Staffords have been kept by the Knowles family for the past 50 years. My father and his brother, my Uncle Terry, grew up with old fashioned English Bulldogs during the 1920s owned by my great grandfather, who kept them in his coal yard in the East End of London. By all accounts these were tough dogs which would tackle anything.

My late uncle went on to become a staunch Stafford enthusiast. He was a member of the S.C.S.B.T. Society during its early formation and would take me to the shows and Crufts every year, where I met some of his friends including Fred Clarke of Curfews fame and Arnold Thomas who had Ch Iron Bill. Fred also bred one of my uncles early bitches - Bakers Girl (pictured left, the top picture is with my cousin Pat).

Terry was my mentor and I suppose a certain amount of his philosophy has rubbed off. Over the past 30 odd years I have owned Staffords from different lines including Wardrum, Wyrefare and Coyote and some of my own. I make no secret of the fact that I like active and agile, well balanced Staffords. If they make good show dogs that's a bonus.

It is today's judges and breeders that will determine the breeds future. Certainly I do not want to see the breed degenerate into mediocrity the way other show breeds have. I believe in Staffords with that blend of Bull and Terrier, with true breed type, sound in body and in mind.

This site is dedicated to my Uncle Terry Knowles 1922-1990.