Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Photo by hiset

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Profile:

Origin: England
Colors: Red, fawn, white, black, blue, any shade of brindle
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Little
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Tends to be dog aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Not a barker

Physical characteristics

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful dog very strong for its size, with mighty jaws and a broad head set on a short muscular neck. The topline is level. The muzzle is short with very pronounced cheek muscles. The stop is well-defined. The round eyes are usually dark, but may match the coat colour. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. The lips are tight and clean. The ears are not very large, either erect or half-pricked. The chest is broad with well-sprung ribs, and the front legs are set relatively far apart. The medium length tail tapers to a point; it is set and carried low. The gait is free, powerful and agile.
Male Staffies weigh 28 to 38 pounds, females - 24 to 34 pounds. The height is 14 to 16 inches.

Temperament

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent and affectionate. This breed has a sense of humour. "Why walk when you can run and play games?" seems to be this dog's motto. Needs moderate daily exercise and a good supply of sturdy chew toys. Do not let puppies chew on human hands so it doesn't turn into a habit. Sometimes stubborn and headstrong. Even though these dogs are sweet-tempered and affectionate, their strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with them in a firm but gentle way. Every member of the family should learn to be a confident and consistent pack leader to enforce the rules the dog must follow. Staffies are usually good with other pets in the household but may be combative with other dogs. Stern leadership from your side and proper socialization should solve this problem. Staffies love challenges and variety. Due to their high prey drive, they may often chase cats and other small animals. People-oriented, they crave companionship and want to be with you all the time. SBTs absolutely hate being left alone and can become destructive if it happens too often. Great with children.

Coat and grooming

The short coat is smooth and close-lying. It comes in red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these combined with white. Quick brushing once a week should be fine. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of towelling or chamois.

Photo by warpsta

Health

Prone to hereditary cataracts. Hip dysplasia is occasionally seen. So are tumours. Some puppies are born with an elongated soft palate. Like all the bully type breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have gas problems.
The lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Other interesting facts

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of pet names such as Staffy, Staff, SBT, Stafford, Staffy Bull, and Staffross.
The dog's tolerance and patience with children has earned it the nickname "The Nanny Dog."
The breed was originated in the 19th century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.