Forget what you think you know about English Staffordshire Bull Terriers - they’re absolute sweethearts who just want to be wherever their family are, whether that’s enjoying a run on the beach or cuddling into a comfy lap at the end of the day. Known for their loyalty, distinctive laugh, playfulness, and goofiness, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are easy to care for and make fantastic family pets - they adore children. Good training, early socialisation and daily energetic exercise are key to a healthy, happy Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Facts
Powerful, muscular dogs, the English Staffordshire Bull Terriers pour a lot of strength into a medium size. With medium-eyes that sparkle with intelligence and affection, their sleek, short coat comes in many colours, including red, fawn and brindle.
- Breed Group: Terrier
- Height: Female: 35-40cm, Male: 35-40cm
- Weight: Female: 10-15kg, Male: 12-17kg
- Life Span: 12-14 years
- Coat: Short, smooth
- Colour: Various including black, blue, and red
What Does a English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Look Like?
Originally bred to be fighting dogs, an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is quite short, stocky and very muscular, giving them a strong and powerful look. Their heads are broad, with a short muzzle, huge grin and bright eyes that show their intelligence and loyalty.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have sleek, short coats that come in a variety of colours, including black, blue and red.
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament: Big Softie
Sweet, gentle, loving, loyal and hilarious - with characteristics like this, an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier will become your BFF in no time! Clowns in dog form, Staffordshire Bull Terriers love to make you laugh - get them excited enough and they’ll even ‘laugh’ themselves. They’re suckers for attention and will fall in love with everyone they meet, especially children.
These smart, energetic dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, making them ideal for active families. They’ll run alongside you, catch whatever ball you throw, enjoy a daily walk and sniff, and impress you with their enthusiasm for training.
When they’re done expending their (lots of) energy, they love nothing more than snuggling down with you and the fam. Expect contented snores as you spend the night together in front of your favourite show.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies will adapt easily to being one of many pets, with the right training and socialisation. Adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs can be possessive (they’re really devoted to their humans) so suit being an only dog, or need to be trained and socialised to help them become the friendly, loveable dogs they so badly want to be.
Keeping English Staffordshire Bull Terriers Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
Originally designed to be fighting dogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are hardy, healthy dogs. But like all breeds, they have a tendency to experience some health issues. Here’s what to be aware of.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common. It happens when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. You can spot it in your Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog if they limp, struggle to stand, sit in odd positions or make popping sounds when they move. Make an appointment with your vet who can diagnose it with an exam and x-ray. Depending on how bad it is, your Staffordshire Bull Terrier may need surgery. It can also be treated by weight loss, medication and physical therapy.
Hereditary Cataracts
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are at relatively high risk of developing cataracts while they’re young. Although they might be born with healthy-looking eyes, they can start to develop cloudy lenses (cataracts) when they’re a few months old. This is a known condition for Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs, so breeders should do genetic testing on their breeding dogs to make sure it’s not passed on. If you’re buying a puppy from a breeder, they should be able to prove that they’re cataract-free.
L2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria
A hereditary metabolic disorder, L2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2-HGA) is rare but Staffordshire Bull Terriers can carry it. It can cause a range of symptoms, from behaviour changes like anxiety and a lack of energy through to severe things like tremors and seizures. Some symptoms can be treated with medication but the best way to avoid it is by using a trusted breeder who tests their breeding dogs for it.
Skin Issues
With a short, smooth coats that are close to their skin, Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs can be prone to skin issues. These are normally caused by environmental allergens, like grass, pollen, mould or dust. Watch for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog itching, licking their paws or getting recurring ear infections. You can manage skin issues yourself by washing them with medicated shampoo, opting for additive-free food and limiting their exposure to allergens - a play in recently cut grass might not be the best option! Have a chat to your vet if nothing seems to help.
Caring for Your English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog
If you’re looking for a dog with low-key needs, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier could be right for you. They don’t have extensive grooming needs, are light shedders and will happily eat whatever you give them. Although you will need to be prepared to spend lots of time with them everyday - they’ve got heaps of energy and love attention!
Grooming
With their short, smooth coats, Staffordshire Bull Terriers don't shed much and don't have many grooming needs. You won’t need to take them to the groomers, but a weekly brush they'll love due to having all of your attention. They’ll do well with monthly baths or a wash whenever they’ve been rolling in mud.
Like all dogs, keep their nails short by trimming them at least monthly, brush their teeth daily to ward off decay and clean their ears regularly to get rid of wax and dirt which can lead to ear infections.
Nutrition
Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs aren’t known for being picky eaters - they’ll probably happily chomp down on whatever food you put in front of them. Make sure it is high quality, matches their life stage (puppy, adult or senior) and their activity level.
For puppies, start them off right with the Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry or Wet Food to support their growing bodies. Then transition to Royal Canin Medium Dry Food & Wet Food, which provides a specially-tailored formula to help boost the immune system and digestive health.
Because Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs have high training needs, you’ll find treats will be really useful in keeping them engaged and motivated. Treats count towards their daily calorie intake so make sure you’re not overfeeding them, which can lead to weight gain and put them at risk of health issues. Try the Royal Canin Educ Dog Treats, suitable for puppies and adults.
Exercise
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are bundles of energy. They love nothing more than playing and having fun, especially with you. Aim for at least 30 minutes of high-energy exercise twice a day. Think games of fetch, running alongside you when you bike or jog, or enjoying a tramp in the bush. Without this kind of outlet for their energy, they can become anxious and bored which can lead to unwanted behaviour, like chewing.
Oh and when you’re outside, make sure you use a strong lead. Staffordshire Bull Terrier prey drive is still really strong and they’re likely to take off after any passing creature. A harness may help when going on runs or tramps.
They don’t deal with the heat very well so try to avoid working them too hard in hot or humid weather.
Training Your English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Training your Staffordshire Bull Terrier is key to having a well-behaved, sociable pup. Originally bred to fight, most Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs still have a strong prey drive. Good training will help them control these urges and this starts from when they’re a puppy or as soon as you bring them home. Clear, consistent training helps them learn the rules and always stick to them.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs normally love training thanks to their smart and energetic nature and their willingness to please you. Start socialising them early - take them on walks in your neighbourhood or enrol them in puppy school. Experienced trainers can help you maximise your dog training - find your local here.