Most dog lovers can’t have failed to notice the recent rise in popularity of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, high demand has lead ultimately to an over supply of the breed. This has now become such a problem that The Kennel Club and many dog rescue charities fear that Staffies have become a victim of their own success. They have seen an increase in the number of Staffies and Staffie-crosses turning up in rescue shelters.

Another concern has been that the breed has attracted the wrong kind of owner, with fears that Staffies are quite often being obtained for all the wrong reasons.

The popularity of the breed also saw an upsetting increase in the theft of the Staffie, inevitably involving much heartache and sometimes even violence.

A new campaign aims to encourage people to buy Staffies only from reputable and responsible breeders. It also wishes to encourage potential Staffie owners to thoroughly research the breed’s characteristics before deciding to own one.

It is a very sad fact that the overbreeding of the Staffie now means that loving homes cannot be found for all of them. The campaign requests that breeders act responsibly before breeding more Staffies.

John Laker, Chairman of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare said:

"Sadly, being involved with the sharp end of rescue, we find ourselves having to pick up the pieces and Stafford Rescue nationwide is inundated with unwanted dogs, who come to us through no fault of their own. We are delighted that the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are working with us to try to resolve this important issue, as it really is reaching crisis point."