Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

Strong willed, spirited, and energetic, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that loves the attention and companionship of his family. These little yet sturdy dogs have plenty of devotion, love, and loyalty to give to their owners. Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier does not tend to bark a lot, he is an alert dog - and although he may not necessarily try and chase away an intruder he would defend his loved ones fiercely if anyone tried to harm them. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier loves spending time with his family, and could be construed as a little clingy - he is certainly not the right choice for those with little time to devote to a pet. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has strong impulses and can be headstrong, so he is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. Consistent, firm, and positive training from a confident, assertive owner is important.

Early socialization is necessary to promote a stable, even temperament in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. You will need to provide these dogs with a good amount of exercise, as he does have bags of energy. He is a very good digger and jumper, so a securely fenced, safe area is essential when he is not on a leash. These dogs love to chew, so you should invest in appropriate toys in order to save your belongings. Bred for dog fighting, the fighting instinct in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is strong, and he may challenge other dogs. However, with proper socialization he will get along okay with other household dogs and cats. These dogs get along well with strangers, and are very good with children who are older and gentle.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Appearance

Although small in size, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a very muscular, sturdy dog in terms of build. These compact dogs have an alert expression, and small ears that fold to the side of the head. The coat of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is smooth, short, and close fitting. The coloring of the coat can vary, and includes black, white, fawn, red, blue and brindle, often with white markings. In terms of height the Staffordshire Bull Terrier stands at around 14-16 inches. These dogs weigh in at 24-35 pounds for females, and 28-38 pounds for males.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Grooming

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a low maintenance dog, which is good news for those with little time to dedicate to grooming. An occasional brushing will keep his coat in good condition. He does shed, and his coat sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he may not be ideal for those with allergies.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a relatively hardy and healthy breed with just a few health problems to look out for. This includes entropion, cataracts, HD, and thyroid problems. Care should be taken in extreme temperatures, as this is a short haired breed that will not fare well in extremely cold or hot environments. The parents of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a life expectancy of around 12-14 years.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier History

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originates from England, and was the result of crossing Old English Bulldogs with terriers. These dogs were bred for dog fighting, an instinct that is still evident in the breed. These dogs were registered with the AKC in 1974.

# AKANA
# SizeSmall
# Ease of trainingLow/Medium
# GroomingLow
# SheddingMedium
# Exercise neededDaily walks
# Energy levelMedium/High
# ProtectionMedium
# Good with childrenYes, with older, gentle children
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity80/155