Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Temperament: tenacious and playful
Cost: $400 plus
Lifespan: 12 years
Recommended for: families with older children (from age eight upwards)
Maintenance: medium

Tough, stocky and boisterous, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are clear winners as one of Australia's favourite dogs. Once bull-baiters, modern Staffies are friendly to a fault, well behaved if trained early and adored by their owners.

Appearance: Staffies are well muscled in the hindquarters with a strong tail. Coat colours are red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colours with white. Any shade of brindle or brindle with white is also acceptable. Staffies stand about 35-40cm (14-16") at the withers (or back). Dogs weigh 13-17kg (30-40lb) and bitches 11-15kg (25-35lb).

Temperament: The breed is very human-oriented and loyal, although they can be aggressive to other dogs. 'Burke's Backyard' vet, Dr Rob Zammit, says it is important that between eight and 18 weeks pups are well socialised, especially with children and other dogs. Breeders warn, too, that the friendly nature of most Staffies means they go to strangers readily and risk being stolen for use in illegal dog fights.

Health: While a hardy little animal, breeders report that up to 50 per cent of births are by caesarean section. There are usually six to eight pups per litters. Like most members of the Bulldog/Bull terrier group, Staffies rush in where angels fear to tread leading to accident-prone behaviour, and they rarely develop road sense.
Some Staffies can suffer from hip dysplasia (degenerative bone disease), luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) and entropion (an eye disease), but none are common in the breed.
Pale-coloured dogs, or dogs with pale noses, are susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.
Breeders also report that up to 50 per cent of births are by caesarean section, possibly due to their broad skull and narrow pelvis. There are usually six to eight pups per litter.

Maintenance: Staffies are happiest indoors with the family; they shed little hair and are easily house-trained. Fortnightly bathing is adequate if the dog spends most of its time indoors. While they enjoy a walk (20 minutes is ideal), most are also happy lounge lizards.

Ideal owners: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are suited to families with children aged over eight years. They are strong, enthusiastic dogs and may bump over smaller children, and they are said to be good watchdogs.

History: Staffordshire in England is the birthplace of two very different products: fine china (Wedgwood and Spode), and one of Australia's most popular dogs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

While Josiah Wedgwood was slaving away at his kiln in the 1700s, just down the road the Staffies' forebears were probably being readied for another round of bull-baiting. It was thought beef would be tough unless the beast was 'hot' before slaughter and so Staffordshire Bull Terriers were developed to tease cattle. Whether an honest belief or an excuse for cruelty, bull-baiting was a popular pastime, later replaced by dog fights. Today's dog, however, is literally centuries away, and is proving to be a faithful, attractive and surprisingly popular choice for pet owners.

Surprising because it is not a breed immediately recognisable from other bull terriers. Yet owners are besotted by these strong, stocky dogs, with their broad skulls and short snout.

Further information

SA
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of SA Inc.
Secretary: Dawn Tomney
Phone: (08) 8248 0739

VIC
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Victoria
Secretary: Annette Pulford
Phone: (03) 9775 5435

WA
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of WA
Secretary: Frances Strover
Phone: (08) 9341 5706
Fax: (08) 9341 5765
Email: strov@iinet.net.au

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