Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Also known as Staffie, Staffy
- Height at the withers
- 36 to 41 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 17 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Staffordshire, England
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A compact, muscular and stocky terrier with a broad head and a sturdy frame, known for its great strength, agility and courage, and for its affectionate nature with its family.
History and origins
Developed in the 19th century in Staffordshire, England. After bull-baiting was banned in 1835, bulldog and terrier crosses were used mostly for dog fighting and ratting. When these practices died out, breeders turned it into the affectionate, loyal companion it is today. The Kennel Club recognized it in 1935.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hereditary cataracts (HSF4)
- L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA)
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Staffordshire Bull Terrier FAQ
How big does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier get?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier stands 36 to 41 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 17 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Staffordshire Bull Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hereditary cataracts and l-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
