
Other Names:
Staffy, Stafford, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Nanny Dog
Price Range:
$500 – $1,000
Size:
Medium
Dog Group:
Terrier
Coat Length:
Short
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
Medium
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Available in these colours:
The Staffy colour code genetics allow for the following possibilities: Red, Fawn, White, Black, Blue, Brindle or any of these colours combined with White.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From his brawling past, the muscular but agile Staffordshire Bull Terrier retains the traits of courage and tenacity. Happily, good breeding transformed this former gladiator into a mild, playful companion with a special feel for kids.
At 36 to 41 centimetres Staffies do not stand particularly tall. But, weighing anywhere between 11 to 17 kilograms Staffies pour a gallon of dog into a quart-size container. These are rock-solid, muscular terriers. The head is short and broad, with pronounced cheek muscles, and the tight-fitting coat comes in several colors.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers still resemble the pugnacious brawlers who once ruled England’s fighting pits. But today’s responsible breeders are producing sweet-natured, family-oriented Staffies with a reputation for being patient with kids. These are true-blue loyal companions, but the old fighting instinct still lurks within—making it vital that Staffie pups be socialized with other dogs to learn good canine manners.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Staffordshire Bull Terriers?
- Heart Disease
- Heart Murmurs
- Skin Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
IN DETAIL
Common Staffordshire Bull Terrier diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Heart disease, also known as cardiomyopathy, refers to the inability of the heart to provide adequate circulation to meet the body’s needs. Unfortunately, it is quite common within dogs, where approximately 10% of dogs seen in primary care veterinary practices have suffered from some form of heart disease. Clinical signs of heart disease include reduce ability to exercise, swelling in the abdomen, shortness of breath and a low-pitched cough that may sometimes lead to gagging. Treatment for heart disease will generally depend on how severe the heart failure is, and have the main objective of reducing the build-up of fluid caused by the heart failure and continue the blood flow to the rest of the body. Fortunately, there are a wide selection of heart medications that are used to treat heart disease, and allow affected pets to live a normal life.
A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that is heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by an abnormal turbulent blood flow, and may be graded by a veterinarian on a scale of I-VI, based on their intensity. A Grade I is very soft or quiet, whereas a Grade VI murmur is very loud, and heard everywhere that the heart can be heard, even felt when a person places their hand on the chest in the area of the heart.
If your dog is still a young puppy and the murmur is of low intensity, your veterinarian may recommend a re-examination in a few weeks time to track whether the murmur has decreased in intensity or disappeared, indicating it to likely be an innocent murmur. A dog with a murmur caused by a structural heart disease or an extracardiac problem will generally show symptoms that may be attributed to the disease. These include poor appetite, weight loss, breathing problems, pale gums and/or coughing. In the majority of these cases, further diagnostic testing should be performed immediately so that potential treatment may begin as soon as possible.
Skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reactions, and are primarily caused by flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies or environmental allergens. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are quite prone to skin allergies, and may develop rashes or excessive hair loss as a consequence. Symptoms of skin allergies generally include scratching, general discomfort or redness.
Take measures to monitor skin allergies by regularly bathing your dog and keeping them flea-free. The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen. In addition to any necessary lifestyle modifications, your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog to help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction.
Hip Dysplasia
Due to their active lifestyles, hip dysplasia is not a rare occurrence in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and is the primary cause of painful hip osteoarthritis in dogs. It generally occurs in large or giant breed dogs, however can also occur in smaller breeds as well. It is usually affected by factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight and nutrition. Symptoms of hip dysplasia may show in dogs when they are as young as four months of age, whilst for others the disease may develop in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. These symptoms may include decreased activity, difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping or running, lameness in the hind end, loss of thigh muscle mass, pain and stiffness.
Hip dysplasia is diagnosed radiographically by the presence of degenerative changes and/or subluxation of the hip joint(s). There are multiple treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. These may include physical therapy, joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, or common surgeries such as double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO), femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR).
Feeding
How much does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier eat?
Staffies should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and adjustments will be required as their needs change with age. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
It doesn’t take much work to keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier looking smart. Occasional baths and weekly brushings with a horsehair mitt or deshedding glove to pull away dead hairs will help to keep him in beautiful condition.Staffies shed a low to moderate amount and they may do a heavy shed once a year.
Grooming
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers high maintenance?
Trim his nails once a month if needed, and check his ears once a week for dirt, redness, or any bad odour that may indicate an infection. Wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?
The Stafford requires regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. This exercise can be a game of fetch, running, a hiking trail or a walk on the beach. Although a Stafford in good physical condition can keep up with an athletic owner, they usually settle right in when they come back in the house after a good exercise session. The breed can be heat intolerant and should never be overworked in warm or humid weather.
These dogs radiate energy, and need long walks and plenty of play time. They vibrate with energy and enthusiasm and are always ready for adventure. His curiosity and tenacity can sometimes lead him into trouble.
Vet Visits
How often should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier visit the vet?
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however, the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog.
Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Staffy healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.
Family Suitability
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
Today’s responsible breeders are producing sweet-natured, family-oriented Staffies with a reputation for being patient with kids. These are true-blue loyal companions but the old fighting instinct still lurks within. The muscular, but agile Staffordshire Bull Terrier still retains its traits of courage and tenacity making it vital that Staffy pups are socialised early on with other dogs to learn good canine manners.
The Stafford is a sensitive and loving companion who enjoys playing more than being tough. He sees life as a joyful adventure and lives it to the fullest. He is known for his love of people and trustworthy nature. His greatest desire is to spend time with his people, whether that means vegging out on the sofa, running errands in the car, going for walks or participating in activities like agility, flyball, obedience and therapy work. He dislikes being left to his own devices. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not a breed that can be left outside alone or at home for a long period of time without human companionship.
Trainability
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers difficult to train?
The Stafford is intelligent, learns easily, responds quickly, is calmly protective, and can be a loving and fun companion. They have an ardent desire to please and easily comply with the requests of their owners.
They’re challenging to have around strange dogs, however, so off-leash walks and dog parks aren’t usually possible with these dogs. Many Stafford owners get involved with more organised canine sports like agility or obedience to give their dogs a mental and physical workout.
When it comes to training, it’s important to take into account the Stafford’s exuberant, impetuous, stubborn and sensitive personality. Patience, persistence, and firmness are all necessary to keep him on the straight and narrow, but never be harsh, either verbally or physically.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers get along with other dogs or cats?
Staffies were originally bred to fight other dogs and most have retained a strong prey drive. They must be trained to control their temperament traits to truly become a perfect pet. It is imperative that from the beginning a Stafford puppy have clear and consistent training. They should not only learn the rules but also accept that they must always follow them. They are able to live with other breeds if managed correctly and need to respect a pecking order. The top positions of this hierarchy must be held by the family members (including children). They can be good with cats and other animals if introduced with caution. At heart, Staffies are terriers which means they have guts and will retaliate if challenged.
Although not looking for trouble, the Staffordshire will not back down to a challenge and is not always agreeable with other dogs. He is also not too fond of cats, although a few Staffords that are raised with other household pets can live with them in harmony.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that needs two things in life – close human contact and a chance to play. Living with a Stafford means sharing time both inside and out. Given proper exercise of body and mind, the stafford is a well-behaved house dog.
They crave attention and do not care about your personal space. They are loyal to their people and they make a lively, affectionate and loving pet.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers don’t do well if they’re left alone for long periods, and are not happy as backyard dogs. Let him live as a member of your family or you might find yourself with a lonely, bored, noisy, and destructive nuisance instead of a happy, well-behaved companion.
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