Staffordshire Bull Terrier
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 Description:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is small to medium
sized, stocky and naturally muscular giving an
appearance of great strength and toughness. He
has a short, smooth and sleek coat, a pronounced
broad head, strong jaws and keen, alert eyes.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier of today is very
friendly, affectionate, good natured and makes
a wonderful companion or family pet.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier traces its origin
to the nineteenth century in Staffordshire, England.
His ancestors include the Bulldog which has Mastiff
type ancestors and British terriers most likely
the Manchester and English White Terrier among
others. The fearless and courageous Bulldog at
the time was larger and used in the sport of bear
and bull baiting in the mid-sixteenth century.
However, once this sport was banned, dog fighting
became a sport of much popularity and the Staffordshire
Bull Terrier was produced.
Eventually dog fighting became illegal and over
the years, the temperament of the Staffordshire
Bull Terrier evolved (with proper training and
socialization) into a good natured family pet
- especially known to be gentle with children.
However, because of this breed's fighting reputation,
there was a delay in being recognized by Kennel
Club in England, but it eventually did in 1935.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was recognized
by the American Kennel Club in the Terrier Group
in 1975.
Height: The
height of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier when
measured at the shoulder can be between 14 to
16 inches (36 - 41 cm).
Weight: The
weight of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can range
from 24 - 38 pounds (11 - 17 kg).
Coat Type: The
Staffordshire Bull Terrier's coat is short, smooth
and lies close to his body. This sleek coat is
easy to care for - just a brushing every few days
or once is week is all that's necessary. Give
your Staffordshire Bull Terrier a bath only when
needed.
Color: The
color of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's coat
can be of six colors: black, blue, fawn, white,
solid red (or any of these colors with white)
or brindle.
Temperament:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an all purpose
family dog, loves people and is very friendly.
Although the breed was originally used in dog
fighting, once this sport became illegal, their
temperament evolved throughout the years. This
breed is recognized as being very intelligent,
trustworthy, affectionate and good natured. While
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are especially known
to be patient and gentle with children, supervision
- as with any breed - is always recommended. It
is of utmost importance this breed is properly
trained and well socialized. An owner as well
as anyone else in the household of a Staffordshire
Bull Terrier must always be viewed as the boss.
And when it comes to training, it must be firm,
consistent and done in an upbeat and positive
manner. Rules must be set for a Staffordshire
Bull Terrier and they must be taught to consistently
obey them. This breed is active and robust and
should be exercised daily either by taking walks
or by playing with its owner or family. Although
a properly trained and socialized Staffordshire
Bull Terrier very rarely ever initiates an altercation
with other dogs, he will not back down to an aggressive
dog that does. It is highly recommended to avoid
any potential disruptive situations.
Health Concerns:
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are overall a very
healthy breed, although they can be affected by
these conditions: cataracts, hip / elbow dysplasia,
L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HGA), patellar
luxation, and skin problems / allergies.
Special Interest:
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is called
Staffie, Stafford, Staff or Staffy for short.
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often
mistaken for its cousin, the American Pit Bull
Terrier.
Classifications:
AKC: Terrier Group
ANKC: Terriers Group 2
CKC: Terrier Group 4
FCI: Group 3 Section 3 Bull type Terriers
KC: Terrier
NZKC: Terrier |
