Staffordshire bull terrier health problems

Since they’re such cheerful dogs with ever-wagging tails, it’s easy to see why Staffordshire bull terriers are the canine companions of choice for so many families!

Their high levels of intelligence mean that Staffordshire bull terriers are often excellent to train. However, it’s important to work on their loose lead walking, to help discourage pulling on the lead, when your Staffordshire bull terrier becomes over-excited during their walkies.

A Staffordshire bull terrier’s short, smooth hair usually needs to be brushed weekly, to keep their coat shiny and their skin healthy.

Explore our Staffordshire bull terrier breed guide for more information about these lively dogs! 

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

Potential health conditions linked to the Staffordshire bull terrier breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in Staffordshire bull terriers, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by Staffies. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your Staffordshire bull terrier for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Skin allergies

Staffordshire bull terriers are prone to skin allergies – whether triggered by food intolerances, pollen, mites, fleas, or a mixture of causes.

If your Staffie has a skin allergy, here are some of the symptoms they might exhibit:

• Itchiness.
• Scratching excessively.
• Hair loss.
• Redness or rashes on their skin.
• Runny eyes.
• Ear infections.
• Hot spots (please contact a vet straight away if you notice patches of inflamed, infected, sore skin that’s warm to the touch!).

The treatments for skin allergies will vary, depending on your Staffie’s symptoms. However, some of the standard treatments for skin allergies in dogs include reassessing their diet, avoiding triggers, and skin-soothing shampoo.

Hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic condition (something a dog is born with) that impacts their hip joints. ‘Dysplasia’ is a word linked to abnormal development, so, hip dysplasia describes abnormalities within a dog’s hip joint.

For Staffies with hip dysplasia, either one or both of their hip joints are unstable and can cause them to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness – resulting in lameness. Eventually, hip dysplasia can cause Staffies to develop arthritis.

Treatments for hip dysplasia in Staffies could include weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery.

Cataracts

Certain dog breeds, like the Staffordshire bull terrier, are known to be at risk of developing hereditary cataracts.

Although cataracts in humans are often associated with getting older, that’s not the case for dogs. Your Staffie may inherit cataracts from birth, though they could also develop cataracts at any age as a result of eye inflammation, diabetes, or nutritional issues.

A cataract can lead to blindness over time, so, if you notice your Staffie’s eye(s) becoming blurry, you’ll need to take them to the vet for a check-up.