Very few newcomers to any breed know what to look for. Even the most astute buyer should not rely too much on their own judgement. Some people are of the opinion that they have 'an eye for a dog'.  So it may seem worth while to go ahead and make their own choice. This may well pay off, but to pick a show winner or good breeding prospect from a litter of Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies is very much a lottery. Breeders with years of experience in the breed would hesitate to confirm just how a puppy will look when it matures.

In 'dogdom' the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a relatively new breed, having only gained 'purebred' recognition for dog shows by the  U.K. Kennel Club in 1935. So the breed remains somewhat variable. Odd looking specimens can still surface from the most impeccably planned matings and even from long, well established breeders. It is because of this that it is hard to assess a puppies show potential or breeding worth with any certainty. However in contrast, not a great deal of knowledge is required to pick out the best from a litter.

It is wise to deal with the most successful breeders. This at least allows you access to the best available. Successful breeders aren't necessarily the biggest names. Some of these can be relatively new to breeding and have gained momentum by clever marketing, others merely buy-in to sell-off puppies, and some have put themselves on the top by way of other achievements that did not include breeding good ones.

Don't fall into the trap of acquiring a puppy that has been advertised as being a 'RARE COLOUR'. Advertisements of this manner are generally breeders who breed for maximum profitability with little regard for anything else. There are much more important aspects to look for in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy and where possible try not to make a selection with 'colour' in mind. There are quite a lot of 'successful breeders' out there who have bred a good range of colours and very occassionally come up with colour that is not common. But they do not plan for it. Colour is secondary to the successful breeder that breeds for good type, soundness and good temperament.

The successful breeder is one that does breed good ones, some exhibit at shows and some choose not too. But their stock inevitably finds its way to the dog shows and consistently win prizes at Specialty Shows (these are Championship dog shows open only to the one specific breed). They should have been doing this for some time and you will find that they have developed a good bloodline. This will be reflected in the quality at hand in their breeding stock. This is a breeder you should be able to trust. Tell them what you want, answer all their questions, explain your ambitions in the breed. Whether you want to enter into dog showing and breeding or your intentions are just to own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier for companionship. You'll get fair treatment and this will be the breeder that will supply you with a good puppy.... Good luck !