This week, I’d like to talk about the American and bull Staffordshire terriers, dogs more than likely known by most of you as “pit bulls.”

Before everyone goes running from the room or throwing the paper in the air, please take the time to educate yourselves about these breeds. So many of these dogs have been abused to the point that their lives must be nightmares.

Staffordshires were specifically bred for guard dogs and fighting dogs. This, of course, paints a sad picture of the humans who would do this for their personal pleasure. And, more specifically, it does not do the breed justice.

The Staffordshire terrier is generally calm and gentle. It is affectionate, easily trained and playful. It is also a fearless dog. When its people are around it is normally a friendly dog. Because of the initial breeding, Staffordshire terriers generally do not like cats or other small animals.

Early fair and consistent obedience training is advised. Physical punishment is not necessary and only brings out the fighting instincts bred originally into the dog. Never teach them to be guard dogs, because they have a natural protective instinct.

If one owns a Staffordshire terrier, the owner owes it to the dog to spend all of the time and effort to teach him/her, because a single well-behaved, non-aggressive dog of this breed will counteract the hysteria which so often abounds at the mere mention of the name.

The Staffordshire bull terrier is basically like the American breed in appearance, although slightly smaller, and has much in common. They too, were bred to fight in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fortunately, animal protection agencies and law enforcement authorities are concentrating on the good qualities and good character of these two breeds. Generally these dogs are cheerful, quiet, athletic animals, who like to play and exercise. If well and kindly trained, they make a great companion animal.

Fryeburg resident Alice Wentworth is a registered nurse, a board member at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg, and a former president of the board. She has two dogs, a cat and a bird.