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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Veterinarian Reviewed on December 23, 2007 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Physical Characteristics

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Breed Group:

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a member of the Terrier Group.

Weight:

Male: 28-38 lb.; female 24-34 lb.

Height:

Male: 18-19 inches; female: 17-18 inches. 14-16 inches at the withers.

Color(s):

The coat may be red, fawn, white, black or blue. The coat also includes solid or with white, and any shade of brindle or brindle with white.

Coat:

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier sports a smooth, short coat that lies close to the skin.

Overview

Character:

This confident breed is intelligent and trustworthy. The fearless Staffordshire Bull Terrier is tenacious.

Country of Origin:

England

History:

In the 1800s the English working classes were keen on dog fighting. By crossing a Bulldog of the time with a native terrier, such as a Black and Tan Terrier or a Manchester Terrier, the result was a Bulldog Terrier or Bull and Terrier. This breed showed less aggression to humans. After England banned dog fighting, these dogs became more favoured companions.

Name:

Bull and Terrier. Nicknames: Nanny Dog, Staff, Stafford, Staffy.

Temperament:

This affectionate breed is gentle and fun-loving. The Stafford is responsive to owners and friendly to strangers.

Care:

Training:

These quick learners require obedience training and socialization when young to minimize headstrong behaviour. Give clear boundaries. Ensure they experience a wide range of situations that include supervised contact with children, other dogs and household pets.

Activity:

The athletic Stafford enjoys exercise and a game in a safe yard. Provide daily walks on a leash. Let him run in a safe area. This breed likes to climb trees. Give a meaty bone or materials from a pet shop to exercise its powerful jaws.

Ownership:

Owners must take care that this dog avoids confrontation with other dogs. Be in control in public places and supervise around animals and strangers. Never allow this dog to wander in public or in areas where children or dogs may challenge. Keep a toy handy to distract your dog. At home, the devoted Stafford is playful with family and friends. This companion should stay in an area of the home that will suffer little damage from its chewing habit. Provide raw bones and chewing materials. This breed can be a determined watchdog.

Breeders:

No breeders listed at this time.

List of dog breeds

Read also: Alaskan Malamute
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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