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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Thinking about purchasing an Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeder:

When were your Staffordshire Bull Terriers born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Staffordshire Bull Terrier, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Staffordshire Bull Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier Profile

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffy, are smooth-coated dogs who have great strength for their size. A mix between a terrier and a bulldog, they are muscular but should also be active and agile. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are usually adoring within their family circle, but need firm handling and constant training as they have a strong instinct to fight with other dogs. This breed is a strong, well-muscled animal that is medium sized, yet still looks imposing. They have strongly-muscled back legs, wide set front legs, and a square head. They have a black nose and their fur can be red, fawn, white, black or blue. The ears are rose or semi-erect. No matter where they are they give the impression of raw strength and power. Staff Bull Terriers know their strength, and therefore find little use to express it unless the time comes. They are relatively calm and quiet, until the need for defense arises. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a game companion, being very affectionate and ready to do whatever you want to do. They will gladly go with you to play sports or just go for a walk. This breed requires a lot of physical stimulation to keep those muscles fit. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not only reliable and competent in the home, but is also easy to care for.

Other Names: Staffy

Type: Terrier

Height: 14 - 16 inches.
Weight: Females: 24 - 34 lbs.; Males: 28 - 28 lbs.

Colors: Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colors with white; any shade of brindle, or any shade of brindle with white.
Coat: Smooth, short and dense.

Temperament: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are plucky and strong-willed. Being the mix of a terrier and bulldog, they carry traits of both breeds. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is stubborn and not the best at obedience. They do learn however, and are quite intelligent. They simply choose to do what they want. The Staffy is game and willing to hang out with you with whatever you want to do. They make excellent guards and watch dogs, yet they are very affectionate and lovable at the same time. They adore children. Being a retiree of bull-baiting, this breed is unafraid of a fight with another dog, and therefore should be kept away from such situations. They usually come out the victor. Staff Bull Terriers are courageous, reliable, tenacious and even-tempered. They have a strong prey drive.
With Children: Yes, but may jump on smaller children. They have been described as the nanny dog due to their love for children.
With Pets: Supervision is suggested, as the Staffy may be dog-aggressive. They also have a strong prey drive.
Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High. This breed is very alert to its surroundings.
Guard-dog: Very High. Although calm and quiet, they will change in an instant if need be to defend their family.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care and Exercise: Minimal grooming for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is necessary to keep their coat in top condition. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush. Rub down with a towel or chamois to remove loose hairs. Bathe only when necessary. Staffies need plenty of regular exercise which should consist of play time and daily walks on a leash. They should be kept on a leash in public places.
Training: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a quick learner, but they may be stubborn at times. Consistent training from puppyhood is the best approach. The Staff Bull Terrier needs to be socialized to other animals in order to accept them when it gets older. They are not averse to a scrap with another dog.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Low. Problem Solving - Low. They can learn, though stubborn as they are.

Activity: High.
Special Needs: Attention, exercise, supervision around water, socialization and training.
Living Environment: Adapts well to urban living, but needs plenty of exercise. This breed also requires a fenced yard as it may go after other dogs. The best owner for this breed would be a firm, dog-experienced owner with time for this breed, living in the country or the city.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Issues: Cataracts, entropion, over heating and breathing problems.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: 4 - 6 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Staffordshire Bull Terrier History: Thought to be the "original" Bull-and-Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier evolved from the British Isles as a direct result of a cross between an Old English Bulldog and a smooth-coated terrier, possibly the Black and Tan Terrier. When early specimens of this breed were brought to the United States in the 1800s, they were crossed with other breeds to become larger and taller. This produced the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. The original smaller Staffy remained in England without change. The Staffy was originally used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. When the sport was outlawed in Britain, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed along gentler lines as a companion dog. Fancier Joseph Dunn didn't want to see this breed vanish into history, so he created a club for the breed and strove to make the breed recognized by the Kennel Club of England. Since no name had yet been chosen for this breed, and Bull Terrier was already taken, the breed's name fell to a city of great interest in the breed, Staffordshire. In 1935 the breed was accepted by the Kennel Club of England. Staffordshire Bull Terriers gained more popularity due to this. Canada accepted the breed in 1952, but the U.S. only followed suit 22 years later. Similar to the AmStaff, Staff, and Pit Bull in appearance, the only difference other than size is the fact that ear cropping is illegal on this breed. The ears are meant to be half-dropped or folded back "rose". Today the Staffy is still a very popular housepet.

First Registered by the AKC: 1974
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Class: Terrier Group
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008