First Published: 1994
Hardcover 160 pages
Publisher: Ringpress Books Ltd
ISBN: 0948955694
Product Dimensions: 20.3cm x 19.3 cm approx
Book Weight: 585g approx
First Published 1994
Reprinted: 1996, 2001, 2003
Book Description:
"A BOOK OF THE BREED, covering the history of the Staffordshire bull terrier, together with information on breeding, rearing and general welfare."
"The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the most popular of all the terrier breeds, with its courageous character and rugged good looks finding favour among a wide range of enthusiasts. The Stafford is descended from a cross between the Bulldog and a native English terrier, with the aim of producing a smaller, faster animal for the sport of dog-fighting, which reached new heights of popularity in the early 19th century.
Despite this historical connection with fighting, the Stafford is a devoted companion dog, and the breed’s kindness and gentleness with children is well known. In this highly comprehensive Book of the Breed, the author traces the history of the prized show dog and companion dog, with a worldwide following. Advice is given on choosing a puppy, training, adult management, and handling in the show ring. The Breed Standard is analysed in detail, illustrated with top-quality line drawings, and there is excellent material on breeding Staffordshire Bull Terriers and starting a breeding programme. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this high-quality book gives the Stafford the recognition it so richly deserves."
CONTENTS:
Chapter One: PROFILE OF THE STAFFORD
Early history
Variation in type
The white strain
The fighting fraternity
The show Stafford
Variation in temperament
The need for firm handling
Chapter Two: ORIGINS OF THE BREED
Dogs of war
European influence
The Bulldog and Mastiff in Britain
Chapter Three: HISTORY OF THE FIGHTING DOG
Terriers
Bull baiting
Bear baiting
Gamecock fighting and the pit
Rat pits
Dog fighting
Chapter Four: CREATION OF THE BREED
The Duke of Hamilton
Wasp
Child
Billy and Tyger
Appearance in art
The Blue Paul
Contemporary evidence
The Blue Paul and the Monkey
The Stafford Today
Dog fighting today
Chapter Five: CHOOSING A STAFFORD
The family Stafford
The show Stafford
Choosing a breeder
Puppy or adult
Colour
Male or Female
Assessing the litter
After-sales service
Chapter Six: TRAINING YOUR STAFFORD
Understanding your dog
Discipline
Basic principals
Vocabulary and voice
Early lessons
Lead training
Summary
Chapter Seven: CARING FOR YOUR STAFFORD
General management of dogs
Kennelling
Kennel dimensions
The kennel range
Equipment
Exercise
Grooming
Daily checks
Feeding regime
Roughage
Chapter Eight: THE BREED STANDARD
The British breed standard
The American breed standard
Interpretation of the standard (General Appearance, Head and skull, Ears, Mouth, Forequarters,
Body, Hindquarters, Feet, Tail, Gait and movement, Coat, Colour, Size and weight)
Terminology used when describing the Stafford
Chapter Nine: IN THE SHOW RING
Early days
Championship shows
Judges
Handling
Stacking
Handling faults
Selecting a show puppy
Chapter Ten: THE THEORY OF DOG BREEDING
Getting started
Understanding genetics
Mendelian genetics
External influences
Bloodlines
Temperament
Chapter Eleven: BREEDING STAFFORDS
Breeding to an ideal
In-breeding
Line-breeding
Outcrossing
Line and family breeding
The brood bitch
The Stud dog
The mating
Chapter Twelve: PREGNANCY, WHELPING AND REARING
The pregnancy
The whelping
Eating the afterbirth
Removal of puppies while whelping
The newborn puppy
A guide to normal whelping
Care of the litter
Chapter Thirteen: WHELPING COMPLICATIONS
Absorption of the whelps
Uterine inertia
Complete inertia
Manual manipulation
Difficult head presentation
Breech presentation
Retention of the afterbirth
Retained puppy
Resuscitation of a puppy
Problems with the placenta
Caesarian section
Post whelping complications (Eclampsia, Mastitis)
Chapter Fourteen: THE STAFFORD WORLDWIDE
United Kingdom (Senkrah; Rellim; Eastaff; Jackstaff; Dumbriton; Recent successes;
Champions: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994)
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Holland
North America (leading dogs and kennels, The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club)
South Africa (The pioneers; The breed develops; The Transvaal club; The Pretoria Club; Influential imports).
Chapter Fifteen: HEALTH CARE
Diagnosis and treatment
Preventative measures
Symptoms of ill health
Parasites (Endoparasites, Ecotparasites)
Infectious diseases (Canine distemper; Leptospirosis; Canine parvovirus; Parainfluenza; Infectious canine hepatitis; Rabies)
Treating common ailments (Anal glands; Bites and strings; Constipation; Cysts; Ears; Eyes: heatstroke; Shock; Skin conditions; Teeth; Travel sickness; Vomiting and diarrhoea).