Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

A compact, powerfully built terrier of 11-17kg from the English Midlands. It is one of only two breeds the Kennel Club describes as "totally reliable" with children, and it is simultaneously one of the most commonly abandoned dogs in Britain. Both facts are true and neither is the dog's fault.

History and origins

Bred in the Black Country in the early 1800s from bull and terrier crosses, originally for dog-fighting, which was banned in 1835. Breeders then selected hard against human aggression - a dog that bit its handler in the pit was culled - which is precisely why the breed is so extraordinarily people-friendly today. Kennel Club recognition came in 1935.

Appearance and size

35-40cm, wide-fronted, deep-chested and heavily muscled, with a broad head and half-pricked ears. Smooth short coat in red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle, and any of those with white. Black and tan and liver are faults. It is a medium-sized dog - a Staffie standing over 45cm or weighing over 25kg is very likely not a purebred Staffie.

Temperament and personality

Bold, funny, affectionate and physically demonstrative. They lean on people, sit on people, and grin. They are courageous rather than aggressive, and they do not generally back down, which is why the dog-to-dog side needs managing.

Intelligence and trainability

Willing and food-motivated, with a terrier's independent streak. They respond very well to reward-based training and very badly to force. Lead training and a solid recall matter more here than in most breeds, because an unmanaged 16kg dog with that much drive is a problem for everyone.

Children and other pets

Superb with children - genuinely, and this is the breed's defining quality. With other dogs it is different: same-sex intolerance is common, and it can appear at social maturity around two years old in a dog that was fine as a puppy. Prey drive towards cats and small animals is high. Neither is a reason to avoid the breed, but both need honest management.

Health problems

A healthy breed with three well-defined DNA-testable conditions:

• L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) - a neurometabolic disease. DNA test.
• Hereditary cataract (HC) - DNA test.
• Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) - eye examination.

Also: hip dysplasia (score the parents), patellar luxation, mast cell tumours at a slightly elevated rate, and skin allergies. Many are heat-sensitive despite not being flat-faced.

Daily care routine

An hour to ninety minutes of exercise, plus tug, flirt-pole or scent games - they need to use the body. Weekly nail trim. Check skin folds and armpits for allergic irritation.

Grooming and coat care

A rubber mitt once a week. That is the whole routine. They do shed, more than people expect from a short coat.

Exercise needs

60-90 minutes, with a decent proportion of it energetic. They are strong swimmers but sink easily if unfit - heavy muscle, low body fat. Avoid exercising in heat.

Feeding and diet

Two measured meals, £30-£45 a month. They build muscle readily and gain fat readily; keep the ribs findable.

Price

£500-£1,200 from KC-registered, DNA-tested parents. Staffies are also one of the most commonly available breeds in rescue, and an adult from a good rescue with a known history is an excellent option. Setup £300-£450; ongoing £70-£120 a month. Check your home insurance and tenancy - refusals are common and unjust, but they are real.

Buying advice

Ask for L-2-HGA and HC DNA certificates on both parents; these are cheap, definitive tests and there is no excuse for not having them. Confirm the parents are KC registered and correctly sized. Be wary of anything advertised as an "XL", "Irish" or "Exotic" Staffy - those are not Staffordshire Bull Terriers and may be a prohibited type.