Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed guide

Staffies are affectionate, active, and fun-loving canine companions who adore being part of a family!

Read our guide to find out more about the lively Staffordshire bull terrier breed…

Please note: We’ll refer to dogs of the Staffordshire bull terrier breed as ‘Staffie’ or ‘Staffies’ throughout this breed guide.

Staffordshire bull terrier breed history

It’s believed that the Staffordshire bull terrier breed was developed in the 1860s in the Black Country of Staffordshire and northern Birmingham, through crossing bulldogs with terriers.

Initially, the purpose of crossing bulldogs and terriers was to develop a dog who could hunt vermin effectively, yet Staffordshire bull terriers sadly proved popular for dog fighting as well.

Although Staffies were owned by all social classes during the Victorian era, they were often part of working-class families and lived in cramped conditions alongside large groups of people. However, it was during this time that owners started to realise how gentle Staffies were with children, which is why they increased in popularity with families.

Despite their long history, the Kennel Club didn’t recognise the Staffordshire bull terrier as pedigree dog breed until the 1930s.  

Common characteristics of the Staffordshire bull terrier breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Staffordshire bull terriers, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Staffie’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a Staffordshire bull terrier

Staffies tend to reach a height of 35-41cm (at the shoulder), with females sometimes measuring shorter than males.

Average weight for a Staffordshire bull terrier

While males often weigh more than females, the average weight of a Staffie is around 11-17kg.

Average lifespan for a Staffordshire bull terrier

In general, most Staffies usually live for about 12-16 years.

Typical Staffordshire bull terrier appearance

Staffordshire bull terriers have a distinctive, broad head shape with a short muzzle and prominent cheeks that are ‘pawfect’ for creating those characteristic cheerful smiles!

They have bright, round eyes and small ears that are slightly folded at the ends, like rose petals. A Staffie’s body shape should be compact and muscular, with strong legs and medium-sized paws.

The Staffie also has a low set tail that tapers to a point and likes to wag continuously!

Their short, smooth coat needs weekly brushing to stay shiny and in tip top condition. Plus, Staffie coats can range in colour and have a variety of markings. So, Staffies can be seen in solid colours, like black or blue (pale grey), or more unusual patterns, like brindle (darker striped pattern over a lighter base colour).   

Typical Staffordshire bull terrier temperament

These cheerful dogs adore being part of a family. So, your Staffie will likely want to be involved in every family adventure – from camping and beach trips to holidays and shopping. Having such a passion for people can sometimes lead Staffies to become over-excited and boisterous though, so you’ll probably need to train your Staffie not to jump up!

Additionally, Staffies may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Staffordshire bull terriers are extremely clever, which means they’re fantastic to train, especially if you find the right reward to motivate them! Although, because Staffies are such excitable dogs, they can be strong and pull on the lead. So, you might have to spend extra time working on your Staffie’s loose lead walking skills.

Thanks to their high energy levels mixed with their intelligence, Staffies need at least an hour of exercise every day, alongside plenty of mental stimulation when not out and about. If they don’t have enough opportunity to keep their minds occupied, Staffies are known to display undesirable behaviours, e.g. chewing furniture.  

Staffordshire bull terrier health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and, unfortunately, Staffies are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Staffordshire bull terrier:

• Skin allergies.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Cataracts.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Staffie may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide about insuring your Staffordshire bull terrier.

Fun facts about Staffordshire bull terriers

Fact 1 – Unlike other breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier must wear a broad leather collar with a brass emblem of a Staffordshire knot while competing in the show ring.

Fact 2 – Staffies are sometimes referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ due to their natural tendency to get along well with children.

Fact 3 – In 2018, Staffordshire Police adopted a Staffie named Cooper to train as their first Staffordshire bull terrier police dog.

Fact 4 – Many celebrities are fans of the Staffordshire bull terrier breed and are known to have owned Staffies, including Jessica Alba, Kevin Bacon, and Liam Hemsworth!

Fact 5 – Studies prove that Staffies do not show an increased risk of aggression compared with other dog breeds, meaning their history as fighting dogs doesn’t seem to influence their temperament.