Fun Staffordshire Bull Terrier Facts For Kids

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breed is a medium-size British short-haired terrier. It is a direct descendant of the Bull and Terrier, which was produced by crossing the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier.

They were originated in Birmingham and the Black Country of Staffordshire. Dog warfare and rat-baiting were the main reasons that led this dog to be bred.

When laws prohibiting blood sports, including dogfighting, were passed in 1835 and again in 1911, views shifted, resulting in generations of responsible breeding and further refinement of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a family pet and companion dog.

The Staffordshire Bull Terriers' association as a fighting dog breed made it difficult for the terrier to gain recognition by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom but was eventually added to their purebred registry in 1935.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was always a family friendly and companion dog, even back in the days of blood sport, and it is even more so today.

The terrier dog breed is amongst the dog breeds suggested by the Kennel Club as good for families because they are obedient, brave, affectionate, possess a high energy level, and respond well to obedience training.

However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers' temperaments are abrasive, and it is common for them to show high energy levels and aggression when approached by another dog. It is advised that Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies be socialized with obedience training as soon as possible, usually by the age of 18 months.

Stafford breeds are big, healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

If you enjoyed these facts about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, do not forget to check our other articles on the other members of the terrier group, the Brazilian Terrier and the boxer bulldog.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The modern Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a wonderful friendly breed noted for its bravery, intellect, and love of children.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are indeed reminiscent of the ferocious brawler breeds that once dominated England's ring. On the other hand, today's conscientious breeders are developing sweet-natured, family-oriented terrier dog breeds known for their patience with children.

The blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a friendly dog breed, but the old combat spirit also lurks inside, necessitating socialization with other dogs in order for English Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies to learn proper canine manners.

What class of animal does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier belong to?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed are mammals.

How many Staffordshire Bull Terriers are there in the world?

No census has been conducted to find out the exact population of Staffords around the world.

Where does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier live?

Staffords live with humans in their very artificial environment. The Stafford dog breed can't sustain itself in extreme temperatures outside the home and needs a home to be comfortable and safe.

What is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier's habitat?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers preferred habitat is with humans only. The health of the Stafford breeds will go down significantly if outside of this environment and their life expectancy may decrease by several years. Staffords need human company and training to survive.

Who do Staffordshire Bull Terriers live with?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breeds reside with humans and this interbreed requires human support and protection to maintain health and live for a long time. The Staffordshire Bull Terriers are incapable of surviving in any natural setting.

Since this dog breed requires high standards of training and maintenance for health and survival, these dogs will die quickly if left alone in the wild.

How long does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier live?

According to dog parents, the average Staffordshire Bull Terrier life span is somewhere between nine and 15 years on average. However, these statistics may fluctuate based on geography and genes. Some Staffordshire Bull Terriers live for less than nine years, while others live for well over 15 years.

How do they reproduce?

These mixed breeds are made to reproduce artificially by incorporating proper techniques by the breeders.

When breeding Staffordshire Bull Terriers, birthing issues will range from puppies trapped in the birth canal to labor lasting far too long. Labor is a lengthy and complicated procedure in dogs, and it is made more difficult by dystocia.

This can happen at any time, either before or after birth. If not treated promptly, it may result in fatal results such as stillborn or premature pups, as well as the mother's death.

Simply get a veterinarian present while your Staffordshire Bull Terrier is giving birth to ensure that she is not in danger. They should at least be available on call if they are not physically there.

Keep an eye out for dystocia signs. Heavy breathing, crying, and a lack of appetite are also indicators that your Staffords birth is not natural. The lactation is pretty complex, requiring the breeders of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy to feed it with a bottle.

What is their conservation status?

The concept of conservation status does not apply to this breed. Regardless we must look at health markers to conserve and protect this famous breed.

Major health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye defects such as inherited juvenile cataracts, recurrent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), and posterior polar subcapsular cataracts are all screened for by responsible breeders (PPSC).

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to several skin allergies, some of which may be inherited. Breeders may recognize carriers of L-2-HGA, a metabolic disease, using a DNA test, and prevent developing infected offspring.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Fun Facts

What do Staffordshire Bull Terriers look like?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers (sometimes referred to as a Staffy) have a sleek, smooth short coat that comes in a range of shades, including brindle, purple, crimson, fawn, brown, and white.

With its strong, muscular frame, cheek muscles, stern stare, and powerful posture, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs can be an impressive breed. Many people are attracted to the Stafford because it seems to be a tough breed, but they are shocked to find that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are gentle and caring friends who love playing rather than fighting.

How cute are they?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a friendly breed that enjoys watching you get around, getting belly rubs, and snuggling whenever they can. These Terriers are very cute, friendly and fun to play with, especially a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy.

How do they communicate?

These dogs communicate like other canines, so through barking.

But due to their environment close to humans, multiple studies showcasing how dogs communicate with humans, and the anecdotal shreds of evidence around how this breed communicates, they can also communicate by: looking with wide eyes, tail wagging when it is lowered, flipping over to get belly rubs, blinking and squinting, showcasing their teeth, boops and paw signals, yawning, slobbering, tail up high and licking their own face.

How big is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, also popularly known as the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffy, or Staffie, is a medium height dog with a muscular, agile body originally bred for dog fighting and bear-baiting. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier size is 12 times smaller than that of an average elephant.

American Staffordshire Terriers have a wide head and full cheeks. They are strong, muscular, and stocky. Their ears, which fold over and back, are sometimes cropped short (although this is not recommended). Their height ranges from 14-16 in (36-41 cm).

How fast can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier run?

Although it was once trained to be a strong-willed military dog breed with strength and stamina, it is now more of a short-height family pet that is renowned for being good with children. It can be used for short distance running training and can develop strength and agility with proper training as a puppy

How much does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier weigh?

The adult female Staffordshire Bull Terrier weighs between 24-34 lb (11-15 kg). The adult male Staffordshire Bull Terrier weighs between 29-37 lb (13-17 kg).

The female Staffordshire Bull Terrier can weigh between 9.4-14.3 lb (4.3-6.5 kg) at three months, depending on its breed. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier female weighs an average of 17.1 lb (7.8 kg) at six months, with the smallest weighing 17.1 lb (7.8 kg) and the highest weighing 26.2 lb (11.9 kg).

The female Staffordshire Bull Terrier can mature between the ages of 12 to 16 months for the smaller sizes and 16 months for the larger ones.

At three months, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier male can weigh between 10.3-15.2 lb (4.7-6.9 kg), depending on its breed. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier male weighs an average of 18.7 lb (8.5 kg) for the smallest dogs and 27.9 lb (12.7 kg) for the heaviest dogs at six months of age.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier males will mature between the ages of 14 months and 16 months for the smaller sizes and 16 months for the larger sizes.

What are their male and female names of the species?

The male of the Staffordshire breed is called a dog or a stud while the female of the breed is called a bitch or a dam.

What would you call a baby Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The babies of the American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed are called puppies. It is continued to be called a puppy until they grow up to be two years old.

This age is the best time for their training purposes. The training of these puppies should be mindfully approached with proper training. The better the puppies are trained the better the Stafford dogs will grow up to be.

What do they eat?

These dogs have a high energy level with no significant prey drive. A full-grown American Staffordshire Terrier will consume high-quality dried food supplemented with broth, wine, or frozen food to have a healthy diet.

Fruits and vegetables, cottage cheese, and cooked eggs are all fine additions to your American Staffordshire Terrier diet, but they shouldn't account for more than 10% of their daily allowance.

For an average-sized adult staffy, one or two cups of food a day will be a decent starting point. Feed the dog a little more if they weigh a little more than average; if they weigh a little less, feed them a little less.

Are they slobbery?

Yes, staffies are slobbery. These dogs will drool with their long tongues when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier understands that he can or will feed. Drooling can be triggered by a clear scent of food, the time of his dinner, pulling out his bag of kibbles, or just watching you feed. 'Pavlov's reflex' is the name for this phenomenon.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an amazing pet despite the myths going around. The American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized for his trustworthiness and love of people.

They have been dubbed 'mans best friend' and their biggest wish is to spend time with their family, whether it's watching football on the couch, doing errands in the car, going for runs, or engaging in sports including fitness, flyball, discipline, and therapeutic practice.

Expect to take this athletic and energetic dog on a daily stroll, and make sure to give them lots of love while they're not working.

They don't like being alone on their own for too long. Staffordshires are not a breed that should be left isolated outdoors or at home for extended periods of time.

The Stafford is known as the nanny dog because of their patience and affection for girls, but it goes without mentioning that no dog should ever be left alone with small children or be asked to double as a babysitter.

They aren't really friendly with dogs they don't recognize, which is a leftover trait from their days as a combat dog, where they had to be rough toward other dogs while being sweet with human handlers.

Some municipalities have restrictions on the owning of breeds belonging to the Terrier club. Before buying an American Staffordshire Terrier, make sure yours isn't one of them. The Stafford is one of the best dog buddies anywhere for someone who knows their emotional temperament and can have patient and firm leadership.

Did you know...

The Staffordshire Terrier has powerful jaws and enjoys chewing, especially as a puppy. Having plenty of bones and chew toys on hand to fulfill your Stafford and their chewing desires, is vital to the durability of your furniture. To keep their strong jaws engaged, give them the hardest chew toys you can find.

Staffordshires or Staffies look much like a well-built bodybuilder at the very first glance and are the picture of power, but they are also equally and surprisingly agile and quick on their feet.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier VS Pitbull

These two breeds are quite different from each other. Pitbull style dogs, or 'bully types,' include the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier dogs.

As a consequence, you'll easily find a variety of parallels between them. American Staffordshire Terriers are marginally shorter than British Staffordshire Terriers, but they are much larger.

The presentation of American Pitbull Terriers is more athletic. The Bulldog and the British Terrier are the ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Bulldogs were once used in bear and bull-baiting, but after it became illegal, dog fighting increased in popularity.

The Bulldog and the British Terrier were mixed to combine the Terrier's endurance with the Bulldog's muscle. Since Pitbulls are offspring of Bulldogs bred with a kind of terrier for military purposes, their origin is almost identical for all Pitbull breeds.

To match the Terrier's agility with the Bulldog's muscle, the Bulldog and the British Terrier were crossed. Since Pitbulls are the descendants of Bulldogs bred with a kind of terrier for military purposes, all Pitbull breeds have a nearly similar origin.

There are, however, still 'bad apples,' as well as dogs that have been mistreated or have not been properly socialized. The Stafford is a fearless dog who will not back down from a challenge, which can be troublesome when engaging with other pets.

Early socialization will aid your dog's ability to communicate with others. Neutering a male Staffie can help deter dog fighting caused by sexual jealousy.

Getting Your Own Staffordshire Bull Terrier

These are amongst the best family dogs despite the misconceptions flowing around them. If you're thinking of having a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, you should be aware of these misconceptions.

These stocky, faithful, and caring animals are known as Staffie for short. Despite being raised as a military dog, Staffies are known for their gentle and polite temperament.

They've increased in popularity significantly over the last two decades and are now one of the most common pets in the UK. In a family setting, the breed benefits from the positive character traits of being bold, courageous, intelligent, loyal, and very loving.

As a result, they've earned a reputation as healthy house dogs. Separation anxiety is common in Staffordshire Bull Terriers because they form close relationships with their parents.

If they are left alone for a prolonged amount of time, they can become harmful. Since some Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a propensity to exhibit hostility against other dogs, early training and socialization are important.

American Staffordshire Terriers in search of homes will be seen at the nearest animal shelter or rescue agency. Several National rescue organizations provide online tools to help with people who are trying to locate a puppy, including: Staffordshire Terrier Club of America, American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Rescue Group Directory and American Staffordshire Terrier Rescue.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including pitbull chihuahua mix, or American Bulldog Pitbull mix.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Staffordshire Bull Terrier coloring pages.