The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a strong, bold and muscular dog. They were originally bred to fight in England.
Don’t let their history put you off. They are sensitive, tough and trustworthy dogs. This could be the perfect breed for you if you are looking for an active addition to your family or household.
They need plenty of exercise so as long as you have an active life with time to play outdoors and take them on a good daily walk, they are a fantastic addition to your family. They can cope quite well with apartment/flat living but would be happier with a garden to romp around in. Remember, a bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They love to be with you and the family. Staffies are fantastic with children. They are very boisterous when they are young and have boundless energy. Although they have had a bad press, if raised correctly, they are known as nanny dogs and will look after and protect your family until the end. They are very playful and will run around the garden with older kids all day.
They are very friendly with strangers, they have been bred to be guardians, so they have no fear. If you need it, they will protect you to the bitter end. The sheer size and reputation would be enough to put most intruders off.
This breed is best kept on its own because its size and fighting could lead to serious injury. They can be known to be dominant with other dogs and animals. Cats and small animals are not advised.
They are fairly intelligent but a little difficult to train. These are powerful dogs. You will need to establish yourself as the top dog early on. Then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. Try to keep training both interesting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them. Identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food. This is not a dog you can let off the lead at your local park. You really should muzzle them if you do; public opinions are harsh.
Their hair is low maintenance it’s short, and they shed moderately all year round, tending to shed worse during autumn and spring as they change their coats. Weekly brushing will be enough to keep it under control.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Stats
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was brought into existence in the early 1800s and is a cross between the bulldog of the day and the old English Terrier – a breed which is now extinct. It was produced with the sole purpose of obtaining a dog with a longer, broader head than the bulldog and also able to combine strength and agility. The early dogs did not have a very specific Pedigree because the importance was a game-fighting dog. The miners and ironworkers of Staffordshire began to foster the breed, and the qualities of gameness, intelligence and loyalty were developed.
- Weight -11kg –17kg
- Size – 36cm – 41cm
- They live for 12-14 years