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You are here: Home / Breeds / Standard (Medium) / Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been nicknamed the “nanny dog.”

Alternate Names

Bull Staff
Bulldog Terrier
Bull-and-Terrier
Nanny Dog
Patched Pit Dog
Pit Bulldog
Pit Bull
Pit Dog
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Stafford
Staffordshire Bull
Staffy

Appearance:

Body: Strong, solid, well-boned, and powerful with a level topline, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs.

Coat: Smooth, short, and close to the skin.

Color: Black, brindle, fawn, red, blue (less common), white, or any combination of these colors with white.

Ears: Small, neat, wide-set, and tightly folded.

Eyes: Medium size, round, dark, and set wide apart.

Feet: Medium size, strong and thickly padded with black nails in solid-colored dogs.

Head: Short, and thick with a wide skull, well-defined stop and black nose

Legs: Forelegs are straight, wide set, and well-boned. Hindquarters are muscular, legs are parallel when looked at from behind, and hocks are well let down.

Neck: Short and muscular, tapering toward the shoulders.

Size:
Weight: 24 – 38 pounds
Height: 14 – 16 inches

Tail: Moderately long, natural, low set, thick at the root tapering to the tip.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Not recommended around other dogs and animals

Sweet, loving, and affectionate, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been nicknamed the “nanny” because of his almost nurse-like patience and kindness with children. When they are ill he worries about them, when they are healthy he tolerates their roughhousing, and is willing play tirelessly with them. However, he can quickly turn into a fighting dog if another dog comes within his view.

A cross between the Bulldog and the Old English Terrier, he is rugged, courageous, muscular, and highly spirited. A medium sized, robust, athletic dog who is good with people, unless taunted or provoked, and generally quiet, even when there are intruders, as long as no harm is being cast upon his family.

Early obedience training and introduction to other dogs and cats is critical if you have, or plan to have, other pets in the family. His owner should be an experienced trainer and dog handler. The Staffordshire is a clever and intelligent dog who will easily outwit a novice dog handler.

For the safety of your neighbor’s pets, or other dogs at the park, he must be kept on a lead or in a securely enclosed area. He is capable of scaling high fences or digging his way out from under them. The fence must be at least seven feet high and must be checked regularly for any weak spots or areas where he can escape from.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Terrier Group

Originally bred for bull-baiting, bear-baiting, lion fighting and then dog fighting. Also used for ratting.

Illegal pit fighting began after the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: A highly energetic dog in need of vigorous daily exercise.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. Comb his beard after meals. Clean ears and eyes with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in warm water.

Health

Life Expectancy: 11 – 12 Years

Possible Problems:
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia

Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
OFA – for the hips

Country of Origin

United Kingdom – 1800s

 

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