Thursday, December 9, 2010

Harvey the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Today's daily puppy is Harvey the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Harvey is too much!  He looks like a most happy pup ready for play time or unconditional loving.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed dates to the 19th Century in Staffordshire, England.  Coal miners needed a small, fast dog.  They crossed the Bulldog with a local terrier breed to result in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier known today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well-known for courage, obedience, intellect, affection, humor, and muscular strength for its small size at no more than 38 pounds.  The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is most affectionate with children.  An experienced owner is needed, however, for firm but gentle training.  It is interesting to note that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not ideal for families with young children because this breed requires all members to be firm and consistent in leadership.  Rules for the pup to follow must be the same when given by all family members.  Any deviations in rules and leadership will lead to difficult behavior to control. 

For more history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, visit the American Kennel Club at http://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm.

The "Staffie," as is affectionately referred to, has a temperament of pure perfection.  They are eager to meet new people and allow strangers to come to them.  They tolerate other pets in the household.  (An experienced owner is needed to keep possible aggression around outside dogs at bay, however.)  

Staffie puppies love to chew.  Chew toys will be needed.  The strong jaw can bite straight through a toy to the source of the squeaking noise.  This can be dangerous if the plastic cover is swallowed.  The strong jaw is capable of doing damage to humans.  Do not encourage chewing hands.  Staffies are naturally curious.  Walks should keep them on a leash so as not to lose them.  

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to cataracts and should be examined very early in puppyhood.

Staffies require constant exercise.  Apartment settings are fine as living conditions only if the dog gets daily walks.  Staffies are very active indoors, though.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers average 10 to 16 years in life expectancy.

To learn more about these "too much" Staffies, visit Dog Breed Info at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm

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