What makes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Unique?
Although they have a history as a fighting breed, Staffordshire Terriers are now more commonly seen as beloved family pets.
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| Size: | Males – 14-16 inches Females – 14-16 inches |
| Weight: | Males –13 to 17 kg (29 to 37 lb) Females – 11 to 15.4 kg (24 to 34 lb) |
| Origin: | England |
| Life Span: | 10-16 years |
| Colour: | Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 6 puppies |
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Right For You?
Staffordshire Terriers make very good companions for older children who will treat their pet with respect. However, some members of this breed are a bit too boisterous to be left unsupervised around youngsters. All the same, these lively animal enjoy nothing more than playing endless games. Members of this breed generally adore human beings and are quite happy to spend as much time as possible with them. Staffordshire Terriers were even once known as “Nanny dogs” for their ability to look after children. They are even friendly towards strangers. Although they won’t initiate fights, these dogs have no compunction about ending them. Therefore, Staffordshire Terriers are also not recommended for households with other dogs.
In 5 Words
- Bold
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Reliable
- Fearless
Characteristics
Learn About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Description
General Description
Despite the fact that they greatly resemble American Staffordshire and Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers remain a unique breed. These medium sized dogs have broad, muscular bodies that are somewhat longer than they are tall. They also have tucked up bellies. Members of this breed additionally possess wide, triangular heads with large jaws. Dark eyes are another breed feature. However, blue eyes may occasionally be seen on members of this breed. Staffordshire Terriers have teeth that should meet in scissors bite. They should also have small ears. Members of this breed additionally possess tails that are shaped like the handles on old fashioned water pumps. They typically move with a powerful, elegant gait.
Size
Staffordshire Terriers average around 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 centimeter) tall. Male dogs typically weigh somewhere between 29 and 37 pounds (13 and 17 kilograms) while females normally measure in at 24 to 34 pounds (11 to 15 kilograms). However, there have been examples of this breed who have weighed as much as 38 pounds.
Coat
These dogs have smooth, close-fitting coats that come in black, blue, red, white, fawn, pied, and brindle hues. On rare occasions, dogs with black and tan fur may also been seen but they should not be used in breeding stock nor should any members of this breed that have light colored eyes.
Short History of the Staffordshire Bull
Pitting dogs against a group of rats was a common pastime in England during the 1800s, especially since the previously popular sport of bull baiting was steadily losing fans in the cities. In order to create more a more competitive breed, the Bulldogs and the Black and Tan terriers were crossed to form a new variety of dog. The result was the Staffordshire Terriers, which were small and quick but also had very powerful jaws that they could use to promptly dispatch rats. These dogs also showed more friendliness towards human beings than some of the other breeds used in the ring. Dog fighting was eventually banned in England but the breed was still making appearances on the underground fighting circuit for some time after that. Other fan of Staffordshire Terriers took an alternate route and successfully attempted to make these dogs more appealing as family pets. By 1935, Staffordshire Terriers had been officially inducted in the English Kennel Club. Forty years later, the breed had also joined the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Temperament
While they might seem tough at first glance, Staffordshire Terriers are simply a fun-loving dog breed with a deceptive appearance. These lively animals would much rather spend their days playing with their human owners than hanging around looking imposing. In fact, Staffordshire Terriers make very good companions for older children who will treat their pet with respect. However, some members of this breed are a bit too boisterous to be left unsupervised around youngsters. All the same, these lively animal enjoy nothing more than playing endless games. Members of this breed generally adore human beings and are quite happy to spend as much time as possible with them. Staffordshire Terriers were even once known as “Nanny dogs” for their ability to look after children. They are even friendly towards strangers. Although they won’t initiate fights, these dogs have no compunction about ending them. Therefore, Staffordshire Terriers are also not recommended for households with other dogs.
Caring for Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier
General Health
Born in litters of 4 to 6 pups, these dogs have an average lifespan of about 13 years. Members of this breed are particularly prone to cataracts and other eye problems. However, testing the prospective parent dogs prior to breeding them can reduce the chances that Staffordshire Terriers will suffer from most of these ailments. Occasional instances of hip dysplasia may additionally appear from time to time. Even so, the best way to avoid this issue is to keep puppies from overexerting themselves during exercise periods and prevent young dogs from using the stairs until they are a bit older. Some members of this breed may also suffer from bouts of gas, which can be either reduced or controlled by adjusting their diet.
Staffordshire Terriers do fine outdoors in mild climates. However, they are not designed to withstand colder temperatures and they need constant human interaction to be happy, so it is best if they are kept inside. Prospective owners should additionally be aware that these dogs are not good swimmers, despite their athletic nature. As a result, pet owners who have this breed may want to purchase a life vest for any of these animals that will be spending a lot of time in and around the water.
Care
Daily
Members of this energetic breed require a long, daily walk or jog in order to be at their best. Staffordshire Terriers will also enjoy having access to a large, fenced-in area where they can safely run about and play.
Weekly
Dogs should have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis to keep them in good oral health. This can be accomplished using a pet approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Tooth powders or specially formulated bones may also help in this regard.
Monthly
Like other dog breeds that are kept as pets, Staffordshire Terriers will need to be given parasite prevention medications about once a month to keep harmful organisms at bay.
Grooming & Bathing
These dogs only need to be brushed occasionally to keep them looking neat and tidy. Other pet maintenance tasks such as toenail clipping, ear cleaning, and baths should take place on an as-needed basis.
Exercise & Training
Members of this intelligent breed are quick learners. However, inherent stubbornness is characteristic of some members of this breed. Some can also be a bit boisterous. Even so, these dogs can be quite obedient when they are properly trained. All the same, Staffordshire Terriers do not enjoy being left to their own devices. As a result, members of this breed are a poor choice for families that don’t have plenty of time to devote to them. When they do not receive enough exercise or mental stimulation, Staffordshire Terriers are prone to boredom. They also enjoy chewing on things and heavy duty chew toys are a must. The aforementioned traits can have disastrous consequences if these dogs are left to their own device. Therefore, Staffordshire Terriers would do best in households where at least one adult is able to be home with them at all times.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Picture Gallery
