Breed of the Day : Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier


HISTORY :

• "Staffie" or "Stafford" or "Staffy" or "Staff"
• Early breed intent : Bloodsport - deliberate acts of fighting against other animals
• In 1835, England banned such intent through animal welfare laws
• Dog fighting continued for several decades in England and America - Continued breed intent : aggression
• Naturally good temperament despite cruel and inhumane training
• Accepted into The Kennel Club of the UK in 1935 as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• *Cross breed - Bulldog & Manchester Terrier
• *American Kennel Club registration - 1975

(Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_Bull_Terrier)
(*Source - https://www.akc.org/breeds/staffordshire_bull_terrier/index.cfm)


TEMPERAMENT :

• "Full throttle: play, work, and love"
• Intelligent
• Active
• Courageous, Fearless, Curious
• Obedient
• Affectionate
• Excellent with children
• Family oriented
• Good with other pets
• Firm leadership a must...A lack leads to aggression toward outside dogs
• All family members MUST be firm, confident, and consistent as leaders
• Ideal for experienced dog owners
• Socialization is a must
• CHEW TOYS A MUST FOR PUPPY STAFFIES - NO PLASTIC!  (HEALTH HAZARD)
• STRONG JAWS - KEEP HANDS AWAY
• Challenge and variety
• Can be difficult to housebreak

PHYSICAL TRAITS :

• Average male weight : 25 - 38 pounds
• Average female weight : 23 - 35 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to cataracts
• Screen puppies for eye problems at a few weeks old
• Prone to mast cell tumors (Refer to http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/care/mastcelltumor.htm)

LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Okay in an apartment with daily exercise
• Active indoors

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 10 - 16 years

(Temperament, Physical Traits, Health, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/staffordshirebullterrier.htm)