Description

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog, very strong for his size with a broad head and very strong jaws. Dark preferable, but may bear some relation to coat color. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead. Light eyes or pink eye rims to be considered a fault, except that where the coat surrounding the eye is white the eye rim may be pink. Ears--Rose or half-pricked and not large. Full drop or full prick to be considered a serious fault. Mouth--A bite in which the outer side of the lower incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors. The lips should be tight and clean. The coat is smooth, short and close to the skin, not to be trimmed or de-whiskered. Colors include red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colors with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black-and-tan or liver color to be disqualified. The tail is medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. Should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle. Lips tight and clean. Jaws strong, teeth large, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Rose or half pricked ears, not large or heavy. Full, drop or pricked ears highly undesirable.

Origin

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century from crosses between Bulldogs and various Terriers. The Staffordshire Bull was developed for the then-popular sport of bull baiting. The breed's popularity waned as interest in the sport waned. Then, in the twentieth century, interest in the breed grew again, especially in the United States. It returned to the show ring in 1935. In the U.S. it is now well bred in a size slightly larger than that called for in the European standard. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a dog for every family, but in the hands of a dominant, experienced owner; it can be a successful pet and family guardian.

Temperament

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. One owner of this breed says "Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very people friendly. They are not particularly wary of strangers in almost all circumstances - although I've heard a few anecdotes about some being wary of particular people. My dogs are always happy to meet new people!" The breeds reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household, but may be combative with dogs outside the family, especially dogs of his breed or related breeds. They are intelligent and stubborn at times but this is the appeal of this 'human' in doggy fur! The Staffordshire needs firm and consistent training. They are persistent and active. As a puppy they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys. Their powerful jaws will tear though vinyl toys to get to the squeaker in no time. This can be dangerous if the dog swallows the plastic. Be sure to only give your Staffie strong toys. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so. They can be trained for agility and competitive obedience. The breed competes in agility and obedience in the UK at the highest level. Staffies love a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they're liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass. These dogs are not recommended for most families because they need firm, experienced handling and training. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Height

Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41cm) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 25-38 pounds (11-17kg) Bitches 23-35 pounds (10-16kg)

Known Health Problems

Prone to cataracts. HC & PHPV (both eye complaints) although through screening of both parents this can be avoided. DNA work in the UK is very nearly complete as to cure this (people should ensure they buy from eye tested parents, and that puppies are screened at a few weeks old. Hip dysplasia is occasionally seen. Like all the bully type breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have gas problems.

Conditions for Living

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay with a small yard.

Exercise Requirments

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier possesses tremendous stamina and must jog.

Life Expectancy

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush every day with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of toweling or chamois.

Group

Mastiff, AKC Terrier