Staffordshire bull terrier breed profile

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also fondly known as a Staffie, is the 82^nd most popular dog in the United States and the 5^th most popular dog in the United Kingdom. This loving dog has been given a bad rap because it is a member of the Pit Bull family, but you’ll soon see that this book should not be judged by its cover.

It’s true that these dogs were bred to be fighting dogs, but those days are long gone. Now they are known for their intelligence, love of family and ability to be a great companion animal. Their appearance can be a bit intimidating, with their strong, muscular body and intense stare, but you’ll be surprised to find out that they are gentle and affectionate.

Fans of this breed love the Staffies medium build and short coat. These dogs are energetic and are a great companion for daily walks, runs or hikes. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smart, which makes them easy to train. This athletic breed is happy to take part in activities that are both mentally and physically engaging. You won’t want to leave them unattended for long, though.

Intelligent breeds like this one tend to get bored easily. If left alone outside there is a good chance your Staffie will find something to entertain himself. This may mean chasing a squirrel or following a neighbor on their daily walk. If left alone inside before properly house trained, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known to be destructive.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Profile

Main Characteristics of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

This medium-sized dog just wants to be a member of the family. Staffies are highly devoted and loyal to their family above all other things. If this dog senses danger he will guard his family by any means he believes to be necessary.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are full of energy and can keep up with you all day long. After they’re done playing, they’ll enjoy relaxing with you on the couch watching a movie. These dogs just want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing.

When training or playing, you will find that these dogs are full of energy and just want to play. They can be a bit stubborn and want things their way, but with a gentle yet firm hand, you can teach them the ropes quickly. Once they know the line, they will be great playmates for you and the kids. They can be very gentle, even when they’re rough-housing.

Size of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are medium sized dogs. On average, they will range from 14-16 inches high at the shoulder. This compact dog packs a lot of muscles in their little form. They are able to withstand the play of toddlers and enjoy a good hard and rough play with their owners. Staffies can weigh between 24 to 38 pounds. Like most breeds, females are usually smaller than their male counterparts.

Lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Many things can affect how long your companion will stay with you, including how well he is exercised, how much he eats, and even his genetics. Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers will live to the age of 12-14 years old. Keeping your dog in optimal shape can add a couple of years to his life, and letting him become obese can take years off of it. The less strain that your pet has on his body, the happier and healthier he will be.

Physical Characteristics of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a lot of similar characteristics to other Bull Terriers. Although there are some differences that can be spotted. One of their most distinct differences is the shape of their ears. Staffies come in 14 different colors including black, blue, white, fawn, brindle or a combination of these. There are no markings that will keep them apart from any breed.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have broad skulls with very pronounced cheeks. They have a short fore-face and a black nose. Pink, also known as a Dudley, noses are considered a flaw in the standards. Their eyes should be a dark color, although they may reflect the color of their coats. They’ll be round and medium-sized and set into their head so that they look straight ahead.

Staffies’ ears are one of their most distinct features. They should be half pricked and not overly large. Their ears should not be fully raised nor should they be fully drooped. This breed needs to have a muscular neck in order to hold up their large heads. Their necks are usually short and widen at the base where it attaches to their shoulders.

They have a very compact muscular body. Their ribs are rather wide, and their hind ends taper down at the waist. Their tails are medium length and have a slight curl to them, commonly related to an “old-fashioned pump handle.”

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s legs are rather wide spaced with the feet turned out a bit. It is acceptable by the standards to have the dew claws removed. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a short sleek coat. With regular grooming, their coat will be nice, shiny and healthy looking.

Living Arrangements for Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a medium energy dog, but as long as they are well exercised they can live in almost any environment. They make great companions when in the city, as long as when you go out for your walks you make sure your dog is on a leash.

Video: Staffordshire Bull Terrier - AKC Dog Breed Series

It is not suggested and strongly discouraged to take your Staffie anywhere off leash or to a dog park.

When living in the suburbs, make sure to have your dog in a fenced in yard. An electronic fence is not enough for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. With their high threshold to pain and their high prey instinct, these dogs may pass over the boundary without stopping at the electronic fence. The other downside to these fences is that it does not prevent other animals from coming into your yard, and if it’s another dog, cat, or small animal, your Staffie will go after it.

These dogs are great for anyone who lives a moderately active life and will have lots of time to have their companion by their side. They are also great for young families with small children. Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers are most content when they live on their own. If you wish to have other animals in your house, make sure to socialize your puppy right away when he comes home. This will help him to adopt these other animals into his pack.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are definitely a family dog. They love to be with their humans, in the house, out on a walk, or even out for a drive. Wherever you go, they want to be right beside you. They are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time, if they are, don’t be surprised when you come home to things being chewed up, they were bored and had to entertain themselves.

Video: Staffordshire Bull terrier - DOG LOVERS ❤