Staffy FAQ

Staffordshire bull terriers are not banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, but are often confused with banned breeds like pit bulls, Ms Meucci added. That being said, Staffies have made headlines for aggressive acts.

They are recognised by the Kennel Unions (KC) but the colour is not desireable alot of blues dont meet breed stanadard and is hard too find a perfect example of the breed in blues due to breeders that don’t have breeding restrictions on the Blue Staffies to regulate the breeding.

Trustworthy and dependable. In terms of temperament, this breed of dog is fearless, friendly, tolerant and totally reliable, in particular with children. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are well known for their love of people. Indeed, they have a zest for life, and are happy to partake in just about any activity

Red & blue can produce any of the Staffy colours. Although Blue is a dilution of black which is the most dominant colour so can carry any of the others. They will only produce blue if the red parent carries it.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers easy to train? Staffies are intelligent dogs and can be trained well if you are committed and consistent. As with so many breeds, the Staffie can display selective hearing when distracted and some owners prefer to keep them on the lead.

Most dogs are instinctively protective of their owners and families. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of those naturally protective dogs. Sometimes ‘Staffies‘ are referred to as ‘The Nanny Dog’ because of their ability to guard and because they are naturally good with small children in their home.

They are however a powerful breed and, their temperament is such that they do not back down should another dog gets in their face, they will fight. This can be said of most dogs some react more quickly and decisely than others. They known as Nanny Dogs to humans and families they the most popular dog and best for young families with children. 

Yes, it’s quite normal don’t forget that blue is just a dilute form of black, and he will have inherited genes from all of his ancestors, which will include other colours (brindle, red, black etc).

Leaving a Staffie alone for long periods can be traumatic for the dog but yes you can leave a Staffie alone, though it’s recommended that it’s only for a short length of time. Leaving your Staffie alone can be a traumatic experience for your dog .

Nicknames: Staffy, Staffies, Stafford 

Origin: England

Foundation stock: Bull & terrier Old English Bulldog Old English Terrier

Due to the fact they are dilute, they cannot have deep brown eyes like the other colours of the breed, but they should have a deep amber/almost brown eyes and the nose and nails should be of such a dark colour as to appear black until closer inspection shows it is not.

Staffies don’t have a strong ‘doggy’ odor. Gently wash your dog’s ears once a week with a vet-approved cleanser to remove dirt that can cause infections, and trim his nails once a month to avoid painful cracking.

For the most part, staffies are usually quite friendly to other dogs that are part of their family home. However, they can be a bit wary of dogs from outside and they will be more than willing to fight if challenged, which can give them an unwarranted bad reputation.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a short, smooth coat that lies close to the skin. It comes in red, fawn, white, black, or blue, or any of these colors with white, as well as brindle or brindle with white.

The kind of discipline you use to train your staffy will make all of the difference in their personality and disposition. Always use positive reinforcement training with any pet. This type of dog training involves alternating between praise and treats and is very effective.

An easy way to calm a dog down is redirecting their energy into something positive. For example, a nice long walk is a great way to rid your hyper staffy all their built-up energy that’s making them go bonkers. After all, a tired staffy won’t have the necessary energy to keep jumping up and down.

Staffys are generally obedient dogs who are desperate to please. Training classes may be recommended if you are a novice. Staffys do not respond well to harsh punishment and are sensitive souls who will shut down if the training is too aversive.

Staffies are naturally loving, loyal dogs who are eager to please their owners.

But, like any breed, in the wrong hands they can be trained to be fighting dogs.

Staffies and Westies have been revealed as the most affectionate dog breeds. Other affectionate breeds to consider adopting include Corgis, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Labradors, who also want regular cuddles with their owners.

It is entirely your decision which Staffordshire Bull Terrier you choose male or female, puppy or adult. A male is more dominant, needs more leadership and will try to boss other dogs about. The male dog is more dominant in the wild and will always be the leader of the pack.

The round eyes are dark, however the colour may be lighter if it compliments the colour of the coat. Very light eyes or pink eyelids are a fault unless the skin around the eyes is also pink. The nose should always be black and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite.

When a Staffy has a white in their coats whatever the colour, they are described as being “pied”.

Dogs who bark because of boredom will bark continuously and may find destructive ways to channel their frustration.

Separation anxiety: Staffies are a social breed and it’s natural for them to be anxious anytime they are left alone for the first time.

Fear: Your Staffy can bark as a result of fear.

Its estimated between 12-14 years

Staffies are high maintenance in terms of attention and noise factor. They do not suit a home that prefers constant peace and quiet, nor do they thrive being outside dogs. Another factor worth considering are other pets in your home Staffy’s are highly energetic and will try and engage other animals into play often.

Naturally Staffy are very human friendly and like many say would even help a robber out with your belongings. If pushed to the limit trained with inhumane means then they can be very good guard dogs, but naturally their too lovable.

American Staffordshire Terriers have much in common with American Pit Bull Terriers, even though they have been bred separately for more than 50 years. They are considered a “Pit Bull” breed and are targeted by Breed Specific Legislation. 

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is however shorter than the American Stafford (Amstaff) and not associated at all with the pitbull breed.

Attention Seeking Ploy. Staffies are clever dogs and are good at recognizing behavioural patterns. A dog may shake or shiver when he knows that this behaviour is likely to garner a response from somebody. It can be to get attention or to remind you he needs to feed.

Staffies tend to deliver between 4 and 8 puppies. The dogs deliver the placenta at the third stage.

The Stafford is a medium-sized dog, 

English Staffies typically weigh between 11-17 kilograms and stand 35-40 cm tall at the withers.

Heart Disease
This is the leading cause of death in older Staffies.

Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier will need a minimum of an hour exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with time in a secure area to run and play off lead.

NO

The Staffordshire bull terrier. Staffys as a general rule (although there are exceptions) cannot swim, due to the size and weight of their head proportionately to their bodies. Like the Staffy, these dogs have a similar build and are unable to keep their head up in the water and remain buoyant.

According to KUSA, a sire can mate from age of 6 months.

Some would suggest that sires (male dogs) should only be bred once they are at least 18 months to 2 years old. 

According to KUSA, a bitch can mate from age of 15 months.

Female (bitch) dogs reaches sexual maturity when they already 6 months old.

Most breeders would recommend the breeding of a bitch (female dog) from when she’s atleast 1 to 2 years old. Breeding a female dog too young or too old (older than 8 years) can negatively affect the mother and her puppies.

A bitch (female dog) should not be bred after the age of 8 years according to KUSA, and if so, then a veterinarian letter to motivate KUSA that the bitch is healthy and strong enough to do so.

The exact frequency of estrus depends on your dog’s size (weight), breed and age.

Bitches (female dogs) who have not been spayed go into heat twice a year, namely every 6 months.

Each heat cycle lasts around 18 days, for generally anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks.

The mating period should be from day 10 when bleeding started to day 18.