and FCI standards have similar phrasing. Our breed was the first, and until recently the only one whose standard specifically mentions its goodness towards children. This alone should give an idea of how strong is the tie between STBs and kids. In 1997, the Southampton University made a serious analysis about the temperament of all KC breeds. Based on this, the Pet Dogs magazine asked Dr. John Bradshaw, Antrozoology Director in that U, and Sarah Whitehead, expert in canine etiology, to pick the top 10 breeds for children, in no particular order. Of course, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier made that list, and the authors went on to say that they were so extremely patient with children, that the kids should be trained so they didn't harm the dogs!

Our experience upholds all that was said before, and then some. Our “nanny dogs” have literally grown up with my daughters, keeping them company, having fun together, and when the push comes to shove, defending them. In this entry's pics you can see Fiona (Ch Int Lat Ven Lib Dugar de Baladrar Death’s Bride) first with Isabela and then with Ana Lucía, who handled her in Junior Showmanship since she was 5 years old, winning too often for my liking ;-) Frankly, and having bred before Pugs and Bulldogs, both "children's breeds", I think the STB is peerless when it comes to relating with kids.

Fiona's sire is Multi Ch Makeready Dugar, the top Ch producing sire outside the UK, and she has given us the unparalleled satisfaction of producing a World Champion in each of her two litters. That must be a record! Our thanks go to her breeder, my friend and mentor Juan Manuel Durá.