Breed Profile: Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Bella, a 3 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Who's owner is Becky Walker.

Nicknames	Staffy, Staff, SBT, Stafford, Staffy Bull.
Country of origin	England
Traits Weight Male 14 to 18 kg (31 to 40 lb) Female 12 to 16 kg (26 to 35 lb) Height Male 38 to 42 cm (15 to 17 in) Coat Smooth, short and close Color Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white

Well, this is going to be one of the most controversial breed profile's I write. It is also a breed that i am very passionate about, not just as a breed but about the press and negativity they receive too. Like i have always said:

There is NO such thing as a bad breed, only a bad owner.
Now that is over and done with, lets get on with the breed profile.
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The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (informally: Staffie, Stafford, Staffy or Staff) is a medium-sized, short-coated, old-time breed of dog. It is an English dog, where it is the 5th most popular breed, and related to the bull terrier.

Appearance

A very beautiful 'blue' Staffordshire bull terrier with the perfect set jaw.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, stocky, and very muscular dog with athletic ability, with a similar appearance to the American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terriers sharing the same ancestor. They have a broad head, defined occipital muscles, a relatively short foreface, dark round eyes and a wide mouth with a clean scissor-like bite (the top incisors slightly overlap the bottom incisors). The ears are small. The cheek muscles are very pronounced. Their lips show no looseness. From above, the head loosely resembles a triangle. The head tapers down to a strong well-muscled neck and shoulders placed on squarely spaced forelimbs. They are tucked up in their loins and the last 1-2 ribs of their ribcage are usually visible. Their tail resembles an old fashioned pump handle. Their hind quarters are well-muscled and are what give the Stafford drive when baiting.

Colouring:

They are coloured brindle, black, red, fawn, blue, white, or any blending of these colors with white. White with any other colour broken up over the body is known as pied. Liver-colored and black and tan dogs can occur but are rare and not desirable due to it being believed having a different terrier mixed into it resulting in this colour. The coat is smooth and clings tightly to the body giving the dog a streamlined appearance.

Temperament

Although individual differences in personality exist, common traits exist throughout the Staffords. Due to its breeding, and history, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, make it a foremost all-purpose dog. It has been said that "No breed is more loving with its family" It is the only breed to have the words 'totally reliable' in its breed standard. Furthermore, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of only two breeds from over 190 recognized by the UK Kennel Club to have a mention of the breeds suitability with children.

The breed is naturally muscular and may appear intimidating; however, because of their natural fondness for people, most Staffords are temperamentally ill-suited for guard or attack-dog training. Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies are very easy to house train unlike some dogs. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are big-hearted and usually affectionate towards humans. They express their affection through jumping up, nuzzling, licking and pawing, and even when trained can still be 'fussy' with owners and others. Staffordshires are perhaps not suitable pets for those who prefer quiet, reserved dogs. Staffordshires are notably adaptable in terms of changing home or even owners, and unfortunately this can make them easy prey for dog nappers.

History:
Before the 19th century, bloodsports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and cock fighting were common. Bulls brought to market were set upon by dogs as a way of tenderizing the meat and providing entertainment for the spectators; and dog fights with bears, bulls and other animals were often organized as entertainment for both royalty and commoners. Due to the fact that bloodsports was officially eliminated in 1835 people started to create dog fighting which often involved gambling and high amounts of money bidded onto specific dogs and was significantly cheaper than bloodsports. Unfortunatly even to this day illegal dog fights are still happening but many charitys and laws are enforced to stop this and prosecute anyone who may be involved.
As time went on the modern breed evolved into one with a temperament suitable for a pet and companion. It gained respectability, becoming a dog worthy to show, and was accepted by The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom as the Staffordshire bull terrier in 1935.

Common Health Problems:
As with any breed, irresponsible breeding can cause the spread of hereditary genetic flaws. Tests are performed to screen for these conditions.
Two of the conditions that can be detected by DNA testing are: L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA), a metabolic disorder resulting in behavioural changes and dementia-like symptoms; and Hereditary Cataracts (HC). This testing need only be done once. There are another two conditions which can be checked by way of an ocular examination throughout the life of a breeding stud or brood-bitch to minimize the transfer and spread of these conditions. The first is distichiasis (commonly known as “double eyelash”) where eyelashes are misdirected and begin to rub against the eye, particularly the cornea, causing ocular surface damage. The second is Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (or PHPV) which is a condition whereby the blood supply to the ocular lens fails to regress and fibrovascular tissue forms causing hazy vision.

The breed is known to be at a higher risk from mastocytoma (mast cell tumours) than the general population of dogs.

Good/KC breeders should do these tests on the parents before breeder in order to make sure they have the least possible chance of inheriting any of these health problems.

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In my own personal opinion these dogs are fantastic IF you can handle them. Many 'younger' and even older people see these dogs as a status symbol which they are not!!! These dogs want to be loved just as much as a teeny pampered chihuahua.

These dogs more than likely will challenge you and chew everything up just to test you and if you fail and do not show them who is boss they will more than likely keep testing. They will tend to try this around 5months-1year old.

I do not mean by 'show your dog who is boss' beating your dog senseless because I for one DO NOT agree with any form of aggression towards dogs no matter what the breed.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers will respond fantasticly from positive reinforcement/clicker training because this will bring out no aggression in these dogs what so ever. Staffy's are highly intellegant dogs who deserve a high amount of respect.

This is Diva, her KC name is Pretty Posh Princess at Primonic's.
I think she is a BEAUTIFUL example of the breed and in my favourite colour too!

This is Buster, who is 1 year old and 9 months.
He is own by Karina Leggett.

A 'red' staffordshire bull terrier puppy.

Early socialisation is the key to owning a well behaved Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed does have a tendancy to be a dominant breed and by doing this will show they have nothing to be dominant over.