Early Ancestry Part 3

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In the latter part of the nineteenth century, pedigree dog breeding began to be taken more seriously, and the Bull and Terrier, or Pit Dog as it was sometimes called, achieved a certain amount of notoriety because of its somewhat unpalatable past.  It was because of the enthusiasm and dedication of the miners and ironworkers that the breed was preserved, and it was fitting that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club found its beginnings in Cradley Heath.
Towards the end of 1934, a number of enthusiasts discussed at a series of meetings, the possible formation of a breed club, but this was not officially established until May 1935.  Over forty breeders attended a meeting at the Old Cross Guns Hotel, Cradley Heath, where Joe Mallen, later to make quite a name in the breed, was the landlord.  Although the majority of those present opted for the title "The Original Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club', this found little favour with the Kennel Club, and the registered name became simply 'The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club'.  Possibly the word 'original' reflected a desire to record that this breed was more directly descended from the original Bull and Terrier than was the Bull Terrier, which had been recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club some years previously.
The 'White' Bull and Terrier originated by James Hinks of Birmingham about the middle of the nineteenth century, was an amalgam of a number of breeds; even today many different theories exist relating to its origins.  Certainly the down face, which typifies the breed, is not found in many other dogs; the Collie and the Bedlinton Terrier have it, and it has been suggested that the "White Collie" made a significant contribution to the evolution of the Bull Terrier - also down faced.  Theories have been advanced that Dalmatian blood was also used, although it is only recently that the Bedlington Terrier has been mentioned as a possible contributor!  Whatever its origins, the breed quickly gained popularity.

Bull Terrier from 1915

Modern Day Bull Terrier

Modern Day Nugget