The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of SA Inc. recommends that a great deal of thought and consideration go into selecting a breed of dog.   You should ensure that the dicision you make will be suitable for your lifestyle for at least the next 10-14 years (for a Stafford)!

We are trying to encourage potential buyers to do their 'homework', (both for the good of the owner and dog) to ensure that they end up with a healthy, well-bred 'Staffy'.   the new owner must be happy that they have made the right decision, having asked all the relevant questions, whether the dog will be for showing or a pet!

Just because you are buying a Pedigree doesn't mean you will end up with a 'perfect' specimen - be it in appearance, hereditary genes or mannerisms!   The following is for your information to help guide you in finding firsly a breeder you are satisfied with and ultimately your 'Staffy'.

Whilst the SBT Club of SA Inc. tries to educate all members & potential buyers, the onus is on the breeder to follow SACA & ANKC rulings regarding the sale of pups!
 

• Code of Ethics - An Extract from the rules of the South Australian Canine Association Inc. Part XII
  
  - To purchase a 'Pedigree' dog the breeder must be registered with the SACA and MUST abide by thses rules.

  
  - Be aware that if purchasing a dog from an unregistered breeder (or what are known as 'backyard breeders') the animal will not be pedigree and there are NO guarantees or proof that it is purebred.
  
   

  South Australian Canine Association Inc. EXTRACT FROM THE RULES OF THE ASSOCIATION PART XII - CODE OF ETHICS I shall ensure that at all times all Dogs under my control are properly fenced or enclosed, properly housed, fed, watered, exercised and receive proper veterinary attention, if and when required.   I shall not allow any dogs under my care to roam at large and when away from home ensure that they are kept fully leashed, or under effective control, at all times.   I shall breed only for the purpose of improving the quality of the breed in line with the breed standard.   (a) I shall not mate any bitch kept by me before she is twelve (12) months of age. (b) I understand that to mate the same bitch in consecutive seasons is not recommended breeding practice and should only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances. (c) If exceptional circumstances exist which I consider make it necessary to mate a bitch in consecutive seasons, I will not mate that bitch for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the birth of the puppies from that second season.   I* shall not permit any of my pure bred dogs to be mated to a dog of a different breed, to a cross bred dog, or to an unregistered dog of the same breed or to a dog of the same breed which is entered on the LIMITED REGISTER, unless specific permission is given by the SACA.   I shall not sell or otherwise transfer from my care ant puppy, under eight (8) weeks of age, thus allowing for vaccination to be given at six (6) weeks of age. Upon the sale of the dog I shall provide the owner with such registration documents as is required by the SACA and a current vaccination certificate of that dog issued by a veterinary surgeon.   I shall ensure that all persons acquiring dogs from me clearly understand their responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal as defined in (1) and (2). I shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise nor mislead any person regarding the performance of the dog. I shall provide to all purchasers of the dogs sold or placed by me written details of all dietary and vaccination requirements and/or an appropriate publication relating to such requirements and responsible dog ownership.   I shall not sell any dog to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealer, or directly of indirectly, to allow a dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.   Any puppy that is to be exported must be a minimum of twelve (12) weeks of age.   History and Character of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.   HISTORY:   The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the early 1800's to satisfy the desires of men involved in the sports of bull and bear baiting. He was refined over the years and came into his own after 1835, when the sport of dog fighting reached its peak.   Dogs were selected for their fighting ability and not their beauty.   A wide variety of sizes and weights abounded, ranging from small 12 pounders to heavyweights of 60 pounds or more.   These dogs were known by many names:-m Bull Terriers, Pit-dogs, Bull-and-Terriers.   Dogs were matched weight for weight in the pit in fights that sometimes lasted several hours.   The courage, tenacity and skill required in such a canine gladiator is what earned the breed respect and admiration from its followers. Dogs were still being fought in the first half of the 20th century and it was not until 1935 when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially given his name and recognition as a breed. CHARACTER:   It is these attributes of the fighting dog, bred selectively. which make our breed stand out today.   He may be best discribed as a "Jekyll & Hyde: character, when understood correctly.   The true Stafford is devoted to people despite his aggressive tendencies towards other dogs.   He is a positive and honest breed.   Do not mistake his stubborness for stupidity; the stafford is a determined dog in his actions, whatever they are, are seldom restrained.   He may need a firmer hand and a greater patience in training, but if you remember that his greatest desire is to be with and please YOU, then the first barrier is broken.; Few Staffords "feel" or accept fear.   This indifferenceextends to his attitude to pain, and both are directly related to his past.   He is a game dog, full of spirit and able to endure. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier usually adapts to change with little fuss.   He accepts those who accept him.   He is a hardy breed and suffers from few ailments.   The Stafford will take as much or as little exercise as you give him.   The best exercise is on hard ground on a lead.   With his special tolerance and love for people, the Stafford is an ideal family dog, particularly in his sufferance of the cruelties children sometimes inflict on pets. It is wise to remember though, that the Stafford was bred as a fighting dog to fight OTHER DOGS, annd the prudent owner will remember this when introducing the Stafford to any other dog or neighbourhood animal.   This does not mean he will go out of his way to provoke a fight, but that he will not back down if he feels an animal is a threat to him.   Each dog must be considered as an individual as to what constitutes "enough" provocation for the Stafford to react.   Experience and familiarity will help you assess your own dog's limits. The Standard - The Standard is what dogs are judged on, and what breeders should be striving to achieve.     ANKC Breed Standard STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER GENERAL APPEARANCE:   Smooth coated, well balanced, of great strength for its size.  Muscular active and agile. CHARACTERISTICS:  Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity.  Highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children. TEMPERAMENT:   Bold, fearless and totally reliable. HEAD AND SKULL:  Short, deep through with broad skull.  Very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short foreface, nose black. EYES:  Dark preferred but may bare some relation to coat colour. Round of medium size, and set to look straight ahead. Eye rims dark. EARS:  Rose of half pricked, not large or heavy.  Full drop or pricked ears highly undesirable. MOUTH:  Lips tight and clean.  Jaws strong, teeth large, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, e.i. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. NECK:  Muscular, rather short, clean in outline gradually widening towards shoulders. FOREQUARTERS:  Legs straight and well boned, set rather wide apart, showing no weakness at the pasterns, from which point the feet turn out a little.  Shoulders well laid back with no looseness at elbows. BODY:  Close coupled, with level topline, wide front, deep brisket, well sprung ribs, muscular and well defined. HINDQUARTERS:  Well muscled, hocks well let down with stifles well bent. Legs parallel when viewed from behind. FEET:  Well padded, strong and of medium size.  Nails black in solid coloured dogs. TAIL:  Medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low.  Should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle. GAIT AND MOVEMENT:  Free, powerful and agile with economy of effort.  Legs moving parallel when viewed from front and rear. Discernible drive from hindlegs. COAT:  Smooth, short and close. COLOUR:  Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colours with white.  Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white.  Black and tan or liver colour highly undesirable. SIZE:  Weight:  Dogs 13-17 kgs (28-38 lbs). Bitches 11-15.5 kgs (24-34 lbs). Desirable height (at withers) 35.5 - 40.5 cms (14-16 inchs), these heights being related to the weights. FAULTS:  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded be in exact proportion to its degree. NOTE:  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.     Puppy Register - This is a list of breeders who are Members of our Club, who have put forward their details, as they may have puppies for sale occasionally. - Please do not become frustrated if no puppies are available, you can ask if litters are due or if there are planned matings. (We should ALL remember that Breeders should be only breeding to improve the quality of the breed in line with the Standard and not for producing puppies to make money!) For a current list please go to the BREEDERS DIRECTORY Link on our web site   SUGGESTIONS/QUESTIONS   Before purchasing - Why do you want a Stafford, will it fit in with your family and lifestyle? Before purchasing - Will you have adequate fencing? Before purchasing - Staffords need people participation, they are not a dog to be left in a back yard. Will you be able to provide them with the companionship and love they require? Look at a couple of different litters - Don't be pushed into paying a deposit if you are not 1000% sure! Is the Breeder a member of the South Australian Canine Association (SACA)? Is the Breeder a member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of SA Inc. (SBTC-SA)? Come out to a Dog Show and see the different Staffords If you want to purchase a 'Show Dog' - make sure you have an understanding of the Standard. Go to a few Dog Shows, speak to different breeders. AS to see the parents or at least photos! Check out the temperament of the parents and puppies ( by law you are liable for any damage your dog may cause, be that to other animals or people)! What type of bedding is best for the dog? What sex are you considering - bitch or dog? If purchasing a bitch and you will not be sexing her, ensure you are aware of the breeding cycles (seasons) - a breeder should be able to inform you of all the details! WHEN PURCHASING A PUPPY   You should receive a Veterinary Certificate (showing the puppy's vaccinations etc.) You should receive a Dietary Sheet (this will show you what type of food your puppy should be fed and when to feed him) The Breeder should transfer the dogs pedigree into your name within (14) days (the transfer cost should be at the Breeders expense)! If there are any problems / issues don't hesitate to go back and discuss with your Breeder, or failing the Breeder the SBTC-SA. Ensure you receive receipts for any deposits, payments etc. when purchasing your dog. Have the Breeder state on the receipt if you have purchased the dog as a pet/no paper, with papers, Show Dog etc. You are NOT obligated to sign any contacts or agreements when purchasing your dog - especially when purchasing a "pet". Look for puppies that are healthy - shining coat, bright eyes, well-covered bodies. Have they been wormed regularly? Check their environment - it should be clean. Don't be put off if a Breeder is asking you as many questions as you are them - it means they care that their "Stafford" is going to a suitable and good home!

  
   

• SBTC-SA Inc Objectives

(a)

To promote Staffordshire Bull Terriers and the improvement thereof in accordance with the rules of the South Australian Canine Association
 

(b)

To educate and encourage members, breeders, exhibitors and judges to abide by the requirements of the standard of the breed as approved for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, by the SACA.
 

(c)

To promote and support competition in all practical ways and to hold fixtures as permitted by the SACA.
 

(d)

To promote public interest in Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
 

(e)

To promote good fellowship among those interested in Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
 

(f)

To hear and determine any objections or protests lodged by any exhibitor and arising out of a Club show or other fixture.
 

(g)

To do all such other acts and things as are or may be incidental or conductive to the attainment of furtherance of any of the objects, or the excises of any of the powers of the Club.