Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Your Complete Guide

The muscular and mobile Staffordshire bull terrier is an effortless charmer with a bundle of personality and a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. A breed with a long, complicated history, the Staffordshire has changed its image from a fearsome fighting dog to a lovable, loyal companion with a soft spot for affection and kids.

Unfortunately, their disposition can change on a dime when they are around other dogs, making them a hard fit for houses with many pets. They will also require a fair bit of exercise and training, which will not suit those with little time to spare for a four-legged friend.

If you are on the fence about the Staffordshire bull terrier or simply saw one and (like most people) immediately fell in love with it, you are in good hands. The following paragraphs will go into exhaustive detail on everything from the dog’s temperament to its toenail maintenance.

Quick Look at the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Below is a quick glance at this special breed’s physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

There is a lot of debate and argument over the genuine origin of the Staffordshire bull terrier, though we know they came from a series of crossbreeds that often were involved in dog fights of previous centuries. Since its early days, breeders have worked towards making the Staffordshire have more desirable companion traits in favor of fighting ability.

The Staffordshire was first named to differentiate it from its pale cousin, the bull terrier. Despite efforts from breeders to change the perception of the canines, early owners would still regularly engage in illegal dog fights, which made official recognition difficult. The belief was that any dog bred to harm its own breed was unfit to be in an established kennel club.

Because of their reputation and the rigid judgment of kennel clubs of the 19th century, they were not accepted into The Kennel Club until 1935, along with the American Kennel Club in 1974.

While some still hold reservations about the Staffordshire bull terrier, their reputation has improved dramatically since their early days. They are one of the more popular breeds available today and have become famous for their sweet, attentive personalities and charming quirks.

What Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Look Like?

A wildly unpredictable breed, a litter of Staffordshire bull terriers can come in a massive swathe of colors and coats. They can come in any combination of black, blue, brown, cream, fawn, red, silver, and white that will sit close to the skin. They have large, broad heads with short snouts and ears that can be folded over, floppy, or asymmetrical.

The one thing that remains the same across this breed is their incredibly athletic and muscular frame. They are swift, powerful dogs with shocking speed and strength hidden underneath their adorable appearance.

What Size Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

While their muscular frame may make them seem like giants, they are a mid-sized dog breed that rarely gets above forty pounds. Their stout body will measure anywhere from fourteen to sixteen inches, with some rarer variations occurring infrequently. They are often mistaken for larger breeds, however, which can cause confusion about their size.

What Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coat Type and Length?

While their coat may come in several colors, its texture and length are uniform. Staffordshire bull terriers are not hypoallergenic, though they have a low-maintenance coat and are unlikely to cover carpets and cushions. They have short, straight fur that sits close to the body and rests loosely along the neck of the canine.

What Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s Temperament?

The breed comes with a characteristic playfulness that is refreshing and often hilarious playfulness. They are deeply affectionate, devoted, and friendly to their families and can quickly become the favorite breed of a family once they adopt their first. They are clever canines with a sharp mind and a creative ability to solve problems, making them highly trainable.

Unfortunately, they can also be standoffish towards other dogs and get aggressive if not properly trained or monitored. They are also a stubborn breed that wants it their way or the highway, so owners should be patient when they initially start to train their own stout pups.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Good With Kids?

Anyone who has grown up with a Staffordshire will talk for hours about how much they loved their childhood dog, and for good reason. The breed is phenomenal with children and is intelligent enough to know when to be calm and collected and when it’s time to play with their favorite friend.

They should still be monitored at first to ensure they get along with the child, though they are widely considered one of the best breeds for a family with children. They will naturally bond with the younger members of your home and prove incredible guardians and companions for kids and adults alike.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Good With Other Animals?

Having a Staffordshire get along with other dogs will require a lot of time, heavily monitored interactions, and diligent training if owners want to make it work. The breed has a competitive and aggressive attitude towards other dogs due to their early history of dog fighting. Because of this, they are not typically recommended for houses with other dogs.

They may do better with cats and smaller animals that they do not perceive as threats, however. The breed does not have as high of a predatorial streak as other dogs and can get along with smaller animals. They will still need to be monitored and trained for this, and each dog will have unique quirks and personality traits.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Aggressive?

When it comes to other dogs, there is no doubt that the Staffordshire has a propensity for aggression across the breed. When it comes to humans, however, the reputation of Staffordshires being vicious is often overestimated. They are quick to cuddle up with a lifelong friend or a complete stranger as long as they are on two feet.

A Staffordshire will be aggressive to other humans if they are perceived as a threat or if the Staffordshire is poorly trained. Because of their strength and the damage their bite can do, it is vital to ensure that their harsher side is trained out from adolescence.

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Bark?

They sit in the middle of all breeds when it comes to barking, with some individual terriers being a bit more vocal than others. They are not known to be boisterous dogs, and getting comfortable with their living space will diminish barking going forward. As guard dogs, they may still bark when they sense a threat, though it will rarely be insufferable.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Affectionate?

They are giant softies around their family and will be a constant and cuddly companion to their favorite people. They are uniquely kind animals with a very tender side that has made them adored by those who have owned them. They are great pooches to unwind with after a long day and will be happy to enjoy a lazy evening after they get their energy out.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Intelligent?

Despite what their dopey demeanor may suggest, the Staffordshire bull terrier is a bright dog with a lot of potential for tasks, training, and more. They can adapt to commands competently and will be eager to perform, though they may be too sharp for their own good. They have an amazing knack for stirring up trouble for themselves if they are not mentally stimulated.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Energetic?

Like most dogs, they will require some amount of daily exercise. They will not run owners breathless or sprint in a loop for hours, but they have a muscular frame that needs to be maintained. Failure to give the terrier appropriate exercise may result in the dog becoming destructive and can result in serious health issues going forward.

If you put a Staffordshire in a fenced-in area, additional maintenance will be needed to ensure they do not dig their way out from underneath. A dog like the Staffordshire without supervision could be fatal to neighborhood canines if it escapes, so think twice before leaving them unattended outdoors.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Easy to Train?

Because of their clever minds and loyal disposition, they are excellent candidates for most forms of training. They can pick up new tricks proficiently and adapt well to new environments and commands, though they can be bullheaded initially. Owners should be experienced with training or find someone who is before deciding to pick up a Staffordshire.

For those looking for experienced trainers and classes, Dog Academy offers several excellent choices.

They are good choices for agility training, and their speed is nothing short of shocking for such a stout dog. They are very receptive to training, though the first few sessions may be challenging, especially if they are around other dogs.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Good Watchdogs?

They make exceptional watch or guard dogs and have all the necessary qualities and characteristics to excel at the role. They have keen senses, a natural alertness, and a protective personality, making them deeply aware of what’s going on in and around your home. For mid-sized dogs, there are few breeds better at the role than the Staffordshire bull terrier.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Good Service Dogs?

They have potential as service dogs, though they will need to fit certain personality traits to excel. Service dogs should be attentive, diligent, and focused without getting distracted by what’s happening around them. While the stout terrier can manage this, ensuring it will not lash out at passing dogs while fulfilling its service position is crucial.

The same applies to emotional support, which the dog has a natural ability for. If you are having a bad day, the Staffordshire bull terrier will make a mission out of cheering you up. If they can get past their built-in aversion to other dogs or if the owner can avoid social settings with other canines, they should do quite well as an ESA.

How to Care for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

A Staffordshire will need obedience training, daily exercise, a fair bit of mental and physical attention, and a balanced diet. Initially, owners will need to focus on socializing the breed and ensuring they can follow basic commands. They will need to take the dog out in an area where it can run or stretch its legs and eat a diet that matches the breed’s size and activity level.

Their ears can come in several styles, and all must be checked for dirt, dander, or other unwanted buildup. Their nails should be regularly trimmed to ensure the dog is comfortable, which can be done on a schedule or whenever they start to click and tap across kitchen surfaces. Dental brushing should be done once or twice a week at the minimum.

They do not fare well in extreme environments, so limit their time outdoors when the temperatures dip too far in one direction.

Do You Need to Groom a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Their coat will never be a cause for concern as long as owners maintain a very basic and infrequent schedule of a monthly bath and the occasional brushing. Their short, straight fur makes baths very simple and quick, though the dog may not be receptive to tubs. Owners should be careful when cleaning around the feet, as dogs tend to be sensitive around their paws.

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Shed?

While they do shed, it is minimal, and brushing will make loose fur sparse and largely ignorable. They are not hypoallergenic, and those with canine allergies may want to consider less irritating options for the sinuses. A thorough weekly brushing should be perfectly sufficient for most Staffordshire bull terriers.

What Health Problems Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Have?

The muscular pups are solid and sturdy breeds that usually maintain a clean bill of health. However, they do have specific medical issues that can arise over time from genetics, poor diet, infrequent exercise, or simply advanced age.

The most common health problems a Staffordshire bull terrier can have are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Patellar Luxation
• Demodectic Mange
• Skin Allergies

Getting a dog with a good pedigree and access to nutritious food, exercise, and regular vet visits will minimize the risk of medical conditions in the terrier’s life.

How Long Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Live?

The expected lifespan of a Staffordshire bull terrier is twelve to fourteen years. Their lifespan can vary from one dog to another and mainly depends on their quality of life and medical background.

What Should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Eat?

They will need around 1 ½ cups to 2 ¼ cups of nutritious, vitamin-rich dog food split into two meals. If your dog sits on the more active side, they can be given more food. For sedentary canines, try to restrict their food to a more contained portion. Avoid giving the dog food immediately after they have been active to minimize the chances of bloat.

Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Right Dog for Me?

If you want a good guard dog that can be around children, the Staffordshire is excellent. Similarly, it is a great companion for people who live somewhat active lives or folks who do not want to spend every other day brushing a deep, matted coat. Like all canines, there are downsides to the bull terrier.

They can be stubborn in training and very aggressive with other dogs. They will not do well unattended if improperly exercised, and their bite power can have them splintering the bottom of wooden doors, furniture, and much more. However, if you are willing to handle its shortcomings, the Staffordshire bull terrier is genuinely one of a kind.