Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

It is recommended for your Staffy to have 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 cups of high-quality dog food divided into two meals daily. To avoid probable gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloating, hold food and water for at least an hour after exercising. However, the amount your adult Staffy eats depends on their size, age, and metabolism.

The more active the dog, the more food they need to consume daily. Measure their food carefully and feed them twice a day rather than leave out food to eat anytime, to prevent them from becoming overweight. Exercise is essential to burn off the food your dog eats and to prevent obesity.

It doesn?t take much work to keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier looking smart. They have very short, shiny coats that may shed heavily once a month, thus requiring weekly brushing and occational bating.

Staffies requires very little attention when it comes to grooming. Weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or de-shedding glove to pull away dead hairs and occasional bathing will help keep the Stafford clean and handsome.

To also keep their coats shiny, it is suggested to wipe them down with a soft towel. Their nails should also be trimmed at least once a month. Avoid letting them grow out too long, as it may be painful for them. Clean their ears regularly to remove any excess wax and debris, which can cause an infection. Ask the breeder or your vet for proper brushing techniques.

Staffies 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 playtime. They vibrate with energy and enthusiasm and are always ready for adventure. His curiosity and tenacity can sometimes lead him into trouble. At least 30 minutes of extensive playing and running around a day is recommended for your Staffy to stay happy and healthy. Keep them entertained and well stimulated so they won't get easily bored and avoid them being destructive.

Veterinary care is vital 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.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier are dogs who are easy to maintain and are easy to keep fit and healthy. However, there can be some hereditary ailments that your Staffy can experience throughout their life. Hip Dysplasia, knee issues, Allergies and skin conditions, stomach sensitivity, cataracts, and heart diseases are some health issues that may warrant a quick visit to the vet for checkups and monitoring. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier will typically live to about 12 years of age.

Today's Staffies are sweet-natured, family-oriented, and are also known for being patient with children. However, even though they are deemed loyal companions, their old fighting instinct may still lurk within them, making it vital that Staffy pups are socialized early on with other dogs to learn good canine manners. They are also famous for their love to be around people and their trustworthy nature. They see their life as a joyful adventure and live it to the fullest. Whatever you are doing, your Stafford wants to be right there with you. They love going on hikes and walks, and his athleticism makes him suited to many dog sports, including agility and rally. The breed is gentle, docile, and always on the lookout for fun.

Staffords are intelligent, quick learners, readily responds, is calmly protective, and can be a loving and fun companion. They have a strong desire to please, and they easily comply with the requests of their owners. However, they're challenging to have around strange dogs, so off-leash walks and dog parks aren't usually possible with these dogs. Socializing and proper training could help with this dilemma.

Obedience and temperment training is also essential for them to truly be a good house pet. When it comes to training, it's important to consider Stafford's exuberant, impetuous, stubborn and sensitive personality. Patience, persistence, and firmness are necessary to keep him on the straight and narrow, but never be harsh, either verbally or physically. Puppy training is also best for them to be well-adjusted as they grow up.

Originally bred as fighting dogs, most of Staffies today may have still retained a strong prey drive. They are capable of living with other breeds if managed correctly and need to respect a pecking order. The family members must hold the top positions of this hierarchy. They can also be good with cats and other animals if introduced with caution. Although not looking for trouble, your Stafford will not back down to a challenge and is not always agreeable with other dogs.