The Staffordshire bull terrier, also called the Stafford, Staffy, or Staffie, is a medium-sized dog of somewhat short stature with a muscular, athletic body. Contrary to its tough appearance, the Stafford is a gentle, loyal, and highly affectionate dog breed that was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1970s.

Praised for its "nanny-like" instincts, the Stafford gets along remarkably well with children when properly trained and socialized. However, because of this breed's strong prey drive and dog-fighting ancestry, use caution around other pets.

Characteristics of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Overall, Staffordshire bull terriers have friendly, gentle dispositions and make lovely companions for many types of households. If raised together, well-trained, and closely supervised, this breed may even learn to get along with other animals beautifully, but some Staffies will be best suited for a one-pet household.

History of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire bull terrier was developed in England during the 19th century for dogfighting. To create a faster and more compact dog breed, bulldogs were crossed with small terriers, most likely Manchester terriers and similar breeds. At the time, bulldogs were large, fierce, and intrepid, much different than today's bulldogs.

Before landing on its current name, Staffords have been called bull-and-terrier dogs, bulldog terriers, and old pit bull terriers. Once dogfighting was made illegal during the early 20th century, Staffords became more widely recognized as loyal and affectionate companion dogs.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was brought to the U.S. toward the end of the 19th century but was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1974.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care

Staffordshire bull terriers should never be walked off-leash as they can be aggressive with unknown dogs and will chase any small animals they consider to be prey. They are unlikely to do well at free-run dog parks. These strong dogs will need training to avoid pulling on the leash, but they need little to average grooming.

Exercise

The Stafford is an athletic dog breed with plenty of energy, so routine exercise is essential. Give your dog an hour total of vigorous walking daily. Be careful not to overdo it in warmer weather, as the breed is typically sensitive to heat. Staffords will especially benefit from dog sports that challenge them mentally and physically. A securely fenced yard is a good play area, but be aware that the Stafford is a terrier and will dig an escape tunnel if able. You may wish to reinforce the bottom of fences.

Grooming

The short, smooth coat of the Stafford requires little more than routine grooming. This breed tends to shed at a low to moderate rate, though shedding does increase seasonally. Keep the nails neatly trimmed for healthy, comfortable feet.

Training

As with any dog breed, proper training is a must for the Staffy. This is a very intelligent dog breed that can be stubborn, following its own will if permitted. Therefore, obedience training is essential to manage your dog and provide structure. Socialization is just as important, so your dog will be comfortable in all kinds of situations and become a well-adjusted dog.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to develop hereditary conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the Staffordshire bull terrier breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Hip dysplasia: A condition that occurs when the dog's hip socket forms abnormally and causes pain or joint problems.
• Patellar luxation: An issue that occurs when the dog's kneecap dislocates from its proper position.
• Allergies and other skin issues: Skin issues can occur from allergic reactions to pollen, dangers, plants, insects, food, and medication.

Diet and Nutrition

The Staffordshire bull terrier should be fed two meals a day of dry dog food. Each feeding should be a maximum of 1 cup of food. A dog's individual needs will be determined by age, activity level, and health conditions. It's best not to exercise your dog for an hour after eating in order to help reduce the risk of bloating and stomach torsion.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire bull terriers may be available at local shelters or with rescue groups. They can cost a few hundred dollars as a rescue or cost an average of $2,000 from a breeder. Check with breed-specific rescue groups to see if they have information on Staffies in your area.

• Staffie Smiles Rescue
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you are active, patient, and ready to provide plenty of one-on-one affection to your dog, the Staffy could be the dog breed for you. However, it's important to do more research before you decide to get one of your own. Talk to veterinarians and pet professionals, Staffy owners, responsible breeders, and bully breed rescue groups to learn all you can.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons.

• American Staffordshire Terriers
• Boxers
• Bullmastiff
• Bull Terriers

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!