The Staffordshire bull terrier was developed during the early 1800s in Staffordshire, England as a dog fighter. The Staffordshire bull terrier was developed by selectively cross breeding black and tan terriers with bulldogs. The sport of dog fighting was a popular pastime among the working class, including the coal mining community, until it was outlawed in 1835. In 1975, the American Kennel Club recognized the Staffordshire bull terrier as a member of the terrier group.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized muscular dog breed. Staffies have broad heads with strong jaws and short muzzles. They have small ears that fold forward. Their bodies are square-proportioned and powerful. Staffies are easy to groom, they simply need to be brushed regularly.
Personality
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is: Go big or go home. It is a very hard worker, tireless when it comes to playing games, and loves its owners whole-heartedly. They need plenty of exercise and have a tremendous amount of stamina. Staffies are affectionate and devoted but need to recognize every single family member as a pack leader. Therefore, they may not be the best family dogs. They are friendly towards people but may be aggressive towards other dogs if they are threatening.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Not Available |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | English Staffordshire bull terrier, a Staffordshire, a Staffy, a Staffordshire bull, a Staffie, a Staffy bull and a Staffie bull. |
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Build Information
The sturdy and compact Staffordshire bull terrier’s muscular physique stands at a height of 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 24 and 38 pounds. The smooth coat may be white, black, blue, red, fawn or brindle in color. White markings may or may not be displayed. The tapered tail is medium in length and carried low. The upper portions of the pointy ears drop downward.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
Behaviour and Personality
The Staffordshire bull terrier is a dog that loves human interaction. Staffordshire bull terriers are friendly when meeting new people, but they generally do not get along with other dogs. Due to the breed’s prey drive, it is not an ideal choice for households with cats and other small mammals. Toward children, however, the Staffordshire bull terrier is loving, playful, boisterous and enthusiastic. A Staffordshire bull terrier requires plenty of daily exercise and toys that are tough enough to endure the dog’s powerful jaws.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The only grooming that is needed for a Staffordshire bull terrier’s coat is a weekly wipe with a grooming mitt to reduce shedding. Inspect the ears once weekly as well, and clean them if needed in order to prevent ear infections. Brush a Staffordshire bull terrier’s teeth three times a week to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Common Health Conditions
Staffordshire bull terriers typically live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. Some health conditions that are known to afflict the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, skin allergies and cataracts.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a home with children and no other pets, the Staffordshire bull terrier will provide exuberant playtime and devoted companionship. The Staffordshire bull terrier originated in the country of England. The Staffordshire bull terrier is also called an English Staffordshire bull terrier, a Staffordshire, a Staffy, a Staffordshire bull, a Staffie, a Staffy bull and a Staffie bull. The Staffordshire bull terrier is an friendly, outgoing dog that loves children. The Staffordshire bull terrier stands 14 to 16 inches tall and weighs 24 to 38 pounds. Staffordshire bull terriers have moderate energy levels. Staffordshire bull terriers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan Staffordshire bull terriers is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Easy |
