The Reminiscences By Joe Mallen: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Joe Mallen (1890–1975) was a key figure in the history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed originating in the Black Country of England. Born in Cradley Heath, he worked as a chainmaker for 54 years at William Griffins & Sons, Triton Works, and was known for his physical strength and skill. Alongside his wife, Lil, he managed the Old Cross Guns Inn in Cradley Heath from 1921, where they kept and bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers, then known as "Bull and Terriers" or "Fighting Terriers," in the pub’s cellar. These dogs were historically bred for their courage and strength, often used in illegal dog fighting until the 1930s.

Mallen played a pivotal role in formalizing the breed. In 1935, he, along with Joe Dunn and other enthusiasts, co-founded the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club at the Old Cross Guns Inn to gain recognition from the UK Kennel Club, which officially accepted the breed in July 1935. His efforts helped transition the breed from its fighting roots to a recognized show dog, emphasizing traits like loyalty, strength, and temperament.

Mallen is most famously associated with Ch. Gentleman Jim, the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier to become a champion in 1939, winning titles at Crufts, WELKS, and Bath. Purchased from Joe Dunn for £1, Gentleman Jim was celebrated for his courage ("dead game") and physical perfection, becoming a foundational dog for the breed. Mallen also bred or owned other notable dogs, including Cross Guns Johnson, The Great Bomber, Mallen’s Nell, Brave Nell, and Triton Judy, many of which appear in early pedigrees.

His breed standard, recorded in his notebook, favored larger, muscular, agile dogs with broad skulls and strong bodies, reflecting his vision for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Mallen’s legacy endures through the breed’s development and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Heritage Centre, which preserves his records, including a 2017 discovery of his personal paperwork. Known as a tough yet respected figure, Mallen’s contributions are celebrated by Stafford enthusiasts worldwide.

A significant source of Mallen’s reminiscences is a 1973 interview by Mary Pringle, published in Dog World (April 27, 1973), titled “Joe Mallen Remembers.” This interview captures Mallen’s memories of the early days of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, including his life in Cradley Heath, his work as a chainmaker, his management of the Old Cross Guns Inn, and his breeding of notable dogs like Ch. Gentleman Jim. The interview provides rich details about the breed’s history, the Black Country culture, and Mallen’s role in formalizing the breed. While not a book, this article is a key source of his reminiscences and is referenced across multiple websites.