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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

From his brawling past, the muscular but agile Staffordshire Bull Terrier retains the traits of courage and tenacity.

Overall Status

Height 14 to 16 inches
Temperament Clever, Brave, Tenacious
Weight 24 to 38 pounds
Life Expectancy 12 to 14 years
Coat Color Black, Blue, Red, White
Barking Level Infrequent

Quick Factors

Playfulness
Dog Friendly
Exercise Need
Grooming Needs
Strangers Friendly
Family Affectionate
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Daily Care

Grooming Tips Exercise Tips Feeding Tips Health Tips Trainability

The Stafford has a short, smooth coat and his grooming needs are modest. Brush the coat a couple of times a week to keep shedding to a minimum. Bathe him every three or four months or as needed if he’s dirty.

Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of infection, irritation, or wax build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if the dog does not wear down the toenails naturally.

History

Originating in Staffordshire, England over a hundred years ago, the dog was originally bred out of Bulldogs and smaller terriers like the Manchester Terrier – thus giving the dog its entirely appropriate name of “Staffordshire Bull Terrier.” As Bulldogs could not be used for dog fighting in those days, a new breed with similar tenacity was required, but after dog fighting was made illegal outright, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier lived on as an excellent worker and companion dog.

The Staffords evolved from those early bull and terrier crosses. They were popular with working men, in particular, coal miners in Staffordshire, England, who enjoyed pitting them against each other. That association with fighting meant that breed recognition did not come quickly for them, even though dog fighting had been outlawed in 1835. It wasn’t until a century later that England’s Kennel Club recognized the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in 1975.

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