CLUB PURPOSE
- Dedicated to breeding exceptional quality Staffordshire Bull Terriers according to the standards as approved by the American Kennel Club, and to promote and ensure the health and well-being of every Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- Protect and advance the interests of the breed by education of the Club members, judges, and the public through activities such as sportsmanlike competition in conformance and obedience shows, Canine Good Citizen, informational seminars, and active public relations efforts.
- Conduct sanctioned and licensed specialty shows and obedience trials under the rules of the American Kennel Club.
HISTORY
Long before the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound was formed, local Staffordshire Bull Terrier enthusiasts were active in all aspects of promoting, protecting and enhancing the breed's welfare in this community. Some of the activities our members have been involved with include Conformation shows, Junior Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Flyball, Nosework, Coursing, Canine Good Citizen, Legislation, Rescue, Judge's Education, Public Education Projects, handling classes, puppy socializing, breeding and caring for our Staffords.
Before there was an SBTCPS, many in our community worked diligently to help the National Breed Club (Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America) attain Parent Club status with the AKC. The Puget Sound area was asked to host the second SBTCA "B" Match, which was held in August of 1986. The match was judged by Dr. Robert Myall, who is now an AKC judge. There was an entry of 40 Staffords and was very successful. The Puget Sound area also hosted the first SBTCA “A/OA” Match, which was held in April of 1989. There was an entry of 39 Staffords, judged by Mr. Steve Eltinge, who is also now an AKC judge. The match was a really fun event and tremendously educational for all involved.
In August of 1992, the SBTCA held its third National Specialty Show in Bellevue, Washington. There was an entry of 83 Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Grounds, Trophies, Catalog, Obedience, Hospitality, Ring Stewarding, Banquet arrangements, and Seminars were all handled by local/semi-local Stafford enthusiasts. This event was a great success as well as an incredible learning experience.
Drawing from the knowledge and experience gained from hosting these events, the idea of starting a local breed club was suggested in April of 1994. Several experienced Stafford owners, along with some enthusiastic newcomers, agreed that it was time for a club of our own. A meeting date was set and the word was circulated to every known Stafford owner, breeder and fancier in the area. The meeting was held on June 12, 1994 and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound was created.
Initially the Club’s monthly meetings were typically held at a member's home or at a dog show. It was decided that in 1995 club meetings would be established at a set location and time. Also in 1995 we came up with a club logo, held a Fun Match, a Puppy Party and our first AKC "B" Match. Some members attended the 10th annual Stafford Walk in Canada. We made our presence known at the Portland Benched Show, and had our first Annual Meeting. All were a lot of fun and great learning experiences.
In 1996 we held two more "B" Matches and focused our attention towards Public Education. This, of course, included going to the 11th annual Stafford Walk in Canada. We also participated in the Puyallup Fair's "World of Dogs." Our dogs met many people who had no idea how friendly Staffordshire Bull Terriers are. This was an experience our dogs (and the people they met) will never forget. As one child put it, "These are the best dogs here!"
Also in 1996, we prepared ourselves for a fight. A Legislator in Yakima proposed a statewide breed ban. The front page of his petition featured a horrific drawing of a vicious, snarling half dog-half monster. Thankfully, the people of Washington State were not as ignorant as Mr. Legislator had hoped and his attempt failed. The attack on our breed, however, hit too close to home. We immediately formed a Legislation Committee. Being ever vigilant about legislative issues that can affect our dogs is a very important and ongoing task for our membership.
Education is another very important aspect of our Club. At our meetings, we sometimes have guest speakers in an attempt to help us better care for and understand our dogs. Our speakers have included a Veterinarian, a Dog Behaviorist and a Holistic Medicine Specialist, to name a few. Previous topics have covered everything from nail care to whelping to agility training. We have participated in the AKC’s Responsible Dog Owner Days, as well as “Meet the Breed” events around the area. We have members who visit schools to educate children about dog safety and those who take their dogs to hospitals and care facilities to provide comfort to those who need it. Several members are Canine Good Citizen evaluators, and many of our member’s dogs have earned the Canine Good Citizen title.
The Club held its first A/OA Match in August 1998, in conjunction with the National Specialty show. In April 1999 we held our second A/OA Match, and by the end of that year we were fully recognized as a show giving club by the American Kennel Club. The first SBTCPS Specialty show was held in August 2001, and we have had a Specialty each summer since.
We have several events that our members look forward to each year: The Seattle Kennel Club dog show “Meet the Breed” booth in February, the Canadian Stafford Walk in July, our own Specialty Show Weekend in the summer, and our Annual General Meeting held each November. We maintain both a Facebook Fan Page and an active Facebook Group where members and non-members alike can engage with fellow enthusiasts.
Our club began with twelve people sitting around dinner table, setting goals and making plans. Now, years later, we find ourselves sitting around a conference table… setting goals and making plans. COME JOIN US!
Before there was an SBTCPS, many in our community worked diligently to help the National Breed Club (Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America) attain Parent Club status with the AKC. The Puget Sound area was asked to host the second SBTCA "B" Match, which was held in August of 1986. The match was judged by Dr. Robert Myall, who is now an AKC judge. There was an entry of 40 Staffords and was very successful. The Puget Sound area also hosted the first SBTCA “A/OA” Match, which was held in April of 1989. There was an entry of 39 Staffords, judged by Mr. Steve Eltinge, who is also now an AKC judge. The match was a really fun event and tremendously educational for all involved.
In August of 1992, the SBTCA held its third National Specialty Show in Bellevue, Washington. There was an entry of 83 Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Grounds, Trophies, Catalog, Obedience, Hospitality, Ring Stewarding, Banquet arrangements, and Seminars were all handled by local/semi-local Stafford enthusiasts. This event was a great success as well as an incredible learning experience.
Drawing from the knowledge and experience gained from hosting these events, the idea of starting a local breed club was suggested in April of 1994. Several experienced Stafford owners, along with some enthusiastic newcomers, agreed that it was time for a club of our own. A meeting date was set and the word was circulated to every known Stafford owner, breeder and fancier in the area. The meeting was held on June 12, 1994 and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound was created.
Initially the Club’s monthly meetings were typically held at a member's home or at a dog show. It was decided that in 1995 club meetings would be established at a set location and time. Also in 1995 we came up with a club logo, held a Fun Match, a Puppy Party and our first AKC "B" Match. Some members attended the 10th annual Stafford Walk in Canada. We made our presence known at the Portland Benched Show, and had our first Annual Meeting. All were a lot of fun and great learning experiences.
In 1996 we held two more "B" Matches and focused our attention towards Public Education. This, of course, included going to the 11th annual Stafford Walk in Canada. We also participated in the Puyallup Fair's "World of Dogs." Our dogs met many people who had no idea how friendly Staffordshire Bull Terriers are. This was an experience our dogs (and the people they met) will never forget. As one child put it, "These are the best dogs here!"
Also in 1996, we prepared ourselves for a fight. A Legislator in Yakima proposed a statewide breed ban. The front page of his petition featured a horrific drawing of a vicious, snarling half dog-half monster. Thankfully, the people of Washington State were not as ignorant as Mr. Legislator had hoped and his attempt failed. The attack on our breed, however, hit too close to home. We immediately formed a Legislation Committee. Being ever vigilant about legislative issues that can affect our dogs is a very important and ongoing task for our membership.
Education is another very important aspect of our Club. At our meetings, we sometimes have guest speakers in an attempt to help us better care for and understand our dogs. Our speakers have included a Veterinarian, a Dog Behaviorist and a Holistic Medicine Specialist, to name a few. Previous topics have covered everything from nail care to whelping to agility training. We have participated in the AKC’s Responsible Dog Owner Days, as well as “Meet the Breed” events around the area. We have members who visit schools to educate children about dog safety and those who take their dogs to hospitals and care facilities to provide comfort to those who need it. Several members are Canine Good Citizen evaluators, and many of our member’s dogs have earned the Canine Good Citizen title.
The Club held its first A/OA Match in August 1998, in conjunction with the National Specialty show. In April 1999 we held our second A/OA Match, and by the end of that year we were fully recognized as a show giving club by the American Kennel Club. The first SBTCPS Specialty show was held in August 2001, and we have had a Specialty each summer since.
We have several events that our members look forward to each year: The Seattle Kennel Club dog show “Meet the Breed” booth in February, the Canadian Stafford Walk in July, our own Specialty Show Weekend in the summer, and our Annual General Meeting held each November. We maintain both a Facebook Fan Page and an active Facebook Group where members and non-members alike can engage with fellow enthusiasts.
Our club began with twelve people sitting around dinner table, setting goals and making plans. Now, years later, we find ourselves sitting around a conference table… setting goals and making plans. COME JOIN US!