Each dog develops their personality from that puppy stage and into adulthood. This is no different with Staffordshire Bull Terriers. That being said, you might be wondering what can you expect from their temperament and personality traits.
Our guide will help outline the different Stafford Bull Terrier temperament and personality traits you can anticipate seeing in this breed.
Despite its tough-looking appearance, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s personality couldn’t be more different. With the right amount of affection, care and socialisation in a loving household, the Staffy can be the perfect addition to any home.
Here are some of the personality traits that make this dog so loveable.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often nicknamed the ‘nanny dog’ because of its reputation as being highly affectionate to children and acting as both their playmate and guardian.
Generally, due to their stocky build and gruesome history, people often think Staffies are naturally aggressive. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, as studies have shown there is no heightened aggression in this breed compared to other non-Staffordshire bull terriers.
As a dog breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is intrinsically a lover, not a fighter – despite the unsavoury past use of the dog breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) regards these dogs as docile, which also makes them incredibly easy to train.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is full of love and affection. They are also a highly active breed, making them ideal dogs for family members who want to go outside and play.
When it comes to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier temperament, they’re really no different to any other dogs when it comes to being a part of a family, and they can adapt to just about any household as long as they’re given the proper training and loving care.
If you’ve already got other dogs in your home, you needn’t worry about bringing home a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as they can get along well with various dogs.
As long as their introductions are supervised, and the dogs get on with each other in their initial meetings, you should have no trouble with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier being part of a group of dogs or living with another dog.
It’s crucial to socialise these dogs as early as possible to ensure they get along with kids and other pets.
Regarding a Staffy’s behaviour towards other pets, such as cats, this breed should have no problem living in harmony as they are introduced early in the puppy’s life.
Training is vital when it comes to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. With early socialisation and training, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will do perfectly well in an environment with kids.
However, as with any other dog, you should never leave them alone with your kids. No owner can guarantee that their dog won’t harm a child, even if the owner trusts their dog 100%.
It’s saddening that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often met with so much apprehension because, at their core, they’re very soft-natured dogs. Whilst they can be very high-energy and manic one minute, they can be easily submissive the next. Many people love Staffies, including those in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.
With many excitable behaviours combined with other people’s pre-conceived attitudes, this can often cause problems with other dogs and their owners.
However, like any dog, a good level of commitment to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and obedience training can help ensure they are well-behaved.
In cases where an adult dog has been given up for adoption, it’s worth asking about what previous history the dog has. You don’t want to bring a dog into the wrong environment where problems can occur.
Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers will do fine with being left alone, but like other dog breeds, it’s essential to provide the proper training.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier that’s been given separation training over time will be fine being left alone for a few hours. Try to ensure you do this training from puppyhood up until adulthood.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an average barker, making them a good choice for those who don’t want a yappy dog.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a very active dog, so it may not be suitable for all households. Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers enjoy getting plenty of exercise both in and outside the home.
If you’re considering getting a puppy or an adult dog, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a great choice. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is kind, loving and affectionate – not a monster as it is often wrongly thought to be.
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