Staffordshire Bull TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the breed developed north of Birmingham and in Staffordshire, from the 19th-century bull terriers, which were produced by crossing bulldogs with various terriers. After the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 banned bull-baiting and bear-baiting, breeders added terrier blood for agility. The dogs had many names: “Patched Fighting Terrier”, “Staffordshire Pit-dog”, “Bull-and-Terrier”.

The AKC notes that these dogs were originally bred for fighting other dogs and that most have kept a strong prey drive. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1935. Wikipedia says British emigrants took dogs of this type to the United States, where, among others, they gave rise to the American Staffordshire Terrier.

How the breed developed

• 1835 – Bull-baiting is banned in England.
• 19th century – The “bull and terrier” develops in Staffordshire.
• 1935 – The Kennel Club recognises the breed.
• 21 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a smooth-coated dog, well balanced, very strong for its size, muscular, active and agile. The AKC says that although it stands only 35–40 cm, it weighs 11–17 kg: it is a “rock-solid” terrier, with a short, broad head and pronounced cheek muscles.

General appearance

The coat is smooth, short and close to the body.

The standard accepts white, red, fawn, black or blue, solid or with white, and brindle in any shade, with or without white. Black and tan and liver are not accepted.

The standard describes it as very brave and tenacious, highly intelligent and affectionate, especially with children, bold, fearless and totally reliable. The AKC says it learns easily, responds quickly, is very eager to please and readily obeys its owner.

The AKC warns that, having originally been bred for fighting other dogs, most have a strong prey drive, so play with other dogs must be supervised so that it does not escalate.

Tips for effective training

• Supervise play with other dogs. It can escalate.
• Socialise it early. With people and dogs.
• Use rewards. It wants to please.
• Keep it on the lead. It has a strong prey drive.

The AKC says it needs regular exercise: chasing a ball in the garden, running alongside a bicycle or its owner, or a long hike through the woods. Running alongside a bicycle is recommended only after 18 months, when the bones have finished growing.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• Be careful when meeting other dogs.
• Very tough toys.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it is easy to look after: occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt to remove dead hair. The nails are trimmed at least monthly, as overly long nails hurt it.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' DNA tests.
• Trim the nails monthly.
• Have its eyes checked.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to its age and keeping an eye on its weight, as some put on weight easily.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Split the food into two meals a day.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A lot of dog in a small body. The AKC says it is “a gallon of dog poured into a quart”.
• Good with children. The standard describes it as affectionate, especially with children.
• Many old names. Staffordshire Pit-dog, Bull-and-Terrier.
• Related to the Bull Terrier. They share the same ancestors, but look different.
• An American descendant. The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from it.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the standard and the AKC describe it as very good with children.

Does it get along with other dogs?

Not always; play must be supervised.

How much does it weigh?

Males 12.7–17 kg, females 11–15.4 kg.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.