Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Facts and Information

Training: Although eager to learn and please, this breed can be easily distracted. As a result, training requires consistency and regularity with plenty of positive reinforcement. Training is a very important aspect of keeping a Staffordshire Bull Terrier well-adjusted, since their high energy level has a tendency to get them into trouble.

Barking: Although Staffies are not known to be highly vocal, they may sound the alarm if something catches their interest.

Personality: The Staffie makes a fantastic family dog. Since they love being with family and friends, they will happily run around all day with children. They don’t tend to be overly noisy, either, but they will let you know when something is amiss. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are protective of their family, but are often comfortable with strangers, provided that they are introduced properly. This breed craves attention, though, so if you don’t want to be followed around all day, this might not be the breed for you.

Temperament & Behavior: Staffies are energetic, athletic and they crave human attention, which makes them the perfect companion for anyone who desires constant company, says Klein. “If you have them in smaller spaces, be sure you can accommodate their energy requirements,” Klein says. “Though not a large breed height-wise, they are very muscular, and they are terriers, so they love to play and have they a lot of energy. More than the size of the apartment or house that they live in, the type of person who owns this dog will dictate their happiness.”

Behavior with Kids: Although friendly and loving by nature, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very muscular and can be very rambunctious, so care should be taken when they are around younger kids. They aren’t aggressive, says Klein, but their eagerness can sometimes get the better of them. Otherwise, Staffies are affectionate, loyal and courageous, making them the perfect family pet.

Protection: Staffies are protective of their families, but they aren’t overly noisy or suspicious of strangers.

Life span: On average, Staffordshire Bull Terriers live between 12 and 14 years.

Inherited Health Issues: Health conditions can occur in any breed of dog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is no exception. Certain conditions may occur at an increased frequency within the breed or due to inheritance. Genetic testing is available for some conditions and is typically performed by responsible breeders prior to breeding in an attempt to decrease the incidence of some conditions within the Staffie breed. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Flank alopecia. Follicular dysplasia, Atopic dermatitis, Mast cell tumor, L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria, Cataracts, Distichiasis, Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, Cystine urolithiasis and Elbow dysplasia.

Preventive Care: Staffies are generally a healthy breed, but still benefit from regular monitoring at home and a trip to the veterinarian for a physical exam once or twice per year. The goal is to detect any new problems or subtle changes before they become more significant.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to developing a variety of skin allergies, also referred to as atopic dermatitis or atopy. Intense itching, licking and other self trauma can result in the onset of bacterial skin infections, and can be very uncomfortable. Allergies can occur as a result of hypersensitivity reactions to flea bites, certain foods (protein sources are the most common culprit of food allergies) and environmental allergens. Flea bites can be prevented with the regular use of a high quality flea preventative medication. If your Stafford is itching or chewing on themself, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian, as matters can worsen rapidly.

Staffords should be fed portion-controlled meals of a good quality balanced diet. Commercial diets are most commonly recommended, but home-cooked meals of a carefully balanced recipe may be acceptable with the guidance of your veterinarian. Table scraps or excessive treats should be avoided, as they can quickly pack on excess weight.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Staffie is 1-2 cups.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: This high-energy breed requires plenty of regular exercise to keep them healthy and out of trouble. Never leave your Staffie unsupervised in the yard for too long since they can become fixated on a task, which might include digging out of the yard or jumping over a fence. Klein recommends several long walks each day to keep them happy, especially since they love to be outside.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren’t necessarily protective of their property, although they do tend to be protective of their family. Still, with proper training and socialization, they can do well with strangers, says Klein, and get along with other dogs. “They can have a prey instinct, though,” he added, “so train them to be tolerant of other small dogs or animals. It’s not impossible to bring one into a home with a cat, but make sure you have the right dog with proper training and that it stays properly supervised.”

Climate: Staffies do better in cooler weather and can be heat intolerant. Be sure to keep them in a cool spot with plenty of water when the temps get high.