Dog Breeds 101: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Dog Breeds 101: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Image To Repin / Share
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An English dog by origin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is considered to be the world’s fifth most popular dog breed. The breed’s ancestors were bred in the past for baiting bulls – hence the name. Thankfully this barbaric sport was outlawed long ago – but the dog breed lived on as a pet. From mere bull baiting dogs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is now a well-loved, wonderful companion in homes around the world. They are also popular in agility, obedience, and show rings.

At the peak of the dogfighting sport in the early 19th century, Bulldogs were crossed with various terriers to create lighter, faster fighting dogs. These were named Bulldog Terriers or “Bull and Terriers”. These dogs were the origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which weighed around 30 to 45 pounds. ^[1]

Eventually, the Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1935. It was only in 1974 when the breed was admitted to the American Kennel Club registration.

According to the American Kennel Club, the breed comes in a variety of colors such as brindle, black, blue, white, fawn, and solid red. The Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smooth and short-coated dogs that boast an impressive level of strength. Also, they possess a muscular build, well-boned legs, and well-muscled hindquarters. Most of the time, the breed is agile and active.

More than for its powerful appearance, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is loved by fanciers because of its amazing personality. They sometimes appear intimidating due to their stocky build, but in reality, these dogs are known for their fondness for people. They normally express their affection through licking, nuzzling, pawing, and jumping up. They are very affectionate dogs that possess a great combination of keen intelligence and admirable sense of humor. ^[2] Nonetheless, they are still known for their obedient and courageous nature.

Also, the breed is noted for its immense fondness and affection towards children. In 1996, Southampton University published research revealing that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is among the top 10 dog breeds that suit families with children. ^[3]

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also known for its tenacity, as well as its bold and fearless personality. Also, they are noted for their trustworthiness and loyalty to their owners. They are the type that willingly becomes a member of the family. However, sometimes, they may exhibit undesirable behaviors such as aggression towards strangers and so good training and care is required.

For first time owners, keeping several dogs of this breed is not highly recommended because this dog requires lots of attention. Each dog can consume a lot of time for their individual interaction which is essential for their growth and development. However, it is worth noting that puppies of this breed are relatively easy to train.

According to a survey conducted by the Kennel Club in the UK, the median lifespan of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is estimated to be around 12.75 years.