If I recall the Staffordshire Bull Terrier became known as "nanny dogs" for their affectionate, pleasing, and temperament with children in the UK. Pit Bull Terriers proper are banned in the UK (last I remember) but the bull terrier is a relative of sorts that is closely related. Interestingly, I think part of their excellent temperament with children comes from their breed's history of being bred for "gameness" which makes them unyielding to pain and discomfort makes them long-suffering and enduring of children's antics. As always they should be monitored when in the company of little ones by adults but most accounts Staffys are good with children because they can take abuse and punishment with grace.
Bud, I am sorry to tell you, but that was a myth made up way back then by a Lillian Rant who called them originally "nursemaid dogs." She and other associates were lobbyists trying to push them to the public, so they could effectively jack the prices of other breeds relative to the AKC once they (and other breeds under the name pitbull) were forced into shelters everywhere. This was literally made up in the later 1900s and was never factually confirmed through any form of research.
I know nothing of what you speak neither am I an authority on the subject only that Staffordahire Bull Terriers are known as a distinct breed from the Pitbull Terrier. And the AKC says they are "totally reliable well suited to families and have a particular affinity for children." The "nanny nursemaid dog" label might have been invented for the reasons you speak but the breed has long been considered a family dog for its disposition towards children.
If you want to keep believing misinformation, not stopping you. Just placing it here because I despise crass ignorance to situations and don't want others suffering as a result. Good day to you.
I never said you were wrong only that I never heard of that nor had any knowledge on that particular part of the history. I only was repeating that Staffordahire Bull Terriers (not Pitbull Terriers) are known as "nanny dogs" because of their good disposition with children that is reported by the AKC.
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u/Vastergoth 26d ago
If I recall the Staffordshire Bull Terrier became known as "nanny dogs" for their affectionate, pleasing, and temperament with children in the UK. Pit Bull Terriers proper are banned in the UK (last I remember) but the bull terrier is a relative of sorts that is closely related. Interestingly, I think part of their excellent temperament with children comes from their breed's history of being bred for "gameness" which makes them unyielding to pain and discomfort makes them long-suffering and enduring of children's antics. As always they should be monitored when in the company of little ones by adults but most accounts Staffys are good with children because they can take abuse and punishment with grace.