Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Profile

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes from the Staffordshire region of England. They were originally bred from crossing Bulldogs and other terrier breeds for bull and bear baiting, until the practice was banned in the UK in the 1830s.

Affectionally known as the English Staffy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia’s most popular breeds.

Temperament

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares its lineage with the Pit Bull and are renowned for their strength, courage and loyal spirit.

They are loving and playful, and great with kids, making them great family pets – though their exuberance needs to be watched around the younger ones.

Being a terrier they love to dig, chase cats and are not always great with other dogs outside of the home as they are very protective of their family.

However, if pets are raised together as a family they can get along so early socialisation and positive, but firm and consistent training is key for this breed.

Physical attributes

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is stocky and strong and has a smooth, short coat.

They are energetic and enthusiastic medium-sized dogs and come in a variety and mix of colours including black, red, fawn, white, blue or brindle.

Their expected lifespan is wide ranging 10-14  years.

Training

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires a lot of daily exercise, mental and physical stimulation and human attention. They are eager to please and good obedience training and early socialisation is an absolute must.

Behavioural problems that tend to occur in the breed are mostly due to poor levels of training and leadership and owners should be be calm but firm, consistent and able to handle a boisterous, strong dog.

The staffy is well known for their need for company, so leaving them alone in the backyard or long periods will almost certainly lead to separation related behaviours, such as barking, whining, anxiety and destructiveness.

Lifestyle considerations

There’s no doubt the Staffordshire Bull Terrier makes for a great family pet, but they do require your time and effort.

They are not a dog to leave alone all day and are not happy as backyard dog. They need to live as a member of your family, but also having access to playing outside in a small to medium sized yard.

As they are very active, even indoors, they need a lot of exercise outside the home or they will find their own way to entertain themselves.

Sturdy and interactive toys, designed for the strong staffy jaw are a must have as well, as chewing puppies or a bored staffy will chew through anything!

Health

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is predisposed to juvenile cataracts, and allergic dermatitis (most commonly environmental allergies) that can result in itching with secondary skin and ear infections. infections.

They are completely fearless and curious so need to watched, as they are known to jump from extreme heights or run through glass doors or windows, without a second thought.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog