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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire bull terrier originating in Britain’s Black Country is a medium-sized terrier breed, an outcome of crossing the presently extinct Old English Terrier and Old English Bulldog. This one was solely developed to fight in the ring. Its small body stature and muscular build made it apt for the purpose. However,  after dog fighting became illegal in the 19th and 20th centuries, these dogs served as companions. Their fighting lineage posed a problem for the Staffies to attain the British Kennel Club’s recognition that it finally achieved in 1935.

The trademark feature of this dog is its robust built, teamed with a fierce and curious look brought about by its short, broad head, pronounced cheek muscles, medium-sized, round eyes, and half-pricked or rose ears.

Appearance-wise they closely replicate those pugnacious dogs of the past, known for posing an intense fight in the pits. Temperamentally, they are a reverse of their looks, affectionate, family-oriented, and perfect entertainers. Their love and affection for kids have earned them the name nanny dog. If you live in a plush apartment, keeping the Staffy is not cause concern. They might be active, yet these dogs would manage well even in a confined space if you meet their exercise needs.

Breed Characteristics

  • Other Names:Staffy, Stafford
  • Colors:Black, black and white, black and tan, blue, blue and white, brindle, brindle and white, fawn, fawn and white, liver, red, red and white, white, white and brindle, white and fawn, white and red
  • Life Expectancy:12-14 years
  • Height:14-16 inches
  • Weight:Males:28-38 pounds; Females: 24-34 pounds
  • Temperament:Intelligent, loyal, bold, fearlessaffectionate
  • Good with Kids:Yes
  • Exercise requirements:Moderately high
  • Hypoallergenic:No
  • Litter Size:5-7 puppies
  • Barking Capacity:Moderately high
  • Health Problems:Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, juvenile cataract
  • Trainability:Moderate
  • Origin:United Kingdom
Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Picture
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy

History

    1800s

    Development of the bull and terrier crosses since there was a need to develop breeds to control vermin and even increased demand for blood sports

    1930

    These dogs appeared in advertisements for the first time

    1932-1933

    Breeder Joseph Dunn, alongside other dog fanciers, made efforts to give the Staffordshire bull terrier recognition

    1935

    Formation of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club in England; also gained recognition by the Kennel Club; first club show for this breed held in West Midlands’ Cradley Heath, with 60 dogs participating

    1954

    The Federation Cynologique Internationale gave it acceptance

    1974

    Development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America

    1975

    Gained the American Kennel Club’s recognition

    2020

    Ranked 81st as per the American Kennel Club’s list based on the number of registrations done

White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Black Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Care

High on energy, the Staffy needs a decent amount of exercise every day to channelize their energy positively. Their physical activities could be from two 30-minutes walks a day to about an hour’s playtime outside or even indoors.

They would even love tagging you on a hike along the woods or even for a brisk jogging spree. The Staffy doesn’t do well in humid or hot weather, so make sure you don’t take them out then.

Make them wear a leash while taking them out, lest these chasers could put their prey drive to action and get after the smaller animals. Also, make sure they have a fenced yard to play, with the fences’ bottom strengthened with a chicken wire or concrete, preventing the Staffies from digging within.

They have a short, smooth, silky coat held closely to their body, needing proper but minimal grooming since it doesn’t shed much year-round.

Brushing it once a week using a hound glove or horsehair mitt would help remove the dead hair, retaining the coat’s shine. Bathe your Staffy only when the need arises, since these dogs do not produce a foul odor, not needing frequent bathing.

Oral hygiene that includes keeping its mouth clean and even brushing its teeth twice or thrice a week is mandatory. Clean its ears using a vet-approved solution to remove excess wax and debris. At the same time, check its eyes regularly to check for any infections.

Like other terrier breeds, this one also needs high-quality dog food rich in essential ingredients like protein, healthy fat, vitamins, and minerals. They are prone to skin allergies, so giving them a diet with a high amount of omega fatty acids would help keep their skin healthy. After seeking a veterinarian’s consultation, you could either provide them with ready-made food or opt for a homemade diet. If going for store-bought food, you may opt for brands like Nulo Adult and Blue Buffalo Wilderness.

They are intelligent, quick learners with an immense desire to please their masters. However, their stubborn nature could come in the way of a hassle-free training session. So, their masters must be firm and tactful to make the training fruitful and fulfilling.

Training them on obedience since they are puppies might help manage their willful and independent behavior to a greater extent. Once taught to follow commands, housetraining them could get a little better.

Bred as a fighting breed, they have a reputation for quickly picking up a quarrel, mostly with outside dogs. So training them on socialization, primarily by exposing these dogs to other canines of varied sizes and colors, would perhaps help them eventually acquaint themselves with the latter.

Leash training is also of utmost importance lest it would be challenging to check on their chasing instincts.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Full Grown

Interesting Facts

Female Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Images

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the American Staffordshire terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier?

Both the fighting dogs have identifiable differences despite their close-to-similar appearance. The AmStaffs are heavier and a lot more muscular than the Staffie. They even show increased aggression towards other dogs than the Staffordshire bull terrier.

Q. How much is the price of a Staffordshire bull terrier?

They cost $2000 on an average, the price range varying between $1000 and $3000.

Q. What is an Irish Staffordshire bull terrier?

In the United Kingdom, the APBT or American Pitbull Terrier is under the name of the Irish Staffordshire bull terrier in a bid to avoid the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. However, the Irish Kennel Club or other notable kennel clubs does not recognize the Irish Staffordshire bull terrier.

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