Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Info and Care
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also commonly known as the Staffordshire Terrier. These pups are immensely popular in the United Kingdom. They are best described as small “Pitbulls” that are excellent with children.
However, they thrive in homes where they are the only dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be very independent and stubborn but, at the end of the day, he is just a love machine!
History of the Staffordshire Terrier
Today, several canines belong to the Bully Breed group. However, they all stem from the original pooches that were once bred for Bull baiting in the 15th century. Bull baiting was once an unfortunate form of entertainment for the public. Those that closely resemble the original bull baiters are known today as Bulldogs. The creation of Pitbull Terrier canines developed by breeding Bulldogs with Terriers. The Staffordshire Terrier is one of the many resulting dog breeds.
Follow Bluestaffy On Instagram
Staffordshire Bull Terriers quickly became popular among working class men in Staffordshire, England. In fact, they are especially favorited by coal miners! They were used in the mines as well as forms of entertainment when they were pitted against one another. Eventually, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was accepted by England’s Kennel Club. However, the breed was not officially a member of the American Kennel Club until 1975.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will make a wonderful family pet in the right home. They can have a stubborn side which means that they will require an “alpha dog” (you) to guide them in the right direction. These pooches are highly intelligent, courageous, and tenacious and they have no shortage of affection for their humans. Their unwavering loyalty to their families makes them wonderful protectors. However, they are not as accepting of other dogs and will need close observation when at the dog park. It is important to mention that if a Staffordshire Bull Terrier begins training and socialization at an early age (during puppyhood) that he may accept other dogs just fine.
These pups love adventure and enjoy outings with family. However, they should always remain on their leash as they have an intense prey drive and could bolt after a squirrel in the blink of an eye.
Make sure that your Staffordshire Bull Terrier has access to toys that are sufficient for chewing as he loves to chew on things. Overall, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier makes a wonderful family companion that would also make an excellent playmate for children.
Caring for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Feeding
Owners of a Staffordshire Terrier should be prepared to offer him a balanced, healthy dog kibble. They will require a kibble that is high in protein as well as vitamins and minerals that can be found in vegetables or other sources. They should also be fed a kibble that is appropriate for their size, age, weight, and activity level. Adult Staffordshire Bull Terriers should be fed up to 3 cups of food each day spread out amongst three feeding times (i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner). However, if your veterinarian suggests another feeding instruction, then it is critical that you follow them.
Exercise
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are full of energy and will require plenty of exercise each day. They should be taken on a walk around the neighborhood at least once a day. Any other exercises, playtime, or training activities can be conducted in the safety of their own back yards.
You may also want to allow your pup to experience a dog park. This could be an excellent option for exercise as well as socialization. However, if your dog is not fond of other animals, then he should avoid dog parks.
Habitat Requirements
Staffordshire Bull Terriers may do very well living in an apartment or condo setting because they are friendly and rather quiet pups. However, you landlord may not allow them as they are believed to be aggressive fighting dogs. Find out what the breed specifications are on your lease before you adopt.
These pooches would do very well living in a single family home with a large fenced in yard. Single family homes would offer plenty of safe green space for playing, exercising, and relieving themselves. These are qualities that a canine should have in a home regardless of the type.
Training and Barking
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be stubborn which could make training difficult. That should not discourage owners to train and socialize their puppies. Proper socialization and training during puppyhood could mean the difference between a happy, accepting dog and a timid, fearful dog. Early training and socialization will also increase the chances of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier being accepting of other dogs, the family cat, as well as any human company that may visit. However, these pooches should never be left alone with other animals or children for the safety of everyone involved.
These pups are not known to bark without reason. In fact, they may only do so in an attempt to alert their owners of an intruder or dangerous situation. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be quite territorial of their families, and their property which may cause them to bark of their territory is being invaded. This is also a reason for the Staffordshire Terrier to be the only pet in the home.
Grooming
Grooming a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more about simple maintenance than it is about styling. Their coats are smooth and short which make grooming a breeze! You will need to brush them at least once a week to control their shedding and may want to do so more often during the warm months as they will shed more frequently. Bathing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier every couple months (or as needed) should suffice. The other grooming essentials may need to be done by a professional groomer. These include nail trimming, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and flea treatments.
Meet Ramsey: an Instagram sensation!
Ramsey is a blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier that has become an Instagram sensation! He is most commonly known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the biggest smile and almost 175, 000 Instagram followers! Ramsey’s owner, Jason Ashley, created an Instagram account for Ramsey in an attempt to show people “the true nature of the breed.” The pictures that are posted on Ramsey’s Instagram account show him in his everyday life (i.e. taking a walk, enjoying a bubble bath, and snuggling with his teddy bear).
Jason Ashley adopted Ramsey when he was eight weeks old, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Jason explains that Staffordshire Terriers, and Pitbulls are often seen as aggressive fighting dog breed. It is his goal to break these stereotypes down with Ramsey’s pictures.
10 Fun Facts about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- As mentioned earlier, the ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull (Pitbull) Terrier was originally bred to bait bulls. However, it is also believed that they were once used to bait bears as well!
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers may have an intimidating appearance and therefore be known for their fearlessness. However, they are also well-known for their unwavering loyalty to their humans!
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically stand 14 inches to 16 inches tall when they are fully grown. They may be considered short but, they are very muscular and strong!
- Bull and bear baiting were officially eliminated as a form of entertainment in 1835. Unfortunately, the dogs were then used to fight each other, often to the death. This is the main fact behind the bad reputation these dogs carry today. However, canines that belong to the Bully Breed group are more likely to lick someone’s face than to every attack without cause.
- 29% of the dogs that were taken to a rehoming facility in 2014 were Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes.
- One positive fact about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is that they are nicknamed “the nanny dog” across the United Kingdom. This is due to their unconditional love, affection, and protectiveness towards children.
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often thought to have “lock jaw” capabilities. This is a common myth amongst the Bully Breed group. The truth is that no dog is able to involuntarily “lock” their jaw. However, if they are commanded to attack an object, person or animal, then they will likely hold on to it until they are commanded to let it go. This is an unfortunate example of their loyalty to their humans.
- Most Staffordshire Bull Terriers will live up to 15 years old if they come from proper genetics and are cared for properly.
- These pups require a well fenced back yard. However, they have been known to jump over fences that are about 6 feet tall. Therefore, it is wise to provide a well built, very tall fence around their property.
- As previously mentioned, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was accepted to the Kennel Club in England in 1935. However, this was before the club was officially considered a “club.” This is highly unusual!