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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 breed traces its origin to the nineteenth century in Staffordshire, England. It’s ancestors include the Bulldog which has Mastiff type ancestors and British terriers, most likely the Manchester Terrier and English White Terrier. 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: Female: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm) Male: 14–16 inches (36–41 cm)
Weight: Female: 24–34 lbs (11–15 kg) Male: 28–37 lbs (13–17 kg)
Coat Type: Short, sleek, smooth and lies close to his body.
Color: White, Black, Brindle, Fawn, Black & White, Brindle & White, Blue, Fawn & White, Red & White, Red, Blue & White.
Litter size: 5-7 puppies
Life span: 12-14 years
Temperament: Affectionate, Bold, Intelligent, Reliable, Fearless, Loyal, Courageous
Health Concerns: Healthy breed, but some may be susceptible to cataracts, hip / elbow dysplasia, L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HGA), patellar luxation, and skin problems / allergies.
Special Interest:
• Also know as a Staffie, Stafford, Staff or Staffy.
• Often mistaken for its American 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
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS