<C>Weight:</C> 28 to 38 pounds (male); 24 to 34 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Small.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in nineteenth century England from crosses between Bulldogs and various terriers. The Staffordshire Bull was developed for the then-popular sport of dog-fighting. The breed's popularity waned as interest in the sport waned. Then, in the twentieth century, interest in the breed grew again, especially in the United States. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a dog for every family, but in the hands of a dominant experienced owner, can be a successful pet and family guardian.
<b>Description:</> A powerful and muscular dog, very strong for his size, with a broad head and very strong jaws. The muzzle is short and the cheek muscles distinct. The stop is clearly defined. The round eyes are brown and the nose, black. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are either rose or half-pricked. The neck is short and muscular. The front legs are spaced wide apart. Though rear dewclaws are generally removed, front dewclaw removal is optional. The short coat is soft, sleek and close. Comes in black, blue, fawn or brindle, often with white markings.
<b>Notes:</> English cousin of the American Staffordshire, but a bit smaller and therefore easier to control. Not recommended for most families. Although good with children from his own family, some Staffordshire Bull Terriers will threaten and attack friends if the family is not present. Can be difficult to housebreak. Originally used as a pit-fighting dog, this breed is very combative with other dogs. Do not allow off leash unless safe to do so. Needs firm, experienced handling and training. Prone to tumors and cataracts. Buy only from a reputable breeder or you may wind up with a very aggressive dog.
<b>Personality:</> Extremely courageous. Intelligent, yet willful. Very devoted to and protective of his family. Tenacious and agile. Usually good with other pets in the household, but may be very combative with dogs outside the family, especially dogs of his breed or related breeds. Do not leave unfamiliar children alone with these dogs.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Very wary of strangers; highly protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Very high.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Not generally trustworthy with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Short (under 10 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, guarding, agility, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
