Staffordshire Bull Terrier

There is no mistaking this dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a tough-looking character.

Size

Weight

Male 35-40 lbs.

Female 30-35 lbs.

Height (at withers)

Male 19 in.

Female 18 in.

Coat

Length

Short

Texture

Flat

Color

Red, fawn, black, white, blue, brindle with or without white

Care

Exercise

Average

Energy Level

Average

Longevity

12-14 yrs.

Needs

Dog Bonding

Traits

Barking

Snoring

Drooling

Grooming

Social Needs

Digging

Club Recognition

AKC Class.

Terrier

UKC Class.

Terrier

Prevalence

So-so

In England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is nicknamed the "nanny dog" because of its reputation as a child's playmate and guardian.

About

The dog is relatively wide and slightly longer than tall, giving it a low center of gravity. Most striking of all, however, are the huge muscles and wide jaws. This dog is the picture of power, yet it is surprisingly agile and quick on its feet.

These dogs pack a lot of weight on a fairly short body. They range in weight from 30 to 40 pounds (13 to 18 kilograms) and in height from 17 to 19 inches. They give the impression of being much larger than they really are.

The tail is of medium length and carried low. The ears are never cropped; they are small and wither rose-shaped or half prick. The short, sleek coat comes in a wide variety of colors.

Personality

In its home country of England, the Staffordshire bull terrier is nicknamed the "nanny dog," such is its reputation as a child's playmate and guardian. Despite his fierce appearance, this dog is a lover, not a fighter. The breed is gentle, docile, and always on the look out for fun. Although not looking for trouble, the Staffordshire will not back down to a challenge and is not always agreeable with other dogs.

Obedience training is possible, although it is not the Staffordshire's strong point. Force training methods will lead nowhere, but if training is made into a game, then the Stafford is more than willing to play.

What to Expect

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that needs two things in life — close human contact and a chance to play. He is far too much a people dog to be exiled to the yard, and far too much an athlete to be stuck inside all day. 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.

Because some Staffordshires are not good around strange dogs, precautions should be made that they not encounter dogs while loose.

This is an easy upkeep dog, needing no special grooming.

History

Like all the bull breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier can trace its heritage back to the ancient Molossian war dogs of the Greeks. The Mollossians in turn gave rise to the great Mastiffs of Europe, and then to the family of dogs bred to bait bulls and other animals.

The Staffordshire bull terrier joined the English Kennel Club in 1935 and the American Kennel Club in 1974. The breed had won over many families who found their courageousness matched only by their faithfulness.