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Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Dogster

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can claim a colorful and checkered past, but through it all, his courage has never been questioned. He offers maximum muscle in a medium-sized package. Here are six interesting facts about this devoted breed.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in the northern regions of Birmingham, England, and in the Black Country of Staffordshire. @Mike Linnane/500px

History of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The breed originated in the northern regions of Birmingham, England, and in the Black Country of Staffordshire, where he got his name. Dog historians agree that the breed descends from Mastiff-like dogs through the old-fashioned Bulldog which, when crossed with various British terriers, produced the first “Bull and Terriers” in the early 1800s. Those old Bulldogs were taller and longer-legged than the dogs we think of today. They were ferocious creatures used in the “sports” of bear- and bull-baiting as early as the mid-16th century. When these gruesome activities were eventually outlawed, their supporters turned to dog fighting, which was easier to promote in secret. The goal was to produce a sporting dog that retained the courage and ferocity of the Bulldog while adding the grit and agility of the terrier. It is believed that the Manchester Terrier and the now-extinct English White Terrier went into the mix.

Different groups of English enthusiasts favored different looks, but, in time, two distinct types of Bull and Terrier emerged, and were easily recognized by 1900. James Hinks produced a classic white dog by further adding the Pointer and Dalmatian. What we know today as the Bull Terrier (think Spuds Mackenzie) was recognized by the Kennel Club (United Kingdom) and the American Kennel Club at the turn of the century. The “other” Bull and Terrier, a working-class dog owned by the common folk, had a more difficult time finding legitimacy. Admirers of the Staffordshire met in England in 1935 to form a club and create a breed standard, a canine blueprint to help produce a more uniform dog.

When the Staffordshire Bull Terrier came to the US

Shortly before the American Civil War, immigrants from Great Britain brought their Bull-and-Terrier crossbreeds into the United States. They became the ancestral progenitors of the American Staffordshire Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. With dogs no longer needing to be bred for blood sport, and the interest growing in dog shows, responsible breeders set out to produce dogs of more stable, trustworthy temperament, affectionate with family, and children in particular. Considered a well-kept secret in the dog world, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1975. The first Staffordshire to be registered with the AKC was an English import, Champion Tinkinswood Imperial. The first U.S. champion was a female from Australia, Northwark Becky Sharpe.

How the Staffordshire Bull Terrier got his name

It’s not surprising, given his eclectic history, that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been known by a variety of names. Originally, he was the Bull and Terrier and the Brindle Bull. Today, many people shorten Staffordshire Bull Terrier to Stafford or Staffy. You will also see the abbreviation SBT. In addition, to honor his affinity for children, the breed is affectionately known around the world as the “nanny dog.”

Socialize your Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The American Kennel Club breed standard sums up the breed’s character so well. Under “Temperament,” we are told, “From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.” To bring out these qualities in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, socialization must begin early and continue throughout his life, exposing him to new experiences and teaching him, gently but firmly, what is acceptable behavior. The Stafford, despite his medium size, is incredibly strong, muscular and active. As there are communities around the country that include the SBT in their “Breed-Specific Legislation,” you want your dog to be welcomed as a good canine citizen.

Coat and grooming of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffords come in a wide variety of colors. Red, fawn, white, black or steel blue are all seen, either as solid colors or with white trim. Any shade of brindle (dark stripes on a lighter background), or brindle with white, is equally acceptable. Black-and-tan or liver are the only disqualifications in the standard.

Whatever color pattern you prefer, grooming is a simple task. The Stafford coat is smooth, short and close to the skin. Shedding is moderate, and regular brushing will cut down on it.

Celebrity Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s strong, muscular good looks in a compact package have made him a favorite of many, including some high-profile performers. Celebrities sharing their homes, private jets and touring buses with Staffords include Kaley Cuoco, Rachael Ray, Jessica Alba, Linda Blair, Danny Trejo, Kevin Bacon, Liam Hemsworth, Adrian Grenier and Miranda Lambert.

Despite his medium size, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is very strong, muscular and active. @Rob Giannese

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier snapshot:

  1. Where does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier come from?

He originated in northern England.

  1. How did the Staffordshire Bull Terrier get its name?

He hails from the northern parts of Birmingham and in the Black Country of Staffordshire.

  1. What size is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Height is 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder. Males typically weigh 28 to 38 pounds; females, 24 to 34 pounds.

  1. What is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier temperament like?

Clever, brave, tenacious, loving, affectionate with family members, particularly devoted to children.

  1. How long will the Staffordshire Bull Terrier live?

Life expectancy 12 to 14 years.

  1. How active is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Very. High energy level.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier good at any dog sports or activities?

Yes. Their intelligence and need for mental stimulation make them great at obedience, agility and rally. They need a job or activity; preferably several.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier good at dog jobs?

Yes. They are versatile and adaptable.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier good for first-time owners?

They can be. They are smart and very strong. They can also be intimidating to some people, due to a lot of bad press about the bully breeds in general. First-time owners should look for a puppy or adult dog that has been well socialized around people, other dogs and cats, and continue that socialization and training for the life of the dog.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier a good family pet?

They are generally very loving and affectionate, especially around kind children. Introduce other pets with supervision. If adding an adult Stafford to the household, find out if he has been exposed to big and small dogs, as well as cats.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier a good apartment dog?

This is a very active, high-energy breed. If you don’t have a yard, find a safe, enclosed area where you can let the dog off leash to catch tennis balls or Frisbees. Plenty of walks on leash are also needed. No Staffordshire, however friendly or well-trained, should be roaming at large.

  1. How easy is it to train a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Trainability level is high. This breed is eager to please.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier given to excessive barking?

Barking level is moderate. They do have a protective nature, are vigilant and endlessly curious. If bored, barking will escalate, along with destructive behavior.

  1. Does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier make a good traveler?

Typically, yes. Get him accustomed to car travel early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, overnight visits to the veterinarian, etc.

  1. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier easy to groom?

Very. The coat is smooth, short and close to the skin. Low shedding, and regular brushing will remove dead hair before it lands on floors, carpets, furniture and clothes. Toenails can get hard and tough, so start nail cutting early. Ears, teeth and anal glands will require regular attention.

  1. How popular is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

No. 75 in the American Kennel Club list of most popular breeds in 2021, based on annual registrations. (There are 200 recognized breeds in all.)


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