Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Categorized as a type of Pit Bull, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has overall good health, but they can be plagued with the usual health concerns that affect all dogs. For example, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not immune to the health concerns of heart disease, heartworms, and some kinds of cancer. But you can keep your pup happy and healthy with regular vet visits, a wholesome diet, and lots of exercise. You should also ask for a backlog of health records if you opt to adopt your Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Always check a breeder for a reliable reputation before you invest in a new pup.

Juvenile Cataracts

Hereditary, this type of cataract begins as a cloudy dot at the edge or in the center of the eye. Over time, that filmy lens spreads to encompass the entire eye, resulting in blindness. If one eye is affected, the other eye will probably eventually be affected. Surgery is an option, but many pet owners choose to retrain their pups to manage the side effects and long-term consequences of this health condition.

While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the healthiest purebreds in the dog world, he may suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation sometime in his lifetime. The average lifespan for a healthy, happy Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between 12 to 14 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The average Staffordshire Bull Terrier, especially puppies, are affectionate and playful with a tinge of jump-around joy that comes out in their daily interactions and activities. These pups, known for their big heads and tough appearance, can be gentle giants, but it does take a bit of training to get them there.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers prefer the company of their human loved ones, but other pets are questionable. Some pups are good with all kinds of other pets if they are raised with them. Whereas, the average Staffordshire Bull Terrier thinks of other dogs as a challenge to his dominance. Plus, most of these pups naturally despise cats. These pups need attention, and often, as they can be destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

Exercise-wise, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a rambunctious, boisterous dog who loves being outdoors. He would do well at a dog park IF you socialized him in the puppy phase. Otherwise, he may try to challenge the other dogs, and this could result in a fight. Your best bet is a fenced-in backyard where your Staffordshire Bull Terrier can run and romp and play as much as he wants. If the backyard option is a no-go, take your pup for long walks around the neighborhood at least two times a day.

Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be tricky. When you have him completely trained, you can expect him to be one of the most well-behaved, attentive dogs you could ever own. During his training sessions, though, he may challenge your authority by being inattentive and bored. He may even try to get you distracted, so you forget what you are doing. Never, ever let these pups get the upper-hand, or paw. Be firm, clear, and consistent, but also be patient, positive, and praising. Establish your dominance, but never hit or yell at your Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, categorized as one of many pit bull breeds, is the subject of many misconceptions. Truthfully, bad pet owners breed aggressive dogs, so bear in mind that every pup needs some kind of behavioral training and positive reinforcement to be a well-behaved, good companion.

Grooming

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have close-cropped, smooth fur, and they shed quite a bit in the summertime. Invest in a good vacuum and a medium-bristled brush to keep his coat (and your furniture) free of excess hairs. Brush him 2-3 times per week and keep baths to a minimum of one every three months or so. If he gets exceptionally dirty or smelly, then feel free to bathe him as needed.

Basic care of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier includes: brushing his teeth 4-5 times per week, clipping his toenails every 2-3 weeks, and cleaning his ears once a week.

Diet

Staffordshire Bull Terriers boast hearty appetites, but they are prone to becoming overeaters. Ditch the automatic feeder in favor of a good meal schedule. Divide 4 cups of high-quality, nutritious, dry kibble into two meals per day. You should also provide plenty of water, especially in the warmer months. It would be a great idea to keep an automatic water dish in the kitchen so he can stay hydrated and drink whenever he wants.
 

Find A Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeder

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Cost

Because of their reputation, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often an abandoned breed. Check your local animal shelters or rescue groups before you invest in a breeder. The adoption fees range in price depending on state and county regulations, but the average adoption cost of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between $75 to $250. This excludes vaccinations, a health check, and a spay or neuter before you take your new pup home. These add-ons could run the price upwards of $500.

If you opt to buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy from a breeder, expect to shell out $1,500 to $2,000 on average.

You may be tempted to purchase a pup from a simple internet ad, but you should avoid buying any dog from someone who seems to care more about the money and less about the pup. These ads may be for puppy mills, which do not care about the health of their pups. Move on to a reputable, reliable breeder or adoption organization that has experience.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success.The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a 3 on the integration scale. He dislikes cats, needs to be raised with other dogs (or not at all), and uses his size to establish his dominance. He may be a difficult match at first, but consistent, positive training could make him the exact companion you want and need in your life. Be patient with him. And lavish him with lots of love and affection.

 

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