Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A Courageous And Loyal Companion!

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the north of England in the county of Staffordshire for which it is named. It is generally believed that the Staffie resulted from the cross breeding of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and various other terriers, and traces its history back to around the 17th century.

Although historically connected with bull and bear baiting and dog fighting, some 150 years ago, both its size and demeanor have significantly changed over this many years.

While the SBT may still be a bit more dog-aggressive, which should be balanced by plenty of socialization, it should not be misconstrued that this trait is directed towards humans.

Quite the contrary - fighting dogs of old were culled if they showed any aggression toward people to ensure that this trait would not be carried over to the next generation.

Today's SBT, not to be confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier, is frequently seen competing in dog shows, where he is a popular and able contender in agility, obedience, flyball, and conformation.  While the Am Staff has a similar appearance, he is slightly taller and heavier than the SBT.

The Staffie was first seen in the U.S. around the end of the 19th century. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1974.

Appearance and Grooming

Grooming

The Staffie has a smooth short coat that lies close to the body.

It is easy care as far as maintenance, requiring only a weekly brushing. The Ionic Brass Boar Brush is the ideal brush to smooth the coat, distribute the natural oils and keep it shiny while removing dander and debris. During the warm summer months, make use of a flea comb in the routine as this type of coat is more likely to attract fleas.

Shedding is minimal except during times of seasonal coat changes when it will be heavier and in need of a bit more attention.

Inspect the nails regularly and clip as needed. Carefully clean the ears of excess wax and debris to prevent infections.  Brush teeth daily, or as often as possible, with a dog toothbrush and a paste formulated for dogs - such as Petrodex. 

Characteristics of the SBT

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that is exuberant about everything he does. He plays, works, loves and lives life to the max, and he does it with a sense of humor.

Long gone is the fierceness this breed needed for fighting. He has, however, retained the best of his early attributes - those of courage, loyalty and devotion, affection and reliability.

He has an endearing personality and is treasured by many as a trustworthy and obedient companion.

On the flip side, there's a wee bit of terrier stubbornness when it comes to training. What works best with SBTs is patience and persistence - never harshness. They respond best to friendly persuasion!

But make no mistake about it, they are intelligent and owners will be delighted with how much they can learn.

Puppy classes with seasoned instructors are recommended, as is early socialization with other dogs to balance out any sign of dog aggressiveness.

Health of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

While the SBT is considered a generally healthy breed, there are incidents of the following diseases that may affect them:

• Hip Dysplasia: A genetic joint disease that results from the malformation of the hips and is characterized by joint weakness, stiffness, and pain caused. It can be managed or treated with pain medication or if severe, surgery may be advised.

• Elbow Dysplasia: A common cause of front leg lameness. More specifically, an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, rapidly growing dogs. Signs of elbow dysplasia appear in puppies 4 to 10 months of age.

• Patella Luxation aka Slipping Kneecap: As the name implies, this involves a dislocation of the kneecap to varying degrees and is usually an inherited defect and more common in toy or smaller breeds. Responsible breeders will screen more than one generation of parents for this condition, before breeding, as well as the resulting puppies, before they are offered for purchase. An early sign of Patella Luxation is limping.

• Hereditary juvenile cataracts: Juvenile Cataracts, or any cataract, is a loss of transparency of the lens. Juvenile cataracts occur between six months to six years of age and involve both eyes, but not necessarily at the same time. Some cataracts can be treated by surgery. 

• L-2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria: A metabolic disorder resulting in progressive neurological deterioration.

The National Breed Club recommends the following evaluations:

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Hips: X-rays evaluated by OFA or PennHip
• Elbows: X-rays evaluated by OFA
• Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
• L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) (L-2-HGA) - DNA Test
• Hereditary Cataracts (HC, JC) - DNA Test

Responsible breeders will survey these areas and have the available tests carried out to evaluate potential breeding stock as part of a health evaluation and to prevent hereditary conditions being passed along. 

With the benefit of good care, a high quality diet and regular check-ups with a veterinarian, pet parents can expect to enjoy their Staffie for up to 15 years.

Activity Level 

This breed is very energetic and needs to be thoroughly exercised on a daily basis and always on a leash. Outdoor activities are excellent for both mental an physical stimulation.

Runners and joggers will find the SBT very able to keep the pace when they have been gradually accustomed to the activity.

Ideal Living Space

Provided sufficient exercise is given, the SBT is adaptable to apartment life as well as a house.

A secure outdoor area for play, training and necessary breaks, is always the ideal.

The Staffie With Children?

Has an excellent reputation with children, being especially affectionate with them.

Best with children, who have been taught how to handle pets with respect while establishing leadership with them. Smaller children might find the Staffie too exhuberant.

As with any breed of dog, we recommend that owners always have an adult present when pets and children are interacting.

With Seniors?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, although extremely loving and devoted, is most likely too active for seniors or families that prefer a more sedentary life style.

Find a Staffie to Buy or Rescue

The links below will help you find a puppy or a rescue to adopt. The rescue fee listed at the Staffie club is $400, as of 2025.  A cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder will vary depending on the lineage, breeder reputation, and AKC registration etc., - in the region of $1,200 to $2,500.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America - Breeder Directory

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America - Rescue

https://marketplace.akc.org/puppies/staffordshire-bull-terrier

Breed clubs in your local area as well as shelters may be able to provide leads.

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Further Reading

Detailed well-written Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers including how to choose a puppy and what it's like to own the breed, training and avoiding mistakes, grooming, health care, and senior care.  This book will answer all your questions and includes much history about the breed.

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