Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an incredibly popular breed of dogs and has an incredibly large following. Much loved but also much feared and often misunderstood - the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an incredibly loyal and loving animal, one that can be incredibly gentle and docile at times.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are renowned for being incredibly good with children, and will often act more gently and less boisterous around youngsters than many other breeds will – giving them the nickname of nanny dogs. They really do seem to know that they need to be more gentle and less playfull than they otherwise would be.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: A Brief History

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was originally bred for bull and bear fighting in the early 1800's. Selective breeding of certain breeds of dogs bred the characteristics of what has resulted in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier we see today. Dogs were chosen for their aggressiveness, stamina, speed and willingess to fight (often to the death) for their owners.

This trait has since been left behind, and what is left is still that of an incredibly strong, loyal dog, but also a loving, gentle companion. One that simply adores meeting new people.

Attacks on people by Staffordshire Bull Terriers gain much media attention. These occurances are however rare, and probably occur no more than attacks caused by other breeds.

Unfortunately, because of the way we have bred these dogs, they can have a tendancy to fight with other dogs. Many Staffordshire Bull Terriers will be fine with most dogs, but if challenged, they will almost always rise to the occasion, and they are an incredibly powerful and fearless dog. Care must be taken when excercising this breed of dog. They must be kept under control at all times, and if out for run, it is important to have a lead handy.

It is also important to note that signs of aggression toward other dogs does not translate toward humans, that is to say that they are still more than likely to be completely trustworthy toward humans.

Features of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Commonly referred to as a big dog in a small package, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a short and incredibly lean dog. With broad muscular chest and shoulders with short legs and a gigantic mouth that gives the Staffordshire Bull Terrier the appearance that they are smiling at you. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is very athletic and agile, and will run around and jump over everything in sight til their hearts content.

The Staffords' tail should be straight and not bent, should be of short to medium length and not too long. Their body should narrow at the loins, and should have well defined, muscular hocks, their coat should be smooth and short–haired. Colourings are made up of black, white, brindle, red or blue. Any of these colours coupled with white is also common.

It is always a good idea to socialise your Staffordshire Bull Terrier from an early age. Local vets will often help with this by holding puppy parties. This enables the puppies to get used to being around other puppies, and helps to encourage a good temperament around other dogs.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers require a good amount of excercise, and love to chew! It is adviseable to provide a number of chew toys to keep the little one occupied. Nylabones are fantastic toys which are near indestructable, taste great, are not harmful and also aid oral hygeine!

Whatever people say about Staffies, they are a wonderful dog to own, who will give so much without needing much in return. But these dogs are sensitive, they love to be loved, and they love to give love. It is important that they are socialised, that they are kept responsibly and owners must be aware of these traits.