Aggressive fighting dog or loving family addition? That depends entirely on the upbringing of the compact Staffordshire Bull Terrier. To foster its positive traits like loyalty and good-naturedness, owners of this breed should have a lot of experience.
Stocky and powerful best describe the appearance of this medium-sized breed. The head of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is, unlike its relative the American Staffordshire Terrier, short and rather square. The ears tilt slightly forward.
Weighing between 11 and 17 kilograms with a withers height of 35 and 40 centimetres, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is among the heavier types of dogs. Thanks to its considerable power, the dog is quick and agile despite its substantial weight.
What Colour Variants Exist for the Staffordshire?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers come in almost all colours, from black to red to blue. Both solid colours and combinations with white or brindle are allowed. The breed’s fur is short and smooth, clearly showing its muscles.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a good-natured four-legged friend who needs a lot of affection to be happy.
Temperament: Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dangerous?
The Staffordshire has a reputation as a fierce fighting dog. However, this is more due to the misconduct of some dog owners rather than the breed’s inherent nature. Dogs of this breed are fundamentally people-oriented and good-natured.
Their friendly demeanour, however, can turn if they are met with aggression or excessive harshness. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a low stimulus threshold and can quickly become dominant.
Why Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier a Restricted Breed?
Some individuals train the Staffordshire deliberately for aggressiveness. Ignorance, inconsistency and insecurity can also have disastrous effects on an otherwise good-natured feline friend.
As a result, this popular family dog in England is listed as a restricted breed in many European countries, parts of the USA and Canada. Ownership, breeding and import are subject to strict regulations in these regions.
How to Train Your Stafford Properly
The Staffordshire belongs in the hands of experienced dog owners whose approach to dogs is:
confident
calm
patient
This brings out the breed’s peaceful and sensitive side. A loving but firm training approach is the best way to ensure your dog becomes a reliable and friendly companion.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not suitable as a protector for insecure people. Occasionally, the dominant dog will test its boundaries and needs an owner who establishes a firm hierarchy where the human always holds the top position.
Early socialisation, especially with other dogs, is also crucial for training success and harmonious living.
Keeping and Care: What Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Need?
Aside from an experienced dog-owning environment, the breed does not need much to be happy. Coat care takes little time. Brushing the short coat once a week and showering the dog with affection is sufficient.
Occasionally, especially after extensive outings in nature, a full-body check is necessary to ensure no parasites have taken hold and to detect any changes to the skin, mouth or ears.
Good to know: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known to be tough and self-determined – they often keep pain or problems to themselves. Observe your dog closely.
Who Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Suitable For?
In particular, properly trained representatives of the breed are generally gentle and even cuddly with children. This is why in its native England, the Staffordshire Bear proudly holds nicknames like “Babysitter Dog” or “Nanny Dog”.
The breed loves close family ties and seeks proximity to its people. Kennel living is not suitable. Within the family, the dog is not only a reliable watchdog but also an athletic companion and cuddly playmate.
Since the dog enjoys being active, it feels most comfortable in a house with plenty of space and a garden to romp around in.
Activity: Keeping Your Staffordshire Fit
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves to burn off energy and needs plenty of exercise. In addition to regular walks, various canine sports make great shared activities.
A good way to challenge your Staffordshire is agility. Running and jumping allow your dog to give its all whilst strengthening your bond.
Health: How Robust Is the Breed?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier belongs to robust breeds. However, it is not immune to typical canine ailments such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia, kidney stones or eye problems.
Proper Staffordshire Bull Terrier Nutrition
Terriers like Staffords are prone to allergies and skin issues. Often, improper nutrition is the cause. Thus, choosing the right food is crucial. A high meat content, vegetables, and essential fats and oils are a must in your dog’s diet.
When selecting commercial food, always check the ingredients thoroughly. For absolute control, you can cook for your dog yourself or feed it using the BARF method.
History: From Fighting Dog to Family Pet
The ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier appeared in England 250 years ago. Miners from the region around Birmingham and Staffordshire kept crossbreeds of various terriers as “rat exterminators”.
To supplement their meagre income, workers would use their dogs for ratting competitions, betting on which dog could kill the most rats in a brutal spectacle.
From Fiery Rat Hunter to Family Dog
In the early 19th century, what was by then known as the Bull-and-Terrier breed frequently appeared in dog fights, becoming a preferred fighting breed in England.
In 1835, the English Parliament banned dog fighting by law. To avoid illegal activities, many breeders shifted their focus. Instead of breeding for combat readiness, the emphasis became the breed’s suitability as a family pet.
A hundred years later, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was registered as a distinct British breed with the United Kennel Club (UKC).
What Is the Difference Between Pitbulls and Staffords?
Several breeds today are easily confused with the Staffordshire. These include the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Pitbulls and Amstaffs originated from the crossbreeding of British Bulldogs and Terriers.
However, the Pitbull (in which owning is illegal in the UK) is the result of selective breeding aimed at creating a dog suitable for fighting in a ring (pit).
The Pitbull and Amstaff differ mainly in size and head shape from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. While Amstaffs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are recognised by the FCI, the Pit Bull Terrier is acknowledged only by the UKC.
Buying a Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Only with Thorough Research
Purchasing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be well-considered and requires comprehensive knowledge of the breed and experience in dog care.
Considerations Before Acquisition
Research in advance to understand the regulations in your city or town and possible travel destinations. The rules and restrictions vary by region, ranging from proof of a dog handler’s licence to outright bans on breeding and ownership.
What to Consider When Choosing a Breeder
Don’t be surprised if a breeder bombards you with questions about your life during your first visit. A good Staffordshire breeder bears great responsibility and wants to ensure its charges end up in equally responsible hands.
If a breeder advises against purchasing a Staffordshire, there is sure to be another breed that suits you perfectly. Take the breeder’s advice to protect the puppy and your own peace of mind.
Also, ask the breeder questions and use our overview to ensure you miss nothing.
The differences between Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers can be easily recognised in a direct comparison.
How Much Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cost?
Prices for puppies from registered breeders start at around £1,500. Dogs from the shelter are significantly cheaper. However, remember that training adult dogs is often more challenging than training puppies.
Conclusion: A Companion for Advanced Dog Enthusiasts
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a fascinating dog brimming with power and joy of life. It is amongst the more demanding breeds and therefore best suited to experienced owners. If you have a knack for dog training and are ready to thoroughly understand the breed’s quirks before purchase, nothing stands in the way of your Staffordshire adventure.
Profile of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Quick Info:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that can be kept in experienced dog-owning families with proper upbringing.
Red, fawn, white, black or blue with or without white, brindle in any shade or with white
Training Effort:
high
Care Effort:
low
Exercise Requirement:
high
Origin:
England
Sabrina Quente
Animals have accompanied me for as long as I can remember - there is hardly a child's photo without a budgie on my head or a cat on my lap. For more than ten years, I have been writing as an editor about various topics ranging from health insurance to cat ownership. Always with me: my cat Mimi, who is the best source of inspiration for many texts and knows when it's time for a break from writing.
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