The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier – they were one of the UK’s 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. A literary hero
Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s much-loved book Jock of the Bushveld, published in 1907, the titular hero was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Historic hounds
Like all the bull breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier can trace its heritage back to the now-extinct Molossian war dogs of the Greeks - a breed that were popular over 2,500 years ago. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Perfect playmate
Staffordshire Bull Terriers get on famously with children - another reason they make such a good family pet. They are often nicknamed 'Nanny Dogs' due to their habit of looking after and playing with youngsters. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Reporting for duty
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Cooper was adopted in March 2018 by the Staffordshire Police for training as a police dog - the first in the county's history. Photo: Canva/Getty Images