Staffordfhire Bull Terrier

ATTRIBUTES: Clever, Brave, Tenacious

GROUP: Terrier Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Guard Dogs

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Terrier, Mastiff

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Origin

England

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Registration

1969

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Size

14 - 16 Inches

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Weight

28 - 38 Pounds (Male)

24 - 34 Ponds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth and fondness a breed is expected to display towards its family members, as well as other individuals they are familiar with varies significantly. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat anyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed is tolerant and patient with children's actions, as well as its overall family-friendly disposition is an important consideration when choosing a dog. It is essential to supervise dogs around young children, as well as children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The general level of friendliness a breed exhibits towards other dogs is a crucial factor to consider. While all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised, some breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with other dogs, whether it's in the home or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is an important aspect to take into account. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing can potentially trigger specific types of allergies and may necessitate more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks varies among different breeds. It's crucial to consider your available time, patience and budget for such grooming requirements. Additionally, it's important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming to maintain proper nail health.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency for a breed to drool is a factor to consider. If you value cleanliness and prefer to avoid dogs that leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes, it might be wise to choose a breed that is not prone to excessive drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of receptiveness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers is a key aspect to consider. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all unfamiliar individuals irrespective of the setting, while other breeds are generally friendly and happy to meet new people whenever they are encountered.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The extent of a breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond the puppy stage is worth considering. Certain breeds tend to maintain their desire to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others are content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The inclination of a breed to alert you to the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to keep in mind. Some breeds have a higher likelihood of reacting to any perceived threat, such as the arrival of the mailman or even a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds are also usually receptive to strangers who enter their home and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important aspect to consider. This includes how well they handle alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations that occur in day-to-day life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are significant considerations. Certain breeds are motivated to make their owners proud and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature and prefer to do as they please, whenever and wherever they wish.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed is an important factor to consider. High-energy breeds are typically eager for physical activities and will engage in running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They require regular exercise to meet their energy needs. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are generally more relaxed and content with lounging around and may not require as much physical exercise or mental stimulation compared to high-energy breeds. However, it's important to note that all dogs should receive some level of exercise and mental engagement for their overall well-being.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation needed by a breed to remain happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs, which may have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other qualities, require adequate mental exercise to thrive. Without sufficient mental stimulation, they may find their own activities to keep their minds busy, potentially leading to behaviors that may not align with your preferences. Providing them with appropriate mental stimulation is crucial for their overall well-being.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black

007

Black & White

019

Blue

037

Blue & White

045

Brindle

057

Brindle & White

059

Fawn

082

Fawn & White

086

Red

140

Red & White

146

White

199

White & Brindle

203

White & Fawn

207

White & Red

214

Black & Tan

018

Liver

123

PATTERNS

.

About The Breed

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed that has retained its courage and tenacity from its past as a brawler. However, through responsible breeding, they have been transformed into mild and playful companions with a special affection for children. Despite standing at a height of 14 to 16 inches, Staffies are compact and dense weighing between 24 to 38 pounds. They possess a muscular build with a short and broad head displaying pronounced cheek muscles. Their coat is tight-fitting and comes in various colors.

While Staffies still bear resemblance to their pugnacious ancestors, reputable breeders have successfully produced sweet-natured and eager-to-please individuals. They are known for their loyalty and make patient companions for the entire family. Although their fighting instinct remains within them, proper socialization with other dogs during puppyhood is crucial for them to learn good canine manners.

 What to Expect When Caring for A STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Staffordfhire Bull Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Responsible breeders practice the screening of their breeding animals to identify health conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye anomalies, including hereditary juvenile cataracts, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) and posterior polar subcapsular cataracts (PPSC). In addition, certain skin allergies can occur in SBTs, some of which may have a genetic basis. Carrying out a DNA test for L-2-HGA, a metabolic condition enables breeders to detect carriers and prevent producing affected offspring. As a well-informed owner, it is essential to have discussions regarding any health-related concerns or questions with your dog's breeder and your veterinarian.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test

  • L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) (L-2-HGA) - DNA Test

  • Hereditary Cataracts (HC, JC) - DNA Test

Health

Grooming

+
Taking care of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier doesn't require a lot of effort to keep them looking dashing. To maintain their beautiful appearance, it's recommended to give them occasional baths and brush their coat weekly using a horsehair mitt or hound glove to remove the loose hairs. It's also important to keep their nails trimmed regularly, at least once a month to avoid any discomfort caused by excessively long nails. Furthermore, regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent excess wax and debris buildup, which can lead to ear infections. Your breeder and veterinarian are excellent resources who can guide you in establishing a suitable routine and provide recommendations for proper cleaning materials ensuring the inner ear remains unharmed.
Health

Exercise

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To maintain their mental and physical fitness, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs regular exercise. This can include activities like chasing a ball in the backyard, jogging or biking alongside their owner or enjoying a long hike in the woods. While these dogs are capable of keeping up with active owners when in good shape, they tend to settle down once they return indoors after a satisfying exercise session. However, it's important to note that Staffords can have difficulty tolerating heat, so it's crucial to never overexert them during warm or humid weather. Prioritize their well-being and ensure they stay comfortable and safe while staying active.
Health

Training

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The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a highly intelligent and quick-to-learn breed. They are known for their calm and protective nature making them great companions. In addition to being loving and fun-loving, Staffords have a strong desire to please their owners readily obeying requests. However, it's important to keep in mind that these dogs were originally bred for dog fighting and many still have a strong prey drive. To ensure they become ideal pets, it is crucial to train them in controlling their innate temperament traits. Starting from a young age, it is vital to provide clear and consistent training for Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies. This training should focus not only on teaching them the rules but also on instilling the understanding that they must always adhere to these guidelines. By emphasizing the importance of obedience early on, these lovely companions can develop into well-rounded and well-behaved pets.
Health

Nutrition

+
Keep a close eye on your Staffordshire Bull Terrier's calorie intake and weight level, as some dogs tend to gain weight. Treats play an important role in training, but overindulging can contribute to obesity. Educate yourself on safe human foods for dogs and consult your vet regarding any concerns about your pet's weight or diet. Additionally, make sure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may be relatively short compared to other canine breeds but it can be quite confusing due to the various names associated with it over time. Throughout its existence, the Staffie has been called by different titles such as Bull-and-Terrier, Patched Fighting Terrier, Staffordshire Pit-dog and Brindle Bull. These aliases highlight the diversity of this remarkable breed. 

Staffies belong to the group of terriers known as "bull types" within the AKC (American Kennel Club) along with the Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. These breeds share a similar origin story. Centuries ago, in England, when betting on dog-related blood sports was a popular pastime, breeders aimed to create fierce dogs that excelled in these brutal events. The Bulldog, originally bred for bull-baiting, served as a foundational breed for these endeavors. Although blood sports were banned in 1835, underground pit-dog wagering continued. These underground pits, usually hidden away in cellars provided the backdrop for intense dog fights resembling gladiatorial combat or alternatively dogs were pitted against sacks of rats. To breed dogs suitable for these activities gamblers crossed unemployed Bulldogs left without purpose after bull-baiting was outlawed with agile and spirited terriers. The outcome was a dog with the tenacious jaws of a Bulldog and the fiery temperament of a terrier.

Among the numerous breeds that emerged from this process, with many now extinct, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier gained recognition as one of the most successful and enduring, thanks to the efforts of James Hinks from Birmingham, England, in the mid-19th century. The breed's name pays homage to Staffordshire County, where it enjoyed particular popularity. In the 1880s, the Staffie made its way to North America, and there it underwent further development by breeders, resulting in a taller and heavier offshoot known as the American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff. Over the course of more than a century, responsible breeding has transformed both breeds from formidable fighters into loyal and beloved family companions.

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