Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be traced back to the 1800s, when bull and bear baiting was outlawed. A new ‘sport’ was devised — dog fighting — and so Bulldogs and Terriers were bred together to produce the Bull and Terrier, from which the Staffordshire Bull Terrier descends. Popular with all classes, including the Victorian working class, the 'Stafford' was often raised in small, cramped conditions with large families — to which his traditionally good temperament with people of all ages can be attributed. 

Ideal Staffie owners are experienced dog people, ever cheerful and have a generally indestructible nature, well able to cope with the Staffie’s permanent optimism in life, plus their lack of self-control or understanding of personal space. You won’t be offended by the need to manage your dog’s access to people or other dogs (they can often be ‘not dog friendly’ – especially without sensitive and ongoing socialisation), and understand that what is play for Staffies may be considered unpleasant or even scary for others.  You’ll be fit and active enough for long vigorous walks and lots of training to channel that exuberance and desire to please into a well-mannered and happy dog who is an ambassador for their breed. They make great family dogs where there are older children who aren’t scared by full-on Staffie love!

At least an hour of exercise is needed daily for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, along with plenty of play and games. Given the chance, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can excel in dog sports, such as agility. Many are fine with other dogs, but some are dog-aggressive. If your dog is less friendly, do ensure they are suitably restrained and does not make a nuisance of themselves. 

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can live in virtually every home. But they do need plenty of daily exercise, so make sure they have access to good walking areas that aren’t too busy with other dogs. 

The diet for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups, including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed them at least twice daily, and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier lifespan reaching 14 years. 

A low-maintenance breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's short, smooth coat needs very little attention, with a weekly brush being more than sufficient. Given the Staffordshire Bull Terrier size, the grooming process should not take much time. 

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a clever active breed and they can make fabulous students, learning everything from obedience exercises, to tricks, to dog sports like agility. They excel at interactive toys and love playing games with their owners. While they may not enjoy training classes because of the proximity of other dogs, if you find a trainer who understands this surprisingly sensitive breed, you will be amazed at just how much these dogs love training. 

They must be taught to walk on a lead and hardness, and early and ongoing socialisation is important. This socialisation should focus on teaching them to pay attention to their owner in the presence of other dogs - not to go and play with them. 

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of the only breeds of dog whose breed standard says ‘good with children’. Most seem to have endless patience with children and enjoy being involved in their games. They may, however, be too boisterous for smaller children who can easily get bowled over by a bit too much Stafford enthusiasm! 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.