All Dog Breeds >>Staffordshire Bull Terrier
(English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Staffie, Staffy, Stafford, Staffordshire) The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a large, strong dog. Its round head leads to a wide, yet short, neck. The breed's short, square muzzle moves into strong powerful jaws. The dogs have small, round shaped eyes. At the top of their head sits small, slightly folded over ears which sit back on their head. Wrinkles appear frequently on their foreheads. A wide muscular body has short muscular legs. Their coat is short and sleek and can come in blue, fawn, black, or brindle usually with spots of white.
Character
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful and stubborn breed. All people are greeted affectionately by these dogs, even strangers. They do great with children and do well with other pets. However, they can often be aggressive with dogs with whom they are not familiar. They are strong willed and independent but are highly intelligent. The breeds take to any training with great ease by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They are dominant and need an owner who will take the lead. If not, they will become very disobedient.
Weight
23-38 pounds
General Health
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has very few health concerns. What genetic diseases they do have are seen only on occasion, such as CHD (canine hip dysplasia) and cataracts. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an average life expectancy of 10 to 16 years.
History
Staffordshire Bull Terriers originated in the 19th century in Staffordshire, England. The breed began when breeders began mixing bulldogs and terriers to create the perfect dog for bull baiting. As people lost interest in bull baiting, the breed started becoming less common. In the early 20th century, however, Staffordshire Bull Terriers became popular again in the United States.
Maintenance
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are an easy breed to groom. Brushing is needed every day, but baths are only required when they are dirty. Exercise is essential to a happy and healthy Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They will be active in the house but still need other opportunities to release pent up energy. Playing games with their family and running off leash both release a lot of energy for the breed. They socialize well with other dogs as long as the other animals show no aggression, in such circumstances it is advisable to keep the dog on leash. When they are puppies, they are heavy chewers which poses a problem because their immense jaw strength require extremely durable toys.
Ideal Environment
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a good dog for some families. Children, as well as strangers, will receive plenty of love from this breed. They do well with animals they live with. However, they are often aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. Apartment living is easily possible as long as they still get plenty of exercise. Playing in the house and running are their main forms of entertainment. The breed definitely should be exercised every day. Training is needed and should be started at a young age, but Staffordshire Bull Terriers take to training quickly. They need an owner who is firm and consistent. If their owners are weak, these dogs will be defiant and dominate the house. An experienced owner is the key to successfully owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers love to have a job such as pulling weights, carrying weights or agility training. A tired Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a well behaved Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Training
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is moderately easy to train. He learns new commands at the average rate. He is neither difficult nor easy to train.