Staffordshire Bull Terrier

[Troy]

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=71)

Group: Group 2 (Terriers)

General Appearance: Smooth coated, well balanced, of great strength for his size. Muscular, active and agile.

Characteristics: Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children.

Temperament: Bold, fearless and totally reliable.

Head And Skull: Short, deep though with broad skull. Very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short foreface, nose black.

Eyes: Dark preferred but may bear some relation to coat colour. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead. Eye rims dark.

Ears: Rose or half pricked, not large or heavy. Full, drop or pricked ears highly undesirable.

Mouth: Lips tight and clean. Jaws strong, teeth large, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Muscular, rather short, clean in outline gradually widening towards shoulder.

Forequarters: Legs straight and well boned, set rather wide apart, showing no weakness at the pasterns, from which point feet turn out a little. Shoulders well laid back with no looseness at elbow.

Body: Close coupled, with level topline, wide front, deep brisket, well sprung ribs; muscular and well defined.

Hindquarters: Well muscled, hocks well let down with stifles well bent. Legs parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet: Well padded, strong and of medium size. Nails black in solid coloured dogs.

Tail: Medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. Should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle.

Gait/Movement: Free, powerful and agile with economy of effort. Legs moving parallel when viewed from front or rear. Discernible drive from hindlegs.

Coat: Smooth, short and close.

Colour: Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colour highly undesirable.

Sizes: Weight: Dogs 13-17 kg (28-38 lbs) at withers

Bitches 11-15.4 kg (24-34 lbs) at withers

Desirable Height: 36-41 cms (14-16 ins)

(these heights being related to the weights)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breeders

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies For Sale

[WreckitWhippet]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Breeder and exhibitor

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

In the early 1800s and was a cross between the Bulldog of that day and the old English Terrier.

Basically they were bred and used for bull baiting and dog fighting.

3. How common is it in Australia?

The Stafford is a very popular breed and choice as a family pet.

They are also one of the most commonly found crosses or back yard bred dogs in pounds, which makes researching the breed, understanding it’s requirements and buying from an ethical registered breeder very important.

4. What is the average lifespan?

A good 12 - 14 years or more.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The breed standard states “Bold, fearless and totally reliable “ and that’s exactly what a well bred Stafford should be.

They are very people orientated and are known as the “nanny dog”.

Staffords have a myriad of personalities which makes buying from a registered breeder who can match a puppy’s personality to your family imperative.

Staffords can be clowns, cheeky, down right naughty, high drive, over the top, sooky, happy and everything all rolled into one.

It is also important to know that they can be dog aggressive and that many will seek to finish a fight, regardless of who started it.

Some line have more “fire” or aggression in them than others, however once again the ethical registered breeder understands this, they can recognise the signs in their pups and place them accordingly.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

45 minutes to an hour of daily exercise on leash as a minimum.

Staffords also enjoy a romp in the park (where permitted off leash and with a reliable recall) and some enjoy swimming.

The majority of Staffords enjoy a game of fetch or tug.

If socialised and correctly introduced to other dogs from an early age, they love to meet up with dogs they know for a game.

If you cannot commit to an hour a day, rain hail or shine then the Stafford is not for you. A Stafford that lacks exercise and the ability to let off steam will become destructive, bark, dig holes and its common for them to become escape artists.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I would say NO, they are not for beginners, although someone who has properly researched the breed and its needs could have a puppy that grows into a happy, healthy pet that is a loving member of their family. Staffords require owners with a firm but kind hand.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No breed can occupy themselves for long periods alone and the Stafford is no exception. A Stafford left alone for long periods can occupy themselves but it’s often not in a ways an owner would find acceptable.

Staffords with a well developed daily routine, including sufficient exercise and time with the family, can happily exits as a solo dog while an owner works and the family is away during the day. Large bones, frozen treats, toys (they have been shown how to play with) and kongs can help fill in the gaps in their day.

9. How much grooming is required?

Very little, they are easy care and low maintenance. A bath once a month is more than enough, unless they have been doing something that makes them particularly dirty or smelly. They benefit from a daily wipe over with a palm mitt or a zoom groom, to help remove and loose hair, improve circulation and to keep the coat shiny.

Nails should be trimmed as often as required, this could be every two weeks or each month, depending on how much they wear down during exercise. Invest in a quality pair of nail clippers and start clipping them young.

Check you dog over daily, have a quick look and smell of the ears, open their mouth and check the teeth, run your hands over the coat and keep an eye out for any lumps and bumps. A daily check can alert you to any skin conditions, ear infections etc.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

As mentioned earlier the Stafford requires an owner with a firm but kind hand and one who is committed to meeting their individual dogs training and exercise requirements. Having done so, the Stafford is the ultimate family pet. They are known as the “nanny dog” and have an undeniable affinity with children.

They are not however an instant baby sitter, they will jump and mouth as babies and young adults and they can be very boisterous.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria)

Hereditary Cataracts (also called Juvenile Cataracts)

Distichiasis

Entropian

Ectropion

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)

Hip Dysplasia

Demodex

Allergy

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (Eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Puppies will come with a certificate that shows their L2-HGA & HC status, be it clear, affected or carrier or copies of the parent’s clearance may also be provided.

Puppies may either come with an ACES eye certificate or again a copy of the parent’s current eye certificate.

Puppies will not have been hip scored, however parents may have been. The breed average has remained pretty much unchanged for years and it around 12.

Puppies from an ethical registered breeder will come with a health guarantee.

[poodlefan]

How much would you expect to pay for a well bred SBT from a responsible registered breeder?

[WreckitWhippet]

How much would you expect to pay for a well bred SBT from a responsible registered breeder?

There's no right or wrong amount for a puppy but someone could expect to pay from $700 to $1000 for an ANKC limit registered puppy from and ethical ANKC breeder.

Puppies of show potential can sometimes cost more and the price is influenced by many factors.

One thing that puppy buyers should be aware of is ads and breeder who offer pups along the lines of " with ot without papers " or " X amount for papers, Y amount without" . All puppies from ethical registered breeders come with either limit register papers for pets or main register papers for show potential.

[poodlefan]

I see allergies mentioned in health issues. What sorts of allergies do SBTs suffer from and how are they best avoided?

[The Spotted Devil]

I have a colleague (also a committed Stafford owner) researching separation anxiety in Staffords - owners and veterinarians have reported it as being relatively common in the breed as they form strong attachments to their owners. Any comments from breeders/owners on the prevalence and your recommendations for prevention/treatment?

[poochmad]

Is it true the breed's jaw 'locks' when it grabs onto something? (I've heard this time and time again and I am pretty sure they don't, they just are tenacious and refuse to let go.)

[WreckitWhippet]

Is it true the breed's jaw 'locks' when it grabs onto something? (I've heard this time and time again and I am pretty sure they don't, they just are tenacious and refuse to let go.)

No breed has " lack jaws".

Stafford do have a scissor bite, large canines and they can be tenacious, which sometimes makes it difficult to break the hold.

[Kissindra]

what fence height would you suggest for potential owners?

[Ozstar]

what fence height would you suggest for potential owners?

I would recommend a 6 foot fence as Staffords can be great jumpers/climbers.

I have a colleague (also a committed Stafford owner) researching separation anxiety in Staffords - owners and veterinarians have reported it as being relatively common in the breed as they form strong attachments to their owners. Any comments from breeders/owners on the prevalence and your recommendations for prevention/treatment?

I have never had a problem with my guys but then I have more than 1 Stafford.

There are many great articles on separation anxiety on the net.

I would suggest never making a fuss over your dog before leaving and when returning home. Start off small with only leaving for a minute or so and slowly build it up. Make sure your dog has plenty of things to occupy its time with while you are away.

Leanne

[altheau]

Might be a dumb question, but why are there certain colours that are highly undersirable? Is this just for showing, or does it possibly indicate something else about the dog that pet owners should know?

[Ozstar]

Might be a dumb question, but why are there certain colours that are highly undersirable? Is this just for showing, or does it possibly indicate something else about the dog that pet owners should know?

It is purely just for showing and does not affected the dogs health in any way.

The standard states that a Stafford must have a black nose and a liver colour will only have dudly nose (light nose), same with blues (will only have grey nose). It was believed in the early years that if black and tan was allowed that it would end up overpowering over all other colours and you would only have black and tans.

All colours should be the same price but you will find some breeders like to profit on certain colours stating that they are rare.

Leanne

[Quickasyoucan]

The SBT has a mixed image in the eyes of the general public and certainly the media. How do you think that the breed's image can be improved?

I understand that in some parts of the US, in Germany and some other European Countries SBT's are a restricted breed and are subject to breed specific legislation. In the US they (and other bull breeds) fall under the generic description in certain states of "pit bull". At the moment that is not the case in Australia, but what are breeders/owners thoughts about this and securing the future of the SBT?

[poodlefan]

The first time I heard the "staffy scream" I thought it was a possum fight! It seems quite unique to the breed. Are many SBTS vocal?

[WreckitWhippet]

The SBT has a mixed image in the eyes of the general public and certainly the media. How do you think that the breed's image can be improved?

I understand that in some parts of the US, in Germany and some other European Countries SBT's are a restricted breed and are subject to breed specific legislation. In the US they (and other bull breeds) fall under the generic description in certain states of "pit bull". At the moment that is not the case in Australia, but what are breeders/owners thoughts about this and securing the future of the SBT?

People have listened to be bang on about the generic reference of "Staffy", which is basically used by councils and the majority of Joe public when talking about or labelling any dog that could be and SBT cross or is brindle and not another breed.

I think the key to the survival of the " Stafford/ Staffordshire Bull Terrier" is to distance our purebred predigree dogs with ANKC papers and bred by ethical breeders as far as we can from the "generic". I've been called elitist over this but there is a reason behind this and why I am so proud or our pedigree dogs and promote them.

The vast majority of dogs that end up in pounds or are involved in incidents are NOT pedigree registered dogs, our registered dogs do not deserve on the whole the negative images and perceptions that the mongrel bred and might be's create. Of course it's not the dogs themselves that are to blame but the type of owner that goes along with it, the one's who don't give a toss about their dogs or the one's who have purchased blindly, know no better and have run into trouble along the way.

Promoting the virtues of the pedigree registered "Stafford" is the way forward and they way to ensure the breeds survival. Not only do you get an awesome pup from an ethical breeder, you also get the back up service that goes along with it. It's not uncommon for owners to hit rough patches and if you've read the honest answers regarding the SBT's temperament and requirements, then it's easy to see why. The ethical registered breeder will help any puppy buyer to overcome issues they encounter and help them ensure that their "Stafford" is an excellent canine citizen, that does not contribute to bite stats, pound numbers and the negatives associated with the breed.

The Staffords temperaments and personailites vary from individual to individual , however if you purchase a pedigree dog, it has been bred in the majority of cases generation after generation for temperament and stability. There is more likelyhood that the puppy you purchase will be " bold, fearless , totally reliable" and meet your expectations as a buyer. The ethical registered breeder will also weed out the undesirable owners and those they think are not suited to own the breed.

The more pedigree dogs from ethical breeder we can get out there, the more happy puppy buyers exist , the more they promote the breed and the circle continues.

We need to show Joe Public that there is the "staffy" and then there is the 'Stafford" and there's a whole world of difference between them

[Ozstar]

I understand that in some parts of the US, in Germany and some other European Countries SBT's are a restricted breed and are subject to breed specific legislation. In the US they (and other bull breeds) fall under the generic description in certain states of "pit bull". At the moment that is not the case in Australia, but what are breeders/owners thoughts about this and securing the future of the SBT?

I think the best way to overcome this is for breeders to make sure that all pet pups are desexed either before leaving or on a contract to be done around the 6 month mark.

The biggest problem with the breed is that there are so many BYB's and cross bred dogs out there.

The first time I heard the "staffy scream" I thought it was a possum fight! It seems quite unique to the breed. Are many SBTS vocal?

All mine are vocal (but not annoying)

It is a very unique sound, some French Bulldogs make a similar sound.

Leanne

[WreckitWhippet]

The first time I heard the "staffy scream" I thought it was a possum fight! It seems quite unique to the breed. Are many SBTS vocal?

Some are and some aren't but if you have a "talker" you know about it They are a cheeky breed by nature and it's not uncommon for them to tell you off and back chat.

They can also scream for dinner, scream to be let out and sing songs at the vet clinic.

The noises vary from possum fights, to Kookaburras to chainsaws

Given that many like to have a chat, they are an easy breed to teach to "speak on command" , training them to do so is a good way to shut them up and have them chat when it's OK by you.

[Sandra777]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Breeder & Exhibitor since 1978

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Stafford-like dogs are depicted in art as far back as the late 1700's, early 1800's when Bullbaiting was becoming unpopular (and eventually illegal) in the UK, to be replaced by dog fighting and baiting of smaller animals in a pit rather than in the open on common land. The breed was recognised by the KC in 1935

3. How common is it in Australia?

Extremely Consistently in the top 8 of the ANKC registrations since the late 1980's. There would have to be at least as many unregistered Staffords bred in Australia each year as there are registered ones

4. What is the average lifespan?

14 years is pretty average, 16 is definitely not unusual

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Some have the very energetic, constantly moving, "terrier" like temperament, while others are extremely laid back and lazy. This relates to physical as well as mental activity! Regardless of energy levels the breed must be absolutely 150% reliable with people. Their affinity for children is well founded - they have the physical & mental toughness to cope with accidental and not so accidental pokes and prods, but young dogs are likely to be too boisterous for small children without good basic obedience and a lot of physical activity away from the children. They make lousy guards of property because of their innate love of all humans. However there are numerous stories of Staffords protecting their people even to their own death. They must have a lot of human company - and they like to be touching you even when just sitting quietly. A Stafford sitting on your foot is a normal behaviour for the breed. Many have an innate dislike of other dogs, they will usually tolerate polite, well socialised dogs but a dog looking for a fight will rarely be turned away. Dog parks are bad places for Staffords. They are an extremely intelligent breed. They will not work for their owner but will work with them. Obedience, agility, fly ball, lure racing and weight pulling are all great activities for Staffords.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Physical activity is always welcome, it's virtually impossible to tire out a healthy adult Stafford, but they're more unhappy about missing daily cuddles than daily walks. Training, games and cuddle time are just as important to the welfare of the Stafford as good physical exercise. A brisk 1/2 hour on a lead and an intense game with a ball or frisbee is sufficient for most Staffords. They enjoy free running in open land, chasing birds and smells. Flirt poles and spring poles are great activities for the breed, but need to be supervised and occur away from where children might play

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Not easily, but a first time dog owner with some common sense and who is prepared to learn would do fine with a Stafford. Unfortunately some people who have bought a Stafford without enough knowledge allow themselves to be intimidated by the breed's physical strength and enthusiasm as well as the media's mis-representation of the breed, leading to an unhappy situation all round.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No. Staffords aren't necessarily good with other dogs in the household either, so buying a doggy friend won't necessarily solve any problems and could end badly.

9. How much grooming is required?

Minimal. A dog kept primarily inside will shed minimally spring & autumn. The hair is very short and spiky and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Kennel/outside dogs tend to grow a thicker undercoat and will shed a more fluffy hair spring & autumn. Some lines are definitely more hairy than others too. Infrequent bathing is best, a weekly brush with a rubber mitten will suffice in most instances.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

The Staffords affinity for children is legendary, however any dog will be too much for small children or the infirm unless taught basic manners. A Stafford past the enthusiasm of youth will almost always temper it's behaviour in the company of children/the elderly, but young dogs will often be too enthusiastic and happy without consistent and kind training. A good number of Staffords have qualified as therapy (Delta) dogs, PAT dogs etc overseas, so they are easily trained to be calm around the old/infirm/impaired

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Allergies (generally contact skin allergies sometimes more generalised food allergies)

Demodex

L2-HGA (epilepsy-like condition)

Juvenile Cataracts

PHPV

Distichiasis

Luxating Patellas

With blues - skin issues such as allopecia

Deafness with whites/predominantly whites

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Generic questions such as health of the parents, do they suffer from allergies, lameness etc; why did you choose this dog as a mate for this bitch; what are your aims in the breed; can I see other puppies/speak to other puppy buyers.

Breed specific questions:

DNA results for L2-HGA & HC. All breeding stock should have L2-HGA & HC DNA test certificates. The certificates of the parents should be shown on request and copies should be included in your puppy pack. Clear to clear matings will not produce any pups with either issue and it's unlikely the puppy will have been DNA tested for these conditions. Carrier x Clear matings can produce carriers and all puppies in the litter should be DNA tested, so will have an individual certificate. Carrier puppies have absolutely NO chance of developing either condition and are 100% acceptable as pets.

Eye certificate from a specialist for both parents. Preferably showing no sign of PHPV or Distichiasis. Puppies are frequently examined by a specialist and can be cleared for PHPV by 8 weeks, but Distichiasis can develop later so clearance at a young age is no guarantee.

HD scoring isn't common. Elbow displaysia scoring is even less common.

Edited June 23, 2009 by Sandra777

[Sandra777]

I see allergies mentioned in health issues. What sorts of allergies do SBTs suffer from and how are they best avoided?

A number of Staffords suffer from skin allergies caused by contact with grass and some cleaning products. Many of these dogs are also not very well bred......... Contact allergies are probably the biggest bug-bear of the pet owning Stafford lover because they are so very hard to cure.

Low or no vaccination can help. Natural diet does help. Many Staffords seem to have an underlying sensitivity to both beef and Corn. Very low use of chemicals for flea/tick/heart worm control is adviseable but of course this is dicing with disaster in other ways, so short term chemicals applied when required are better than long-acting chemical solutions.

Allergies are closely related to the immune system and it has been "interesting" for me over the years to watch dogs bred from certain lines display demodex as young puppies, then go on to show allergic reactions, and then hear from pet owners with dogs of these lines who have battled with allergy problems the entire life of the dog.

They are best avoided by not breeding from dogs with genetically compromised immune systems.

[Sandra777]

I have a colleague (also a committed Stafford owner) researching separation anxiety in Staffords - owners and veterinarians have reported it as being relatively common in the breed as they form strong attachments to their owners. Any comments from breeders/owners on the prevalence and your recommendations for prevention/treatment?

I am always surprised when people say this is such a problem in the breed. I have never owned a Stafford with separation anxiety. Yes, they form strong attachments to their people but it is vitally important that from a very early age the puppy learns to be alone.

They are such cute and demanding as well as vocal and physically determined puppies that a lot of people tend to find it easier to let the pup stay with them rather than try to make the puppy learn the hard lesson of being alone.