Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a lovely family pet that was created as a breed for a much bloodier reason. In their early days, these dogs were specifically bred to become as fast and as strong as possible so that their owners would have a better fighting competitor.
These days, this lovable breed is one of the best possible companions that is known for their love of small kids.
Most of us that weren’t familiar with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier made a quick judgment about them based on their mean and fearsome looks. They mostly have a mean reputation because of their bloody history, and most of us do not actually know what these dogs are actually like.
You would be surprised at how sensitive and affectionate these dogs can be, especially if they are raised and treated right. They have a short, muscular body that was created for fighting purposes but thankfully, those days are gone and these dogs are mainly family pets and companions nowadays.
Height:
14-16 in (36-41 cm)
Weight:
24-38 lb (11-17 kg)
Origin:
Great Britain
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a short and smooth coat that sheds annually. During that period, daily brushing is required to keep the amount of hair under control. Baths are only required when needed – if the dog rolls into something dirty or smelly.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier coat colors:
- Red
- Fawn
- White
- Black
- Blue
They will also need other basic care; brush their teeth at least three times a week. Check their ears for signs of infection and redness, and trim their nails if they don’t wear them down naturally.
Exercise
Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs are medium active, and they will need a proper amount of daily activities to be happy. Playing with his owner in the house, chasing the ball, or just long walks can all do the trick and keep this dog satisfied. If you provide him with enough daily activities, you don’t have to worry that your dog will miss behaving.
Personality
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is alert, brave, and enthusiastic. They have loads of energy which is typical for most terrier breeds, and might be enthusiastic barkers. They love to express their joy and excitement with barking, so you can be sure they will inform you about anyone approaching, whether a friend or a stranger.
Their energy should be focused on something productive, and luckily, these dogs can be great competitors in dog sports such as agility or flyball. They are also well known for their love of the sofa. You will never hear them protest some downtime and relaxing with all four legs in the air.
Just make sure that they have a comfy place to lie down after a whole day of Staffy activity.
Aggression
They are great family pets, but there is a catch. They are not the best fit for households that have other dogs or animals. While they are almost never aggressive toward humans, they don’t do so well with other dogs. They are known to be aggressive and most of them will have to live lives that do not include many canine companions.
They can, however, learn to get along with other animals if they are raised together and actively socialized from a young age.
We would like to ask you not to make snap judgments of this breed as it can be one of the best pets you can imagine.
Socialization
Like any other dog breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires early socialization. It is essential to ensure that your dog doesn’t become shy or aggressive. Expose your dog to many different people, dogs, sights, and situations to secure a well-rounded dog.
Socialization can even be done at home. Dress differently; wear glasses, hats, and baggy clothes so your puppy can’t recognize you right away. Teach your puppy to stay alone for a while and not make a fuss about it. It is the best way to make sure your puppy will grow up to be a stable, confident, and well-behaved dog.
Kids
Staffordshire Bull Terrier are excellent family dogs that will get along with every family member, including children. Take note that kids need to be taught how to properly play and interact with a dog so Staffordshire Bull Terrier can enjoy their company. If they are raised together from an early age, they will be playing parting, and they will enjoy spending time together.
Health problems
Like any other dog breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can potentially develop health problems. If you are buying a dog, make sure the breeder can provide you with the necessary health tests and guarantees. Always ask to see the results of tests from the puppy’s parents.
The health problems these dogs are associated with are:
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia - Genetic problem affecting hips resulting from an improperly formed hip joint.
- Allergies - these dogs are prone to have allergic reactions to specific foods, products, or medications.
- Elbow Dysplasia - Usually, it affects large breeds and is caused by uneven growth of three bones making a dog’s elbow.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is generally considered a very healthy breed that can live 12-14 years.
FAQ
No, Staffordshire Terriers have somewhat of a bad reputation. They are loyal and can be protective, and in the wrong hands, these dogs can develop behavioral problems.
No, Staffordshire Terriers are not the same breed as the American Pit Bull Terrier. They are often confused because of their similar looks, but they are two separate breeds with different characteristics.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be an amazing family dog breed. They are loyal, protective, and playful with their families. They are also affectionate and thrive on human interaction.
Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often nicknamed Staffie. It is a popular term of endearment owners give their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Staffies can be high-maintenance in the term that they require constant attention and affection. They are somewhat needy and noisy, so if you are a family that loves having peace and quiet, this is not the breed for you.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not on the list of dangerous dog breeds. The general public unfamiliar with the breed might think these dogs are dangerous, but they are actually not. Breed Specific Legislation includes Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and Dogo Argentino.
Staffies can be left alone, but not for too long. They can stay alone for a maximum of two hours; anything longer will require a crate for their own safety.
Bathing your dog can depend on different things, but the most important one is their lifestyle. They will need a bath every 8-12 weeks or more if they get dirty from playing. If you need to get the dirt off them, wash them only with water.
Staffies are generally a good choice for first-time dog owners. They might be powerful and energetic but are biddable and obedient. They are attached to their owners and willing to please them, making them a good choice for new owners.
Staffies have a bad reputation because of irresponsible owners that raised their dogs to be aggressive. These are powerful dogs, and if they are mistreated, they can deal significant damage. They were often used for illegal dog fights, which increased their bad reputation.
Breeders
When getting a dog, the most important thing is to get it from a responsible and reputable Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder. Responsible breeders will breed dogs that don’t only look good but have great characters as well. You must find a good Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder that can help you learn about this breed and make an informed choice about getting a dog with these characteristics.
Buying a dog from a responsible breeder will cost you more money, but you can be sure that you will get a healthy puppy.
When you bring your new puppy home, start with the training and socialization immediately. By doing so, you will end up with a well-behaved dog whom you can trust. Provide him with enough daily exercise for him to be happy. If you devote your time and energy to this dog, you can be sure that you will end up with a companion for life.
SEARCH STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER BREEDERS
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
This breed shares ancestors with the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitt Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier. They are all a product of crossbreeding the old English Bulldog with other breeds. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is most likely a result of crossbreeding the Manchester Terrier ancestors with the old English Bulldogs.
The result is a fast-moving, powerful dog that has a strong bite. As the years went by and dogfighting was made illegal, this breed was selectively bred, and only dogs with the nicest temperament were bred. That way, most of their aggression was “bred out” of the breed. What remained was a fearless and loyal family dog that would love you till their last breath.
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