The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also known simply as the “Staffie,” is a bold dog breed that originates from England. Categorized as a bully breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has some traits that separate them from the others. Read on to learn more about the courageous Staffie!
1. Nobody Knows Exactly Where These Dogs Originated
The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier remain muddy and rather confusing. That’s because, for a while, there wasn’t much order or standard kept with breeding these dogs. They are believed to have originated from the English county of Staffordshire, from which this breed was named after. This dog was bred for various blood sports, including bullbaiting and dog fighting (more on that later).
Various terrier breeds were bred with mongrels and other similar breeds for their strength and fighting ability, and the now-extinct Old English Bulldog serves as one of the main foundation bloodlines of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (along with a handful of other bully breeds). The results of the combination of bulldogs and terriers were known as “Bull and Terriers.” The Old English Bulldog (not to be confused with various breeds known as bulldogs), known for its fierce and courageous temperament, became extinct right after animal welfare movements pushed to ban blood sports in Great Britain.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, along with the visually dissimilar but related Bull Terrier, were eventually developed as pedigree lines were established. In turn, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the ancestral breeds for other bully breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
2. These Dogs Were Bred for Bullbaiting
Before the modern era, laws did little, if any, to protect animals from cruelty. One popular blood sport in Great Britain was bullbaiting, where a bull was tied up and then forced to fight against dogs with the intention of attacking and killing the cattle. While this occurred, people would gamble money to see which animal remained victorious. This terrible sport was enjoyed by both royal elites and the lower classes. Sometimes, other animals were used, including bears, lions, wolves, and even hyenas and monkeys. This, in fact, is how the “bull” portion was incorporated into this breed’s name, along with other bully breeds.
Bully breeds were also popular for use in dog fighting, another horrible sport where two dogs are pitted against each other to fight, often to the death. Dogs were often bred for “gameness,” which meant that they were bred for their ability and willingness to fight. As animal welfare laws were enacted in 1835 in Great Britain, such blood sports were outlawed. Unfortunately, illegal dog fighting still occurs today, with bully breeds being favored over other dogs.
3. These Are “Bully” Type Dogs
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is what is known as a “bully breed”––a group of dogs sometimes also lumped together as “pit bulls.” It is important to note that some Staffie enthusiasts do not appreciate calling them pit bulls as these dogs do display differences. These canines can be distinguished by their stocky and muscular builds, short coats, and common ancestry. As mentioned earlier, most of these breeds are descended from the Old English Bulldog, which no longer exists in its original form.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are frequently misidentified as other breeds of bully breeds, especially the American Pit Bull Terrier which is related to the Staffie. American Pit Bull Terriers, while stocky in musculature, are taller in size than the Staffie, sporting longer legs and a leaner frame. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, meanwhile, have shorter legs and a rather stockier appearance.
Either or, bully breeds are subjected to breed-specific legislation (BSL) in many parts of the world, making them banned dogs in many areas. Breed-specific legislation is controversial, and many people debate whether aggression is the result of poor dog ownership or is natural to the breed’s standard.
4. This Breed Is Courageous and Affectionate
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a naturally courageous breed, yet is also affectionate towards people; in fact, this makes them rather ill-suited to guard property (though this would make them ideal as a guard dog for people). The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an intelligent breed with a courageous and bold attitude. In general, Staffies are not pacifists by nature; if put in such a position, this dog will stand its ground and will fight back if needed.
While sporting this rather tough image, the Staffie is also a breed that craves affection from people, enjoying the companionship of its owners. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier also sports a high prey drive, which is very important to consider if you want to bring one home as a companion. As with all dogs of any breed or type, each Staffie has its own unique personality.
5. These Dogs Are Big Chewers!
Every Staffie owner must know that this breed loves to chew! It is a necessity to provide toys and treats for Staffies to chew on. If nothing is offered for your Staffie to chew on, you may end up having some chewed-up furniture, shoes, or other beloved items in your household! No matter how tough the materials used are, there is no such thing as an indestructible toy, though you’ll definitely want the strongest, most durable chew toys available.
One great toy is the classic rubber KONG. KONG toys come in a much stronger, more durable line sold in the market as KONG Extreme. KONG toys are great to keep your Staffie occupied, as they’ll have holes in which you can insert treats right inside! One very popular method is inserting peanut butter inside the toy and then tossing it into a freezer for a few hours.
Be sure to supervise your dog, being sure to inspect chew toys for signs of fracturing or otherwise becoming choking hazards. Also be sure to remove any small or sharp pieces to prevent bowel obstructions!
6. This Is a Generally Healthy Breed
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog breed that doesn’t suffer much from breed-specific issues. However, like other dogs, Staffies can be susceptible to typical health disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia and luxating patellas.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the hip or elbow joints of your dog don’t fully develop properly and in turn, causes the joints to not fit in place. This can cause pain and discomfort for your dog, and if left unchecked it can lead to lameness and arthritis.
Luxating patellas, meanwhile, occur when your dog’s knee joints slip out of place. The slippage may cause your dog to limp. This is often seen in smaller dogs, but Staffies are prone to this problem as well. Usually, luxating patellas are a mild issue and can be remedied through a management plan (just like dysplasia issues), but in severe cases, your dog may need surgery.
Staffies are also prone to eye issues. Juvenile hereditary cataracts (JHC) are one such problem that this breed is susceptible to. While many dogs may develop cataracts as they slowly age, this condition causes cataracts to form early in life, causing permanent blindness. Responsible breeders will frequently screen for this genetic disorder.
The Staffie is also rather sensitive to heat and should not be subjected to the outdoors for long periods during hot temperatures.
As with all other dog breeds, taking your dog to a vet regularly is important to detect any early onset issues that could potentially become worse if not targeted right away.
7. Grooming Is Relatively Easy
When it comes to grooming, maintaining the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an absolute breeze. This dog has a smooth, short coat that is very easy to clean should your companion ever get into any messy situations. A rubber curry or bristle brush will suffice for an occasional brushing session to remove any shedding hairs present on your Staffie. Unless your dog is really dirty, bathtime can be carried out every few months. Though its coat is easy to maintain, the short coat may make your dog susceptible to fleas and ticks!
As with other dogs as well, it is vital to brush your Staffie’s teeth around two to three times a week, though brushing them daily is highly recommended. Dental chews can be offered, but cannot fully replace brushing teeth themselves. Clipping your dog’s nails every few weeks should also be done to prevent discomfort. Cleaning your Staffie’s ears should also be done every so often to keep them from becoming smelly or infected.
8. This Breed Isn’t for Beginners
While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a charming breed with a playful disposition toward its owners, this breed is not recommended for beginners. The Staffie is headstrong and while intelligent, this dog can be rather stubborn. Early training and socialization are a must for the Staffie, along with a balance of patience, consistency, and a general understanding of the breed. While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being a great family dog, it should not be left unattended with small children. Children should also be taught how to respect the dog to prevent future issues from arising.
While the Staffie is affectionate towards humans, this canine has a strong prey drive and may need supervision around cats and other animals, even dogs. Some suggest even keeping the Staffie as the only pet in the household, though as mentioned earlier, each dog is different. Supervision is highly advised.
The Staffie also requires lots of exercise and can become destructive if not given any outlets to release their energy. While long walks are a must, allowing your dog to run around in a secure, fenced-in yard would be appreciated by your Staffie. These dogs can live in an apartment setting, provided their exercise and training needs are met.
If you want to bring a Staffie home, be sure to purchase from a reputable breeder or a rescue group. If a place seems shady, avoid them at all costs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for genetic health issues and will also strive to ensure that the puppies they produce will go into proper homes. Also, be aware of your local laws, as this breed may be subject to breed-specific legislation (BSL) laws. Provided with the right owner, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be a loving companion that while stubborn and headstrong, this dog will come back for lots of affection.
