The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a popular dog breed, especially in northern europe. The muscular, medium sized dog has a very interesting history, originally bred as fighting dogs used in blood sports in England. But after a century of domestication – they’re really not as aggressive and menacing as they look. Some, including me, whose been really interested in the breed for the past few years, would argue they make for great family dogs.
The dog’s physical appearance and playful attitude makes them quite the popular dog breed in certain countries. Obviously they’re popular in England, but even according to Aftenposten, one of the major norwegian newspapers, the staffie was the most popular dog breed in the capital, Oslo, in 2019.
The Staffordshire bull terrier is a playful dog for life. It is often referred to as a family dog, although the fighting dog instincts can be triggered in confrontation with other dogs. The dog breed is especially caring around children, and likes to be petted and played with. Due to their playful and energetic nature, staffies require both physical activity and behavioural training to reach its full potential as a family dog. In regards to nutrition, you should provide high-quality foods, not provide too many treats and educate yourself on foods that are harmful to dogs. Always ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice.based on your veterinarian’s advice.
Dog food and nutrition
As a dog owner, you should always provide high-quality food based on your veterinarians advice. For healthy dogs, you’re usually adviced to provide high quality foods specific for their age. But these things differ, and some dogs have underlying issues, so please consult your veterinarian.
Treats are usually a big part of training, but beware of keeping your dog at a healthy weight, typically in the range of 14-18 kg. If you’ve never owned a dog before, also educate yourself on foods that might be harmful, i.e. chocolate should not be provided at all. Even small amounts can be damaging.
History of the Staffie
All dog breeds have an exciting history. After all.. They were once wolves. Since then, humans have taken dogs and domesticated them to be more suitable for family life – and especially children. Luckily, they’re usually very good around kids.
The bitter truth: Dogs have a relatively short life cycle. This makes it possible for humans to change a dog breed significantly in just a few generations.
Queen Victoria (the first) bred dogs that could go to battle against larger animals such as bears and oxes. This disgusting practice resulted in numerous dogs being trampled to death, and some were successful in their efforts against the larger animals. Afterwards, the general public also became interested in this kind of twisted entertainment – popularly known as blood sports.
The staffordshire bull terrier was recognized as a dog breed by the British Kennel Club in the 1930s, and by the American Kennel Club in 1974.
Originally used as fighting dogs
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred as a fighting dog, to be able to participate in macabre fights, against bulls and other animals. England has a history of blood sports and betting, naturally leading to Staffordshire Bull Terriers and other breeds becoming a natural part of this grotesque form of entertainment.
Staffies are the result of crossbreeding the muscular old english bulldog with the ferocious old english terrier. The goal back then was to create a more all-rounded breed suitable for blood sports. After the disgusting sport was outlawed in 1835, and again in 1911, the Staffie became mostly used as a family pet. Although illegal blood sports were still going on, the breed became more domesticated, calmer and suitable for family life.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s personality
Staff is usually a playful, energetic and playful dog throughout its lifetime, of course with some exceptions, including age- and health related issues. But mostly, they’re very excited to meet new people, and from personal experience, very excited and up for activities at all times. It is you as the owner’s responsibility to not overwork them, because they won’t quit the game or the walk unless you hang up the gloves!
It is often referred to as a family dog, although the fighting dog instincts can be triggered in confrontation with other dogs. Staffies are especially caring around children, and crave both petting and a decent amount of physical activity. With their playful demeanour and high energy levels, they can be challenging to keep calm, but with solid and stern training in their youth they can be trained very well.
According to the American Kennel Club, their personality scores high on trainability, energy and mental stimulation needs. And although they’re not necessarily the loudest of loudmouths, they can be triggered to bark from time to time. Once again, it’s important to train them well during their first years.
Like all other dog breeds, the Staffie doesn’t suit everyone. They require not only care and love, but also a decent amount of exercise to expend the energy it has so much of. This shouldn’t be a problem for a lot of people, just take your friend with you on a daily walk and play around from time to time to keep it happy and fulfilled. Get some toys and you’re good to go!
Physical activity
For the dog to be gentle and compliant, physical activity is very important. It is not naturally built to be able to run on a leash on longer bike rides, as there are other breeds that are excellent for those kinds of exercise. On the other hand, it is always nice to take your dog out for a walk, whether you live near a mountain, forest or other natural hiking trails.
If you want to let your dog activate it’s muscles, it is very strong, and a lot of people train it by letting it pull heavier objects over a certain length. Pull- or dragging-toys are great ways to let it release energy. Of course, make sure that the dog does not work itself too hard, as it usually doesn’t give up before the body does. Different forms of agility-related exercises can be challenging and exciting ways for the dog to unfold.
Appearance
In appearance, it is quite the muscle bundle of a dog. Even female staffies carry a lot of muscles, which makes both females and males suitable for various activities such as; trekking and agility
Weight and size
Staffies are usually around 14-18 kg and 36-41 cm tall. The males can get a little heavier, and the females are usually in the lower range. These are the standard ranges, and of course some staffies can be both lighter and heavier. But make sure to keep your dog at an healthy weight, neither under- or overweight.
Staffordshire bull terrier is classified as a medium-sized dog. With relatively short legs, muscular upper body and a large head, it is still an athletic breed that can be used for agility training. Agility is pretty much parkour for dogs.
It is common and healthy to stretch the muscles gently, as it, like humans and other animal species, tends to become somewhat stiffer due to their extensive muscle mass.
Color
Staffies are usually red, black, white, fawn, brindle or blue. It is also quite usual they’re a combination of one or more of these colors.
Mood and mannerisms
Staffordshire is an energetic and lively dog with a good mood. It is moderately good at cooperation, and scores either low or mid-range for obedience, agility and hunting. But they can be trained very well.
Nevertheless, this will depend a lot on the owner, and if you are good at raising dogs, staff will not necessarily be a difficult breed to get used to and work with. However, it has some natural instincts, and it is very important to let it play with other dogs in the puppy phase. This ensures, or at a minimum, shows that it can be safe and sociable interacting with other dogs.
Interaction with other dogs
Staffies are brave, and often times foolishly so. They usually do not give in to provocation from other dogs. This is due to the natural instincts the breed has from its inception as a fighting dog. These natural instincts can and should be worked on.
Despite the fighting dog mentality, it is classified as a family dog. Although each dog is different, the vast majority have an understanding of, and rarely a desire to hurt children. They’re usually really good with kids, in fact. It is also described as a reliable and relatively calm dog when it is not active or triggered to play.
Naming convention
- Staffordshire bull terrier, staffordshire, stafford, staffie, staffy, staff
- Nanny dog
“Nanny dog” is of unknown origin. It is reasonable to think that the breed being particularly nanny-friendly is a myth. It is probably more so suited as a companion dog for relatively active people – regardless of career choice.
The most important thing is that the dog owner understands the responsibility it entails to own a dog that has long history of fighting deeply embedded in its DNA. For owners who choose the dog breed solely on the basis of the history and physical composition of the dog, you should probaby go with a gold fish instead.
