Staffordshire Bull Terrier

also known as Staffy, SBT, Stafford, Staff, Staffy Bull

Pros History


The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also known as the "Staffie," is a small but powerful breed of dog that is believed to have originated in England. The breed has a long and storied history that is intertwined with the history of England and its culture.

The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be traced back to the 18th century in England, where it was developed by breeding small, muscular breeds such as the Bulldog and the Terrier. The goal was to create a small, powerful dog that could be used for bull-baiting and dog fighting, popular sports in those times.

The breed's name, "Staffordshire Bull Terrier," reflects the breed's origins in the county of Staffordshire, England. The breed is also known as the "Staffie," which is a nod to the breed's origins.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was a popular breed in England during the 19th century, and it was often used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century, as a result of the ban of these sports in the United Kingdom and the rise of other breeds.

Today, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is recognized by kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) which recognized the breed in 1974, The Kennel Club (UK) which recognized the breed in 1935 and other international kennel clubs.

Breed Information


Type

Is Staffordshire Bull Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Staffordshire Bull Terriers originally used for?

Ratting, Fighting

Lifespan

How Long Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? How long can Staffordshire Bull Terriers live?

12-14 years

The average Staffordshire Bull Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

What is the average height of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? How big is a Purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier height? Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 16-19 inches (40.6 - 48.3 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
Female 14-16 inches (35.6 - 40.6 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? How much should Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-38 pounds (13 - 17 kg) 23.0 pounds (10 kg) 28.5 pounds (13 kg) 33.0 pounds (15 kg)
Female 24-34 pounds (11 - 15 kg) 19.5 pounds (9 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg) 29.0 pounds (13 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers get fat easily?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier personality? What are Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Courageous
Intelligent
Bold
Fearless
Reliable

Shedding Level

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shed?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Staffordshire Bull Terriers come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Staffordshire Bull Terriers descended from?

Terrier, Mastiff

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Staffordshire Bull Terriers first bred? How old is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1974)(UKC)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Staffordshire Bull Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Staffordshire Bull Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Staffordshire Bull Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Red
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Staffordshire Bull Terriers coat?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

Elbow Dysplasia
Bone And Joint Problems
Cataracts
Bladder Stones

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed?

Eye
Elbow
Hips
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Staffordshire Bull Terriers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers need socialization? How social are Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Staffordshire Bull Terriers get?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier have? Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers sleep a lot?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier drool a lot?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Staffordshire Bull Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Staffordshire Bull Terrier busy?

Frisbee, Tug-of-war, Nap, Nose work, Tracking, Eating Snacks, Dog Parks, Walk, Play, Walking, Hide & Seek, Running, Sniff, Run, Meeting friends, Playing fetch, Chewing, Snuggling, Walks, Fighting, Fetch, Lounging, Cuddles

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? How much energy does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier have?

High

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Staffordshire Bull Terrier, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Staffordshire Bull Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?

90 minutes

In general most Staffordshire Bull Terriers usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Weekly

Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier eat?

2 cups

For an average 28-38 pound (13 - 17 kg) Staffordshire Bull Terrier feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $2.80 / day

The average cost of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is somewhere $2.50 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cost Per Month?

$74 - $84 / month

The average per month expenses of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between $74 - $84. This makes an average of $888 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Staffordshire Bull Terrier do well in apartments? Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good indoor dogs?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with kids? Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good around children?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with cats? How friendly Staffordshire Bull Terriers are toward cats?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers OK with other dogs?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not dog friendly dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers friendly with strangers?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers like to play? Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers playful?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Staffordshire Bull Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Staffordshire Bull Terrier easily trained?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal to no shedding
    No to minimal hair shedding is characteristic of Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't make a lot of noise, this one could be a good pick as they are known for being quiet.
  • Loyal and affectionate
    They form strong bonds with their owners and are very loyal and affectionate.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and can make great family pets.
  • High energy and playful
    Enjoys playing, making it great for active families or individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle.
  • Highly trainable and intelligent
    Easily learn tricks and commands.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Staffordshire Bull Terriers may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Without proper attention to weight, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier may become overweight.
  • Can have a strong prey drive
    Can have a strong prey drive and should not be trusted around small animals.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Staffordshire Bull Terriers lack the inclination to be friendly towards cats.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Not suitable for apartment living
    They need a lot of space to exercise and play