Facts & Origin
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Origin, History & Suitability
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has its roots in 19th century Britain. It was originally bred from a mix of bulldog and various terrier breeds, with the goal of creating a fast and agile dog for dog fighting. Fortunately, such practices were banned in 1835, but the popularity of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a reliable companion dog continued to grow.
The name derives from the English county of Staffordshire, where this sturdy little dog was particularly popular. Despite its combative past, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has become a popular family dog in the decades since.
Suitability
Family Dog: Nowadays, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is most prized for its affection and love of children. It is often referred to as the "nanny dog," reflecting its gentle nature toward the youngest members of the family.
Active Companion: This terrier has a lot of energy and needs regular exercise. He is great for active families who enjoy being outdoors.
Dog sports: thanks to its intelligence and drive, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can succeed in various dog sports, such as agility or obedience.
City dog: despite its energy, it can adapt well to city life as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a controversial past, he should not be judged based on old stereotypes. With proper training and socialization, he shows himself to be a loving, loyal and affectionate companion. His versatility makes him an ideal dog for different lifestyles and environments.
| Alternate Name | Staff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
| Origin | England |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | Bull type Terriers |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Loyal & Devoted
One of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's most outstanding traits is his deep loyalty to his family. This dog builds a strong bond with its owners and is known for its child-friendly nature.
Energetic & Playful
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is full of energy. His playful nature makes him a great companion for active families. It's important to give him plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep him happy and balanced.
Bold & Determined
Despite his medium size, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has the courage of a much larger dog. He is protective and will not hesitate to defend his family if he believes they are being threatened.
Social & Friendly
With proper socialization, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier exhibits a friendly attitude towards other dogs and people. However, he can sometimes react with more dominant behavior toward other dogs, so early and ongoing socialization is crucial.
Trainable
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is intelligent and capable of learning. With positive training methods and consistency, he can be taught a variety of commands and tricks.
Conclusion
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a loving, energetic and courageous dog. His loyalty and protective instincts make him a wonderful family member. With proper training and socialization, he will be a well-balanced and good-natured companion.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Care
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier's short, smooth coat is easy to care for. Regular brushing, about once a week, will remove loose hair and keep the coat in good condition. It is recommended:
- To check the ears weekly for signs of infection or soiling.
- Brushing the teeth several times a week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
- Trim the claws regularly if they are not wearing down naturally.
Health
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is generally robust and healthy. However, there are some health problems that are known in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia: A condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed.
- Diseases of the patella: A misalignment of the kneecap.
- Heart problems: This includes aortic stenosis.
- Eye problems: This includes juvenile cataract.
Breeding
When deciding to breed the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, it should be understood that breeding requires not only great responsibility, but also knowledge and experience. It is recommended:
- Test breeding animals for known health problems.
- To work with experienced breeders and clubs to maintain and promote the standard of the breed.
- To provide the puppies with a suitable environment, care and socialization.
Conclusion
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, although low maintenance, requires regular check-ups and health monitoring. Breeding should always be done responsibly to ensure the health and welfare of the animals.
Coat & Colors
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a short, smooth and dense coat. It feels firm and rough to the touch. Despite its shortness, it protects the dog well from the elements. There is a wide range of coat colors, which include:
- Pure Black
- Red
- White
- Blue
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Any combination of these colors, often with white
Optics
Characteristic of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is its strong, muscular build. His head is short and deep with a pronounced stop between the forehead and nose. The ears are set high and may be semi-erect or rose-shaped. His eyes are round, medium sized and dark, giving him a determined but friendly expression.
Size & Weight
Height and weight vary between the sexes:
| Sex | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Males | 36-41 | 13-17 |
| Bitches | 33-38 | 11-15.4 |
Conclusion
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier captivates with its striking appearance that exudes strength and determination. Its short coat is low maintenance, yet comes in a variety of color combinations. Despite its compact size, it has an impressive muscle mass, which emphasizes its athletic character.
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Cataract
Cataracts are still one of the most common causes of blindness, even in dogs.
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
Heart disease
Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication.
