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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

General
Other Names		Staffie, Stafford, Staffordshire
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a member of the Terrier group. They were originally bred for dog fighting and ratting; today they companions.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The Staffie is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average puppy price ranges from £450 to £600.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The average lifespan is 12-14 years.
Average Litter Size		4 The average number of puppies in a litter is 4.
General Physical Description		The Staffie is a compact, powerfully built dog that is muscular all over. These short-coated dogs are very people orientated. They have a large square head with eyes that are set looking straight ahead. Their coats are short, smooth and close to the body.
Height Min Max Bitch 35.5cm (14") 40.5cm (16") Dog 35.5cm (14") 40.5cm (16") Weight Min Max Bitch 11kg (24lbs) 15.5kg (34lbs) Dog 12.7kg (28lbs) 17kg (37lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure between 35.5-40.5cms and weigh between 12.7-17kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 35.5-40.5cms and weigh 11-15.5kgs.
Ailments		As a breed the Staffie is a hardy dog that doesn’t suffer from many health problems. However they have been known to suffer from eye problems.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The Staffie emerged around the 17th century from crosses between Bulldogs and terriers of the time. Due to the breeding the characteristics of both temperaments came through. The resulting offspring became known as the Bull and Terrier or Pit Dog. They came about when Bull and Bear baiting was outlawed in the 1830’s and the interest in dog fighting increased. Although they were known for their ferociousness and courage in the dog pits they made excellent family pets, being exceptionally good with children. They belonged to people from all walks of life, from lords to miners. Dog fighting wasn’t the only thing they were used for; they were also worked in badger hunting and as ratters. When these activities were outlawed some owners decided that they would try to maintain the breed by introducing them to the world of dog showing. A breed standard was created and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1935.
Intelligence		The Staffie is an intelligent dog that is relatively easy to obedience train. They do have a stubborn streak so a degree of firm handling is required. They can also be quite headstrong and boisterous, especially during adolescence. Early socialisation is a must for this terrier.
Show Characteristics		The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have a short head with a broad skull. The cheek muscles should be very pronounced and the nose should be short and black. The jaws should be strong, with large teeth, and have a complete scissor bite. The medium sized eyes should be round and dark in colour. The ears should not be large of heavy and should be half pricked. The neck is short, muscular and clean. The body is short, compact muscular and well defined with a level topline. They are wide at the front and deep chested with well sprung ribs. The front legs should be straight, well boned and set well apart; the back legs should be muscular with well bent stifles. The feet should be of medium size, well padded and strong. The tail should be low set, of medium length and should not curl. The coat should be short, smooth and close. The colours desired for the show ring are red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white.
Country Of Origin		Great Britain
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		100 - 120 minutes per day. They do enjoy their exercise, and need to be given enough so that their boisterousness in the house is kept to a minimum.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		High
Personal Protection		High
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		High
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The Staffie is an intelligent and active little dog, which gets on well with children and adults alike. They can be quite vocal, so they must be taught when to stop. They should be socialised, especially with other household pets, and training started at an early age. The Staffie is a hardy dog full of stamina, not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if necessary. They are affectionate dogs, much preferring human company to that of other dogs, this can be seen more in the adult dog than the puppy. They can, and some do, retain their puppy character throughout their lives, making them quite a handful. With their great sense of humour, intelligence and the fact they are boisterous life is never dull with a Staffie around. They can be very destructive if they are left alone at home for long periods of time.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement		Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The Staffie is an easy breed to groom. Their shorthaired coats can be groomed using a rubber-grooming mitt once or twice a week.
Colour		They can be red, fawn, white, black, blue, brindle or any of these with white in colour.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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