In Ireland a separate type was created which combined showing and fighting, thus producing a taller, fitter dog than the English K.C.
Staffordshire. In terms of colour they were similar, although a Blue variety was produced, juts as it had been in Scotland,
which was known as the Blue Paul.
The Irish Blue variety (Blue Bullet line) was started by M. A. Smith and C. Smith, from a dog acquired in the Black Country.
He turned out to be a throwback to the old type of fighting dog and was very precocious, even at an early age pushing his way
through a wooden fence to reach another dog. His success in the ring was commendable and he went on to win prizes. From him
a line was developed.
Ch. Gentleman Jim, the first show Champion.
From the first part of the 1900's.
This Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the foundation dog for the
famous Dublin Red Strain of Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Irish type of Staffordshire Bull Terrier is basically the same as the standard Staffordshire, but there are important
differences. In fact, such is their merit that breeders wishing to produce a taller type of dog have imported a dog or bitch
for an injection of new blood before returning to the old strain.
The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was created from the need to represent a variety of the breed that was quite
distinctive from the standard type. It started in 1990 on the initiative of Mr. Shaun Barker. He and other breeders felt
that the Irish variety, although of long standing, was nor recognized by the Kennel Club or being a fair crack of the whip
by judges, who regarded the variety as non-standard and, therefore, not worthy of prizes.
The first show of the Club was held in January 1995.
Today the popularity of the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is ever increasing. The breed is now to be found in many
countries outside of UK and Irland.
Keefa from Sweden, owned by Henrik.
Keefa is related to CH. Psycho and Jocko.
