Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Description
Coat
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a soft, sleek, dense, and short coat that lays close to the body. The color of the coat may be blue, brindle, black, red, or fawn. There may or may not be white markings. This breed is an average shedder.
Overview
Originating in England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred for bull, bear, and lion baiting. The aforementioned "blood-sports" were officially eliminated in 1835 when Britain introduced animal welfare laws. However, "blood-sport" proponents began using this breed for organized dog fighting. Today, with their "blood-sport" history behind them, this breed has become a stable and popular family pet.
Character
Often referred to as the Staffie, this muscular and stocky breed exudes strength, courage, and athletic ability. They are bold, tenacious, and alert. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a fearless, protective, and determined nature and is extremely agile. Their most distinguishing and striking features are their broad head and expressive face.
Temperament
Despite this breed's beginnings, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is renowned today for their reliability as a companion and family pet. They thrive on human contact and are extremely loving, devoted, and loyal. This breed is dependable gentle and reliable with children, and for this reason were nicknamed the Nanny Dog. They are exceedingly protective of their family and make excellent guardians and watchdogs. They are not suited for homes with other dogs or household pets they have not been raised with. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not recommended for the novice dog owner.
Care
This breed requires minimal grooming. An occasional firm, bristle brushing and bath will suffice. They do not tolerate cold climates but also have a tendency to become over-heated quickly. They are best suited as indoor pets. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to cataracts, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and epilepsy. They are also very susceptible to fleas and ticks.
Training
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires a dominant owner and needs early and intense socialization and obedience training. They are easily housetrained. It is absolutely crucial that all training of this breed be done in a positive, consistent, patient, and firm manner. They excel in agility and obedience competition and have had success as therapy dogs.
Activity
Due to their athletic nature, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs vigorous daily exercise. It is imperative that they be securely leashed or harnessed in all public outings such as walking, jogging, or hiking. They benefit from off-lead run time in a securely fenced yard and greatly enjoy play sessions with their family. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, companionship, and stimulation.
Ownership
If you are looking for Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies for sale from reputable Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders or to adopt a Staffordshire Bull Terrier from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.