Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Temperament and Personality

While their stocky, muscular appearance might look menacing, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier temperament is actually very loving.

Affectionately called Staffies for short, they’re kind, sensitive pooches who absolutely adore people, and love nothing more than being surrounded by their loved ones. They’re loyal to the bone and are also extremely patient and gentle when it comes to little ones, earning them the nickname of ‘nanny dogs’. This, combined with their playful, spirited nature has made them a favourite choice for families with children.

However, these compact powerhouses do have a lot of energy and often don’t know their own strength, making them quite boisterous when they get excited. They need rigorous exercise and enjoy rough-and-tumble playtime with their owner, but will happily cuddle up to you on the couch after a full day of fun activities.

Often called ‘velcro dogs’, you’re likely to see a Staffy-shaped shadow by your side as you potter about the house, and you’ll definitely hear their hilarious snorts, snuffles, and yodels. But this constant need for company does mean they can suffer with separation anxiety. Being left alone for too long can lead to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house, so they need dedicated owners who want to spend lots of time with their pup.

When you’re out and about, expect your Staffordshire Bull Terrier to greet everyone they meet with a wagging tail and giant grin, but don’t expect the same for unknown dogs. This breed was originally bred to fight other dogs (back when blood sports were sadly a thing), which has led to a bad reputation that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is dangerous. They can be competitive and hostile towards dogs they don’t know, but they’re not inherently aggressive. It’s all about early, ongoing socialisation, and consistent training to ensure you raise a well-mannered pooch. 

So, if you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate best friend, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier could be the breed for you.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier paw-sonality traits

• Loyal and loving
• People-oriented
• Kind and affectionate
• Patient and gentle
• Good with children
• Social butterflies
• Courageous
• Confident
• Energetic and active
• Enthusiastic
• Eager to please
• Intelligent
• Quick learners
• Can be stubborn and strong-willed
• Can be reactive towards other dogs
• Prone to suffer from separation anxiety
• Needs lots of physical and mental exercise

Pros and cons

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Staffies are a wonderful choice for families. They adore human company and are incredibly playful and entertaining. However, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation each day – a walk around the block isn’t enough – so owners need to dedicate time for exercise and fun games to keep this pooch happy.

These dogs are prone to separation anxiety too, so they need someone who is going to be home most of the day to ensure they don’t become distressed and destructive.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with children?

Absolutely! Their love of children has given Staffies the nickname of ‘nanny dogs’, as they’re gentle, affectionate, and patient with little ones. However, they can sometimes be a bit boisterous and too enthusiastic sometimes, so care should be taken around toddlers who are easily knocked over.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with other pets?

It depends. If socialised well from puppyhood, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be okay with other dogs, but due to the breed’s origins, they’re best suited to being the only dog in the household. They were bred to fight other dogs, which can lead to competitive or hostile behaviour.

Also, the Staffy’s high prey drive doesn’t make them the best housemate for a cat either, but they can learn to live together if they’re well socialised and the introduction is done in a controlled manner

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Staffordshire Bull Terrier properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?

Full grown Staffordshire Bull Terriers need 1-2 hours of rigorous exercise a day, along with plenty of playtime and games. 

Due to their high prey drive, it’s recommended to keep them on a lead in busy areas, so you’ll need a safe, enclosed space to tire these pooches out. Always use a quality harness rather than just a lead around their collar, as the stocky Staffy is a strong puller. 

A thoroughly secure back garden is also a must, as Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very good at digging their way out under fences or scaling 6ft walls if they see a squirrel or another dog approaching their territory!

Along with daily walks in the park, you can help your Staffy burn off all their energy with long hikes through the woods, agility training, and fun games of tug-of-war in the living room. They’re super smart too, so they need lots of mental stimulation. Challenging toys, learning new commands, and scent work will ensure their brains get a good workout too.

A bored Staffy is a destructive one, so make sure they get the physical and mental exercise they need to stay happy.

How do you train a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are intelligent dogs who are quick to learn and eager to please, but they can have a stubborn streak and be a little headstrong. They also need lots of ongoing socialisation to help with their unease around other dogs.

However, with patience, consistency, and lots of paw-sitivity, training your Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be a highly rewarding experience.

Unleash your Staffy’s potential with some fun training tips: 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats such as our High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky.

2. Avoid harsh corrections. Use a firm but fair approach and avoid harsh corrections, as these will just hurt a Staffy’s self-esteem.

3. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial, starting from day one. Expose them to new people, dogs, smells and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines. 

4. Be consistent. If you let your Staffordshire Bull Terrier on the sofa one day, but not the next, this can become confusing, so make sure your commands are the same and the family is aligned with training.

5. Make it interesting! Staffies can lose focus quickly, so motivate them with fun toys to chase or tug at while teaching them important commands. 

6. Get them used to a lead. Stocky, muscular Staffies can be strong pullers, so they need to learn how to walk nicely on a lead and harness. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.

7. Engage in canine sports. Channel their high energy and exuberance into fun canine sports such as flyball, frisbee, and agility. This will give their brains and bodies a good workout.

8. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Staffy has a stubborn streak and may try to push the boundaries. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them to help your Staffy understand what's expected of them.

9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Staffies be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Staffordshire Bull Terriers need?

The short, smooth Staffy coat requires minimal grooming, which is perfect for time-poor pet parents. They shed moderately throughout the year though, with a heavy shedding period just before summer, so keep the vacuum cleaner on standby!

Here are some Staffy grooming tips to keep them looking splendid all year round.

• Brush once a week using a bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove dirt and any dead hairs.

• Bathe them occasionally or when needed using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky Staffy breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier lifespan is between 12–14 years. However, like all beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few health problems.

Common Staffordshire Bull Terrier health problems

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Staffy puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.

• Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC). This condition causes the eye lens to harden and become cloudy. While cataracts usually develops as a dog ages, those with JHC can be affected during their first year of life and become blind by the time they’re 2-3 years old. In some cases, corrective surgery can partially restore vision. A DNA test is available to check if pups carry the gene

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).This progressive neurological disorder can be a sign of old age in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. It causes dogs to become weak and eventually leads to complete paralysis in the back legs. There is no cure aside from palliative care.

• L-2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HGA). This is a genetic condition where dogs lack a particular enzyme that breaks down the hydroxyglutaric aciduria compound. The buildup of this compound leads to neurological issues such as brain damage, and there is sadly no cure. Signs include poor coordination, tremors, seizures, and behavioural changes. A DNA test is available to screen pups for this condition. 

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

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Food and nutrition

Feeding your Staffordshire Bull Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Staffy will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good suggestion for full grown Staffies is 2 times a day, ensuring they’re well fueled for all their activities. However, it’s vital they’re not overindulged, as carrying extra weight puts pressure on their joints and internal organs. 

The best food for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Due to the potential health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, too much calcium in their diet can actually cause developmental bone and joint issues. To get the balance of vitamins and minerals right, consider specially developed joint care dog food. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Try food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 

Protect their joints

Supplements containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Collagen (such as our Mobile Bones) provide extra protection against wear and tear – perfect to keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay. 

Look after their skin

Staffies are prone to itchy skin conditions, so consider adding Probiotics into their diet to support a healthy immune system and tackle inflammation. 

Monitor weight

A healthy Staffordshire Bull Terrier weight is anywhere between 11kg and 17kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as obesity in dogs can drastically reduce their quality of life.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Care for their coat

Staffies don’t need much grooming – a quick brush and a bath every now and then will do. But their short, glossy coat does make them susceptible to fleas and ticks, so speak to your vet about the best flea and tick prevention.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy?

The price of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can cost anywhere between £400 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is around £80.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training.

If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

All breeds are prone to a few health problems, so it’s highly recommended to purchase Staffordshire Bull Terrier pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose.

Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Staffordshire Bull Terrier even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite nanny dog!

• There’s quite a difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier Vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The ‘Amstaff’ is much larger, more protective, and more assertive than the UK Staffie.

• Ever heard of an Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier? They’re not a separate breed, but used to describe leaner Staffies with longer legs. It’s thought they might have come about by breeding Staffies with Lurchers. Another Staffy breed ‘type’ includes the King Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but again, it’s likely to be a crossbreed.

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers were used for bull baiting, which was a horrible blood sport where dogs were pitted against bulls in a ring. When this was outlawed, they were used for dog fighting, but thankfully this too was abolished in the late 19th century.

• Think the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a banned breed in the UK? Think again! Staffies are beloved family pets and aren’t listed as illegal in the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. However, Germany, Switzerland, and Bermuda Islands have outright banned the breed, while Spain, Ireland, and France have restrictions in place.

• A Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Boxer was the military mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment. Back in 1884 in Egypt, he was presumed dead after leaping from a moving train, but miraculously showed up to the camp days later having walked over 200 miles along the railway track. 

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers have very large jaws, with a bite force of 328 pounds per square inch (PSI). This can cause serious damage, but it’s nothing compared to the Kangal, a Turkish breed with a bite force of around 743 PSI. 

• They love to chew, so they need strong, durable chew toys to keep them satisfied.
  
  
• They’re known as ‘nanny dogs’ because they have such a gentle disposition and calm temperament when it comes to children. However, you shouldn’t take this to mean they can babysit your kids! All dogs should be supervised around children, no matter how friendly they might be.

• Staffies are exceptionally strong, despite being small in size. They can pull loads weighing hundreds of kilograms, despite being only 11-17 kg themselves.

• They get their name from the region where they bred in England; Staffordshire.

• You can get Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross breeds. A Staffie crossed with a Pug is called the Staffy Bull Pug, a Staffie crossed with a Chihuahua is called the Chi Staffy Bull, and a Staffie crossed with a Labrador is called the Labrastaff.

History and Origin

Originating in 19th-century England, Staffies were developed by a man named John Hinks, who wanted to create the ultimate fighting breed. It’s believed he crossed the Bulldog with the Black and Tan Terrier (or Manchester Terrier), and also introduced Border Collies into the mix later on. They were muscular, strong, tenacious, and agile, and were used in dog fighting and bull baiting. 

Despite their tough-guy image and horrific day job, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were popular family pets amongst the Victorian working class. As they were raised in small, cramped conditions with large families, they naturally developed to be loving and kind-natured towards people.  

Once these awful blood sports were finally outlawed in 1835, Staffies were given more useful jobs such as catching rats, but their reputation as a loyal and loving companion is what won everyone over. By the 20th century, Staffordshire Bull Terriers had traded the fighting ring for the family hearth, becoming one of the most popular breeds in the UK. 

Due to their gritty beginnings, it took a while for Staffies to get recognition from the Kennel Club, however in 1930, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was finally recognised as a breed. These small, affectionate, eager-to-please pooches have come a long way since their fighting days, and continue to steal the hearts of many all over the world.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

1. Research the breed. Staffies need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Staffy puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Staffordshire Bull Terriers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Staffies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.