For some, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a loving family dog, while for others, it belongs on the list of dangerous fighting dogs. With loving training, any Staffie can become a lifelong companion. Here you’ll find everything you’ve always wanted to know about this controversial breed.

History of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The predecessor of today’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the so-called “Bull and Terrier,” which was bred in England 250 years ago. These small, sturdy dogs had the strength of Pit Bulls and the courage and tenacity of Terriers. They lived with the miners of the Black Country in small worker’s apartments, where they killed rats. Rat hunting evolved into the brutal competition of “rat baiting,” where the dog that killed the most rats in the shortest time won. Shortly after, they also had to engage in dog fights in arenas. These aggressive dogs were status symbols of the working class and a profitable way to supplement their low income.

When animal fights were banned in Britain in 1835, the breeding of these dogs increasingly focused on family suitability. In 1935, the breed was finally recognized by the Kennel Club. The “Staffordshire” part of the name comes from its place of origin in England, to distinguish it from the American Pit Bull Terrier. Since June 24, 1987, the breed has been classified in the FCI Group 3 “Terriers” and is assigned to Section 3 “Bull-like Terriers.” The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is relatively rare in the United States today due to its reputation as a brutal “fighting dog.”

Traits and Characteristics

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a brave and intelligent dog who is friendly and affectionate towards people. Due to their child-friendliness, the English also call the Staffbull the “Babysitter Dog” or “Nanny Dog.” It is one of the five most common dog breeds in England. They are loyal to their owner but can be very dominant with improper training.

They are always mistrustful of strangers and are reluctant to engage in fights with other dogs. Their pronounced guarding instinct and a low threshold for stimulation require consistent training. With good socialization and loving care, the Staffbull can be a great family dog ​​that also gets along well with other pets.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Low
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Medium

How to care for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Considerations before acquiring one:

If you want to bring a Staffordshire Bull Terrier home, you should be aware that it is a so-called “restricted breed.” The dog needs a lot of attention even as a puppy and requires strict but loving training. Prior experience with dogs is essential. Breeders of the breed are banned in most federal states, and importing them is also not allowed.

You can only find a reputable breeder in some cities and towns. Under no circumstances should you buy a puppy from Eastern Europe’s “puppy mills,” as they are often behaviorally disturbed or sick. Expect to pay around $1000 for a healthy purebred puppy from a breeder. If you don’t want to spend that much and already have experience with dogs, you can often find Staffordshire Bull Terriers in need at animal shelters.

You have a choice of numerous colors when it comes to coat color. Staffies come in red, fawn, white, black, and blue, or in one of these colors combined with white or brindle. When you buy a Staffbull, you commit to the dog for 12 to 14 years and should be able to provide a loving home.

Puppy Training and Development

Training a Staffie is not easy and is therefore only suitable for people with a lot of dog experience. You should encourage the gentle, friendly nature of the puppy from a young age and get its dominant, rough-playing tendencies under control. Especially during puberty, the Staffie likes to test its boundaries and challenge the hierarchy. Now it’s essential to be particularly consistent and not let the dog take over. Some representatives of the breed continue to grow until they are three years old and become stronger every day.

To socialize the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with other dogs, attending a dog school is an absolute must. The Staffbull should not be kept in a kennel. It is an affectionate companion dog that feels most comfortable in its human pack. Since it can react aggressively to other dogs and strangers, you should never let your Staffbull run off-leash. With the right training, you can turn even the notorious fighting dog, the Bull Terrier, into a balanced and friendly family dog.

Activities with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an active and spirited dog that needs a lot of exercise. The more it can let off steam in sports, the more peaceful you will experience it at home. Daily walks are best, which can run smoothly with good training. But the dog can quickly become enthusiastic about other sports as well.

One activity that every Staffbull enjoys participating in is the dog sport of agility. Running and jumping through a course is a great challenge for the four-legged friend and strengthens the bond between dog and owner. A house with a large garden and plenty of space to run around is best suited for the Staffordshire, as it will not be happy in a tight city apartment.

Health and Grooming

The Staffbull’s coat is not very demanding; occasional brushing to remove dirt and dust and stimulate circulation is absolutely sufficient. When it comes to food, you should be a bit cautious, as Staffies are excellent food digesters. They eat almost anything and therefore sometimes need to be restrained. Especially during walks, this can be very dangerous, which is why you should teach the dog early on what it can and cannot eat. Generally, they need a protein-rich diet with plenty of fresh meat to keep them healthy and fit.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Staffordshire Bull Terriers in Film and Television:

In his 1907 book “Jock of the Bushveld,” South African Sir Percy Fitzpatrick recounts his adventures and experiences with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier “Jock.” The experiences were intended as bedtime stories for his four children and are now a classic of South African literature. The first private luxury lodge in the Kruger National Park, the ‘Jock Safari Lodge,’ was named after his dog. There is even a memorial plaque for Jock in the national park. In 1986, the book was adapted into a film and later re-released as an animated film.

Famous Staffordshire Bull Terrier Owners:

Prominent owners of a Staffbull include Kevin Bacon and Jessica Alba. Also, “The Hunger Games” stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson each own a lovable Staffi from the shelter.

In the British Staffordshire Regimental Association, there has traditionally been a Staffbull as a mascot since 1882. After World War II, all mascots were named “Watchman.” Since then, there have been five dogs numbered in sequence. When a Watchman dies, he is buried honorably like a soldier in St. Edwards Square. The current mascot is a black male named Watchman V. He can be seen at royal parades and ceremonies. Watchman V even has his own Facebook page, and you can buy mugs, keychains, and plush toys at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.

Do you also have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or are you planning to get one soon? Tell me in the comments what makes the Staffbull so special.