Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Profile

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KC Group Terrier

Size Medium

Weight Dogs around 13 - 17kg; bitches around 11 - 15.4kg

Height 36 - 41cm

Average lifespan 14 years

Good with children? Yes

Good guard dogs? Possibly

Moulting level Low

Grooming Light

Exercise requirement Moderate

Jogging partner Shorts

Colours Red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle, or any of these with white

Temperament Affectionate, intelligent, extrovert dogs with a great sense of humour

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Profile

41f67062-bd8d-446c-bfda-75ae16d10232
An easy dog who makes an ideal pet for most owners; however, Staffords are strong and need a firm hand. His fighting ancestry and strength demands great management from his owner.

Health

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is generally a robust and healthy breed but can be prone to the following conditions:

  • Epilepsy.
  • Cataracts and other eye conditions.
Health tests
 
All parent dogs must be tested for L-2-HGA hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a metabolic disorder. The condition manifests itself in various ways such as dementia, anxiety attacks, and seizures. It's a rare condition but can be devastating. There is a blood test available to screen for this.
 
There are various eye examinations that should be carried out; dogs should be tested for hereditary cataracts, and there is a blood test available for this.
 
Dogs should also be tested for PHPV and PPSC (other eye conditions seen in the breed). These are clinical eye examinations that must be done on an annual basis.
 
All these tests are compulsory and the breeder should be able to provide certificates to prove these tests have been carried out and passed.
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Temperament

  • Loyal and loving.
  • Easy-going but must be shown respect.
  • Great sense of humour.

Lifestyle

  • An easy dog who makes an ideal pet for most owners; however, Staffords are strong and need a firm hand.
  • Adores human company and attention.
  • Great with children.
  • Minimal exercise needed.
  • Loves a good walk, but a good play and plenty of attention is just as important.

Trainability

  • Easy to train as Staffords are very eager to please.
  • Training must start from early puppyhood.

General care

  • Minimal grooming needs.
  • Check your Stafford's nails on a regular basis.
  •  Give his coat a good rub down with a chamois leather twice a week for a super shiny coat.

Pros

  • Good temperament.
  • Minimal grooming.
  • Highly trainable.
  • Relatively healthy and long-lived.

Cons

  • His fighting ancestry and strength demands great management from his owner.