Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, often referred to as Staffies, are a medium-sized breed that originated in England. They were initially bred for bull-baiting but their breeders later emphasised their friendly and gentle temperament, making them excellent family pets. Despite their tough appearance, Staffies have a friendly and affectionate nature.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They have a muscular build and a height ranging from 35.5-40.5cm for males and 33-38cm for females.
On average, males weigh 13-17kg, while females weigh 11-15.4kg.
The life expectancy of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is typically around 12-14 years.
What is the temperament of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier like?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their loyalty, affection, and love for their families. They have a reputation for being good-natured, despite their history. They are generally friendly with people, including children, and can get along well with other dogs when properly socialised from an early age.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are courageous and confident, making them protective of their families. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of family activities.
Our Staffie Community
"His tail never stops wagging and simply loves being the centre of attention - which he gets plenty of on his walks, people even take photos with him! He has many toys and loves to play but also enjoys a cuddle and loads of belly rubs."
Floyd’s owner, Alexandra from London
"Pumpkin is a very affectionate, bouncy ball of energy. She loves people, cuddles, playing and fetching balls and frisbees. On the small side for a staffy, she has a great personality and will reciprocate all the love given to her."
Pumpkin’s owner, Marta from Nottinghamshire
How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are an active breed that requires regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They need at least 1 hour of exercise per day. This can include brisk walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive activities such as obedience training or agility.
Engaging them in mentally stimulating games and providing them with puzzle toys can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviours. It's important to note that individual exercise needs may vary based on age, health, and energy level.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies have plenty of energy and require age-appropriate exercise to support their development. However, their growing bones and joints are still fragile, so excessive high-impact exercise should be avoided.
Short and controlled play sessions throughout the day, combined with regular walks, are suitable for puppies. As a very general guideline, a 3-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy can have three or four 10 minute play sessions per day. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as they grow, but always be mindful of their physical limitations.
Consult with your vet for personalised exercise recommendations based on your puppy's needs.
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Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a short and smooth coat that is relatively low-maintenance. They shed moderately throughout the year, requiring regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt is usually sufficient.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers easy to train?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally responsive to training. They thrive with positive reinforcement techniques, including rewards, praise, and consistent guidance.
They can learn a variety of commands and tricks, and many enjoy participating in dog sports such as agility or obedience competitions. It's important to provide them with mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours.
Early socialisation and obedience training are essential for Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies to grow into well-rounded adults.
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What do Staffordshire Bull Terriers eat?
A balanced and high-quality dog food is essential for the overall health and well-being of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Feeding them a diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is crucial. Most do well being fed twice daily.
Puppies should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach their full adult size, usually around 12-15 months. After that, they can transition to adult dog food. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when it can be reduced to twice daily.
Monitor their weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid excessive weight gain.
Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations based on your Staffordshire Bull Terrier's needs.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers healthy?
Staffies are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that can affect this breed include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Hormonal
Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) - when the adrenal gland produces too steroid hormone
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your dog or want to discuss further if a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are loyal, loving, and energetic, but their strength and enthusiasm can be overwhelming without proper guidance. Introduce your Staffie to a variety of people, pets, and environments during puppyhood to build confidence and good behaviour. Positive reinforcement-based training is essential to channel their energy and strengthen your bond.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
