Working or show line.

[Glitchymn1]

Can anyone advise on the difference between working and show line SBT’s please? Which would be best for a family pet, or does it not matter. Which is the least likely to have joint issues/arthritis or makes no difference.

The show looks very muscle bound, short nose etc.

Thank you.

It makes a huge difference in their needs. As a general rule (although every dog is different):

Showline is more likely to be a chilled happy family pet

Working line need to work. Not just be a pet. And by work I mean breed fulfilment not just a few walks.

As long as you research and go for a reputable breeder who health tests then you increase your chances of getting a healthy dog, regardless of working/show lines.

Have you got experience of the breed and researched the breed traits and needs?

Thanks @Coffee93 Excuse my ignorance but a job doing what? I’ve never heard of a working Stafford in my life. They can’t carry game etc.

Friends have them, had them years lovely dogs but they’ve no idea if working or show. They aren’t KC and look slimmer with a longer nose to me. They’re all pet homes, one had them running around with cats and rabbits in the house.

Any dog will be thoroughly researched, I won’t be sourcing from a puppy farm. (Already a thread about that!). We’ve followed the advice given.

I’m used to labs and 3 hour plus walks, training etc but no ‘job’. Pet home only here.

I just don’t want to make a mistake. Temperament is first and foremost as we have a child.

They are terriers so previously used for hunting rats and rabbits etc. and sadly, fighting dogs.

You’re right that there aren’t really any working breeding lines anymore because people don’t need them for that purpose any longer. I would be really suspicious if someone advertised one as working line to be honest.

SBTs are lovely family dogs, every one I’ve met has been a fantastic pet. It sounds like they are a great fit for your family / lifestyle.

The difference between working and show lines I mentioned anice applies to all breeds really not specifically to SBTs because as you say, they don’t work anymore. I was just answering the question of what the difference would be.

@Coffee93 Ahhh I see, ok thanks I’m with you. Sorry I’ve called them ‘working line’ for want of a better description really. I just noticed that hers didn’t have that muscle bound, stocky frame and short nose and the others did and have ‘show’ in the description.
She can’t show them by the sounds as the crufts judges aren’t fond of the leaner more athletic look. I know nothing about this area! So she’s doing agility classes with them, I have stalked via Facebook now.
She’s very close to me in terms of distance so I might message her and have a chat and go from there.
Any dog we have will get a lot of attention, company, access to garden, beaches, parks, lots of training and socialisation etc and be very loved. I would consider some agility possibly, if they really needed it! I’d rather not though! All I can think of is broken legs, torn ligaments and arthritis, but we will see.

I chose my show line sbt because I wanted a fully health tested good example of the breed.
He has fulfilled every requirement. Gained a RCC and stud book number, Crufts qualified for life, and currently G5 agility dog.
His drive is insane.
Very smart and as a bonus he's dog friendly.
Currently 4 years old and entire.

I know you are asking about SBT, but if you want a healthy working type dog, have a look at Leaviit bulldogs... nothing is exaggerated.

Having a SBT who is good around other dogs is essential, as they are a fighting heritage.

I have attended multiple different ringcraft classes over the years and almost all of the SBT have been dog aggressive. Would rule out a show line for me

@Abc1weabc1 That’s good to know thank you.

@Ylvamoon Looks a bit like a Boxer to me, it’s a heck of a lot of doggo either way.

@Anonimouze That’s a shame, the ones I know have all been good with most other dogs.

I’ll be doing lots of socialisation and training with the dog and both parents will need to be dog friendly and viewed- I don’t care where they are. If I can’t see them, I won’t get a pup. If they are reactive, I’ll have to muzzle but hope I don’t need to.