Our Story
We first registered our prefix Zeracious in 1992 in South Africa, our country of birth. Since then, the Zeracious name has been officially registered in three additional countries—South Africa, the USA (2009), and Australia (2009).
Like many families growing up in Africa, we were always surrounded by animals. That deep connection with animals began early in our lives and shaped the path we walk today.
Griet’s journey with Staffordshire Bull Terriers began in 1975, when her father brought home two crossbred dogs—one of which even had a Ridgeback ridge down its back (yes, really!). She fell in love with their loyalty, courage, and unique personalities. Over time, Griet developed an instinctive eye for what distinguished a quality Stafford from an average one.
After meeting and marrying Frans, the couple welcomed their first purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This special dog inspired a hobby that quickly grew into a lifelong passion: showing, breeding, and judging Staffords with a strong focus on type, temperament, and health.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
NOTE: All pups bred by us have ‘Zeracious’ in their names. The word “Zeracious” is a combination of 'Tenacious' (a character trait of our breed) and also partly made-up from ‘coetZER’ and ‘franCOIS’.
CH Zeracious Onthemoney (Cash) handled by Rita Coetzer win Reserve Best In Show under specialist Mark Jennings (AU - Viperstaff). At the Northern NSW SBTC 2022.
Supreme CH Zeracious Sudden Impact (Farrah) loved by Leighanne Reid win Best Australian Bred In Show under specialist Mark Jennings (AU - Viperstaff). At the Northern NSW SBTC 2022.
Zeracious Sovereignty (Ty) loved by Jackie Chivers win Best Opposite Australian Bred In Show and Supreme CH Zeracious Sudden Impact (Farrah) loved by Leighanne Reid win Best Australian Bred In Show under specialist Mark Jennings (AU - Viperstaff). At the Northern NSW SBTC 2022.
CH Zeracious Onthemoney (Cash) 3pt ROM handled by Rita Coetzer win Best In Show under specialist Janet Wall (AU - Costalot). At The SBT Societry of NSW Inc. 108th Championship Show 2022.
Critique by Janet Wall:
1st Number 23, well this dog was outstanding boy, a deep red with a distinct stop, short for face and a black nose. Neck was rather short and a nice lay of shoulder. His top line was great and he held it on the moved. Moved parallel when viewed form front and behind. Correct bite with a perfect regular and complete scissor bite. Nothing exaggerated well balanced and was handled to perfection. In great condition and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to have my hands on this boy. My Challenge Dog and Best in Show. Awarded the 3 point ROM.
Zeracious Onthemoney (Cash) loved by Rita Coetzer win Best In Show as a junior under specialist Karen Waltham (UK). At the SBTC VIC in Melbourne 2020.
CH Zeracious Sudden Impact (Farrah) loved and co-owned by Leighanne Reid win Best In Open Show under specialist Mr. Nathan Jennings (AU). At the SBTC VIC in Melbourne 2020.
Zeracious Second To None (Sapphire) loved by Natalie Wright win Best In Show under specialist Fiona McBride (AU). At the SBTC VIC in Melbourne 2020.
CH. Toploader Fat Tony and Griet winning back-to-back, Best In Show at the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club in Northern NSW under UK specialist judges, Liz Stanway and Winny Southworth.
Frans, Griet, Francois & Rita. Yes, We also bred Miniature Pinchers back in South africa.
Frans with his horse "Man O'War" 1983.
Me, Griet with our 'Stafford-cross' pets (1977) where my love for the breed started.
Both Frans & I grew up with animals. My Dad, Me and our Staffords (in the background).
Griet as a child (1969) - with a pet bulldog in the front.
My eldest sister, Griet ‘me’ (on the left) and one of my brothers with pups.
Griet & Pumba (the CC Challenge holder for male Staffords in RSA).
Pearl (CH Zeracious Wit Supremacy) & Frans - Newcastle, NSW 2014
Club Involvement:
Today, Rita (our daughter) serves on the committee of the Northern NSW Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Inc. in Australia and Griet helps out where she is needed, such as doing graphics or being the photographer at events.
Together, Frans and Griet have contributed over 15 years of service to SBT clubs around the world:
In South Africa, Frans served as Chairman of the Natal Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and later the Natal Terrier Club. Griet held multiple roles within the same club, including Editor, Secretary, and Treasurer. She was also honoured as the Honorary Patron of three South African SBT clubs (2009–2012).
Since relocating to Australia in 2009, both Frans, Griet, and their daughter Rita have served as committee members of the West of the Divide Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Inc. in 2018.
For over four decades, Zeracious has been driven by a shared love and respect for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Our dogs are bred with integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to the breed standard. We are proud to have produced over 60 breed champions internationally and continue to share our knowledge to support owners, enthusiasts, and the next generation of responsible breeders.
AU CH Zeracious Up To Scratch (Jade) and AU CH Brookshire Black Opal (Opal) our first Australian Stafford (Bred by Neil and Sharon Brooks).