Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

13-17 kg

Height

36-41 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

Originating from England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a fairly new breed in comparison to some that have existed for centuries.

While they were created to be small fighting dogs, they’ve been transformed into nurturing companions who are more than eager to shake off the misconceptions that are often made about this breed. In fact, they perform well in dog sports such as obedience training, are loyal and affectionate family companions, and have even developed a reputation as “nanny” dogs.

They’re lovingly referred to as a Staffies for short, and are often found in the care of rescue centres and shelters. It’s important to adopt where you can, as this breed deserves a lot of love. With the right training, care and attention, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will become a member of the family in no time at all.

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What is the history & origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The Staffy shares a common ancestor – the Bulldog – with the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the American Put Bull Terrier. These early Bulldogs were crossbred with local terriers to produce a smaller, agile, and fierce fighting dog – what would eventually become the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

While this breed was developed in 19th century England for the dog fighting ring, they are actually very gentle and friendly towards humans. The decline of dog fighting coupled with breed enthusiasts’ efforts, shifted the breeding focus from aggression to temperament, leading to the loving and loyal dog we know today.

The breed was eventually recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1974.

What is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club describes the Staffy (or Stafford as they’re commonly known), as a purebred shorthaired dog of medium size and muscular build.

When it comes to temperament, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a delightful blend of courage and affection. Though they bear a history of aggression, modern Staffies are notably gentle, loyal, and endearing. Their playful disposition endears them to families, forming deep bonds with their human companions. While inherently protective, with the right training and early socialization, they can exhibit exemplary behavior.

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Colours

Who is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier best for?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a breed that thrives in a loving environment. These dogs are fiercely loyal and form strong bonds with their humans, making them excellent companions for households that can provide consistent attention and interaction.

Due to their background, Staffies benefit immensely from early socialization and training, so they’re especially well-suited for experienced dog owners who can offer firm yet gentle guidance.

Their playful nature and moderate energy levels also make them a fantastic choice for families with older children, provided interactions are always supervised. However, potential owners should be prepared for the breed’s protective instincts; while they are typically affectionate and friendly, a Staffy’s loyalty can translate into wariness around unfamiliar people or animals.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Like other bully breeds, Staffies have a short and smooth coat that is close to the skin.

The colours of the coat will typically come in black, white, blue, red, fawn and brindle. Shedding is fairly minimal, and therefore a weekly brush is all that’s needed to keep them nice and presentable. Bathe as needed.

As far as other grooming habits to practice, we’d recommend trimming nails as needed and brushing teeth daily if possible. Check the ears for any dirt and debris. Be sure to do all this from a young age, so they get used to it.

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terriers Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark a lot?

While Staffies aren’t excessive barkers, they can often be quite vocal in the other sounds they produce, ranging from snorts and grunts to snoring.

What is the average weight & height of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog?

Males:

Height: Approximately 36 to 41 cm (14 to 16 inches)
Weight: Roughly 13 to 17 kg (28 to 37 lbs)

Females:

Height: Typically around 33 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches)
Weight: About 11 to 15.4 kg (24 to 34 lbs)

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Size & Weight Chart

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers easy to train?

Training is critical with any dog breed. This breed is an intelligent one, so they’ll learn fairly quickly. However, they can be quite stubborn, so it’s important to have patience and be firm when needed. Begin from an early age and seek our help and advice from professionals as needed.

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Staffordshire Bull Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

From a young age, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is energetic and keen to get involved in everything that your household does. The temperament of this breed is stubborn but curious, courageous and sometimes tough.

They’re protective of their family, but attentive to people outside of the home as well, so they’ll definitely want to meet new guests. Early socialisation is key for them to behave appropriately around humans and other dogs. It’s worthwhile having guests over regularly and going to busy parks or areas that allow dogs.

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have any common health issues?

Staffies are fairly healthy dogs, but they can be subject to some health conditions due to their breeding.

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint, leading to pain and arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: A developmental issue where the bones that form the dog’s elbow grow unevenly.
Patellar Luxation: A common issue where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its natural position in the groove of the thigh bone.
Skin Allergies: Often manifested by itching, scratching, hair loss, and sores.
Cataracts: Hereditary cloudiness of the lens that can appear early in life and potentially lead to blindness.

Regular veterinary check-ups and awareness of these issues can help in early detection and management.

Learn more about: Common Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The average lifespan of a Staffie is 12-14 years.

How much does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Boutique diets such as raw or grain-free food should be avoided due to risk of infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Fresh water should always be available.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Australia?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers will usually set you back between $1,500 all the way up to $5,000 in some cases. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Learn more about: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Prices In Australia

Staffordshire Bull Terrier FAQs

Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the same as a Pitbull?

“Pitbull” is not a breed itself but a term often used to describe a type of dog that includes several breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Staffies are different from these breeds, but are part of the same general bull-type terrier group.