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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier
History:

Country/Date of Origin: England/1800s

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which was bred for the sport of dog fighting, -is a 19th Century variety of a much older bull and terrier cross. After bullbaiting was abolished in England, a smaller, faster dog was created by crossing the bulldog with more agile terriers. The outlawing of dog fighting did not wipe out the breed, it merely went underground. Sad to say, illegal dog fighting continues to this day. The ruffian street fighter was not granted the respectability of Kennel Club registration in England until 1935 and it took decades for the American Kennel Club to acknowledge it. In 1975 the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier competed in a U.S. dog show. Today, the fire and fight remain but the show dog's temperament has been refined so that it makes a fine family pet.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Bull and Terrier

AKC Group: Terrier

Breed Club: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Of America

Rescue Club: Northern Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Body Type:

  • A medium sized, heavy-set dog that gives the appearance of power and strength combined with athletic ability
  • Often confused with the larger American Staffordshire Terrier which has cropped ears
  • Height: 14-16 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 24-38 pounds
  • Rose or half pricked ears are not altered
  • The medium length tail is not altered and is carried downward

Personality:

  • Quarrelsome with other dogs but surprisingly gentle towards his humans. Must be supervised around other animals and strangers
  • Loyal and devoted
  • A courageous and determined watchdog that fears no human or animal

Coat:

  • Smooth and close to the skin
  • Numerous colors and combinations of colors allowed: red, fawn, white, black, blue or any of these colors in combination with white, or brindle with or without white. Black and tan and liver are not allowable colors in the show ring
  • Easily groomed at home

Health Concerns:

  • Generally very healthy
  • Mast cell tumors have been reported as a genetic problem
  • Cataracts
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Puppies must be socialized and trained at an early age to discourage headstrong behavior and aggression toward other dogs
  • Often confused with the more aggressive temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Gentle with family and children and nicknamed the "Nanny Dog"