Never stop learning.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed worth studying for a lifetime.
Our understanding of Staffords has been shaped not only by living with, breeding, showing, working and judging them, but by reading widely, listening to experienced breed people, studying history, and remaining willing to reconsider what we think we know.
This page brings together books we have found useful over the years—some Stafford-specific, others covering training, behavior, structure, reproduction, health and the broader relationship between people and dogs.
Not every book listed here represents our current thinking on every subject. Some are included because they have historical significance, influenced generations of breeders and dog people, or offer ideas worth considering critically.
Read widely. Compare sources. Ask questions. Keep learning.
Wavemaker / The Stafford Knot Publications
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Interpretation & Illustration of the Written Breed Standard
A Comparative Discussion — UK & USA
By Lynn Caswell & Jason Nicolai
Illustrated by Maurizio Molinari
Created as an educational exploration of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed standards, this book examines the language of the UK Kennel Club and American Kennel Club standards side by side.
Although the original American standard was based upon the British standard, the two have evolved differently. This book follows the Stafford through the written standard while identifying differences in wording, emphasis, additions and omissions between the KC and AKC versions.
The purpose is not to replace either official breed standard, but to encourage closer reading, thoughtful discussion and a deeper understanding of the breed those standards describe.
The 66-page book is fully illustrated and available in hardcover, softcover and digital formats.
Purchase directly from Blurb:
Hardcover
https://www.blurb.com/b/7797511-the-staffordshire-bull-terrier-interpretation-illu
Softcover / Paperback
https://www.blurb.com/b/7815720-the-staffordshire-bull-terrier-interpretation-illu
eBook
https://www.blurb.com/b?ebook=617398
Proceeds from these publications benefit The Stafford Knot, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting Staffordshire Bull Terrier education, preservation and rescue.
The Writings of Norman Berry — “Rendorn”
Norman Berry
Compiled with Robert Scotland & Lynn Caswell
Norman Berry—known by his kennel name Rendorn—left behind writings that provide a valuable window into Stafford history, breed type and the thinking of an earlier generation of Stafford enthusiasts.
Preserving material such as this matters. Breed knowledge does not begin with us, and much can be learned by returning to the words, photographs and observations of those who helped shape the Stafford before us.
Purchase from Blurb:
https://www.blurb.com/b/9611230-the-writings-of-norman-berry-rendorn
The Wavemaker Stafford Library
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier — John Gordon
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier — Dieter Fleig
Staffordshire Bull Terriers — V.H. Pounds & Lillian V. Rant
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier in History & Sport — Mike Homan
Staffordshire Bull Terriers — Shaun Barker
The Writings of Norman Berry — Rendorn — Norman Berry, Robert Scotland & Lynn Caswell
Training, Behavior & the Human-Dog Relationship
Don’t Shoot the Dog! — Karen Pryor
Good Owners, Great Dogs — Brian Kilcommons & Sarah Wilson
Before You Get Your Puppy — Ian Dunbar
After You Get Your Puppy — Ian Dunbar
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days — Sophia Yin, DVM
Family Friendly Dog Training — Patricia B. McConnell, PhD & Aimee Moore
The Puppy Primer — Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
Bones Would Rain from the Sky — Suzanne Clothier
My Smart Puppy — Brian Kilcommons & Sarah Wilson
When Pigs Fly! Training Success with Impossible Dogs — Jane Killion
Metro Dog: A Guide to Raising Your Dog in the City — Brian Kilcommons & Sarah Wilson
What All Good Dogs Should Know — Jack & Wendy Volhard with Melissa Bartlett
The Other End of the Leash — Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With — Clarice Rutherford & David H. Neil
Natural Dog Training — Kevin Behan
Finding a Balance — Suzanne Clothier
Body Posture & Emotions — Suzanne Clothier
Understanding & Teaching Self Control — Suzanne Clothier
The Seven C’s: A Guide to Training & Relationships — Suzanne Clothier
My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do? — Turid Rugaas
Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Reactive Dog — Patricia B. McConnell, PhD & Karen B. London, PhD
Showing & Conformation
The Show Stafford — Alan Mitchell
Born to Win, Breed to Succeed — Patricia Craige Trotter
The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets — George Alston with Connie Vanacore
The New Complete Junior Showmanship Handbook — Marsha Hall Brown & Bethny Hall Mason
The Simple Guide to Showing Your Dog — Richard G. Beauchamp
Show Me! A Dog Showing Primer — D. Caroline Coile
Breeding, Reproduction, Health & Husbandry
The Book of the Bitch — J.M. Evans & Kay White
Canine Reproduction: The Breeder’s Guide — Phyllis A. Holst, MS, DVM
Canine Reproduction and Neonatology — Myra Savant-Harris
Homeopathic Care for Cats & Dogs — Don Hamilton, DVM
The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog — Wendy Volhard & Kerry Brown, DVM
Work Wonders: Feed Your Dog Raw Meaty Bones — Tom Lonsdale
Natural Remedies for Dogs & Cats — C.J. Puotinen
Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog! — Carina Beth MacDonald
Getting in TTouch with Your Dog — Linda Tellington-Jones
The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure — Nancy Zidonis & Amy Snow
The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats — Shawn Messonnier, DVM
The Nature of Animal Healing — Martin Goldstein, DVM
Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth — An Introduction — Timothy R. Dooley
A note about health books
Several titles in this section reflect particular philosophies of feeding, complementary care or veterinary treatment and are included as part of the broader library that has informed our own education over the years.
They should not be interpreted as a substitute for current veterinary evidence or individualized veterinary care. We encourage readers to evaluate health information critically and consult appropriately qualified veterinary professionals when making medical decisions for their dogs.
Poetry, History, Fiction & Just for Fun
The Dog in British Poetry — R. Maynard Leonard
To Your Dog and To My Dog — Lincoln Newton Kinnicutt, 1913
The Terrible Tale of Tiggy Two — Celia Lucas
Laurel, Everyone’s Best Friend — Steve Moore
Keep Building Your Library
No single author, breeder, judge, veterinarian or book has every answer.
The value of a good library is not that every source agrees. It is that reading broadly allows us to compare ideas, understand historical context, question assumptions and continue refining our own understanding.
That has always been part of the Wavemaker philosophy:
Study the Stafford. Study dogs. Study history. Stay curious. Never stop learning.