Staffordshire Bull Terrier - breed description and dog character

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a noble and ancient breed that is admired by others. A calm but courageous dog requires a good endurance from the owner and decent living conditions. Only in this case, the dog will fully reveal its potential, become an indispensable friend and protector.

Breed history

Many sources indicate that the first ancestors of the Staffordshire bull terriers were bred at the courts of dignitaries many thousands of years ago. And yet, the birth of a purebred breed occurred in the English county of Staffordshire only in the 16th century. Bulldogs and mastiffs are considered ancestors. The first bull terriers appeared at the Duke of Hamilton, whose goal was to bring out a powerful fighting breed.

At first, strong and courageous staffords were bred exclusively for dog fights and bullying bulls (the name “bull terrier” came to be). Bloody spectacles have been actively used since 1835. Then the animals began to be used in the fight against rodents - the staff did an excellent job with this task, as a result of which a new type of competition was born.

Competent selection and natural data led to the fact that the breed began to stand out sharply against the background of great-grandfathers. Piebald color of the dog’s coat was originally widespread. In bulldogs, he remained so, but in bull terriers he was transformed into a tiger.

The first club of connoisseurs of the breed was officially registered in 1935, led by President Joe Mullen. A year later, the first pedigree exhibition was organized, and a note about the dog was published in the magazine. The standards were adopted in 1936 when they recognized the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as one of the best companion dogs (the bloody past of the breed was not mentioned).

In 1974, Staffordshire was already listed in the studbook. Then, the standard officially adopted the main differences between the breed and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Unlike staffbull, the latter has larger growth dimensions, weighs 10 kg more. Terriers also decided to stop their ears.

Character Features and Behavior

Nevertheless, dog handlers are advised to keep the dog strict and promptly initiate educational measures, as it is very easy to spoil him. A naughty bull terrier can start attacking people and animals around it, but for good reason. A feeling of impending danger, as well as aggression by another pet or person, can bring an animal out of balance. Also, the breed can dominate weaker and younger dogs, enter into conflict with a male congener to show primacy.

In everyday life, a dog with pleasure obeys the will and orders of the owner. She can be a “nanny” for a child or a mentor for another pet. The animal very quickly gains the sympathy of all households and becomes a real favorite of the family.

Staffbul is considered a wonderful empathy who sensitively senses the mood of another animal or person, analyzes his thoughts and behavioral reactions.From the side it may seem that the dog always shows restrained anger, wariness and suspicion towards others.

The animal is very lively and energetic, therefore, in no case can you restrain his impulses and raise him like an ordinary apartment dog. When initiating the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a person should be aware that the breed needs constant contact with the outside world in order to realize its calling - to analyze and protect. The pet is very fond of active pastime: hunting, fishing, jogging or just a long walk with frisbee.

Many ask if staffordshires are smart? Yes, the dog is very smart and even intelligent. He is smart not only in the educational process and training, but also in everyday games. Training with a dog is always easy and in a relaxed atmosphere, but the owner may occasionally encounter stubbornness. That is why the education of staffbulls must be started from early childhood and accompanied by adequate socialization, as a result of which the animal learns to restrain its instincts and not show “character” in communicating with its own kind. With proper socialization, the bull terrier can be kept with other animals in the same room, including cats and birds.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier specialization

Since the formation of the breed of dogs used exclusively for spectacular fights and bullying. However, this type of entertainment has gradually become a thing of the past, and the dog’s remarkable fighting qualities have come in handy for business purposes. Power structures are actively acquiring an animal to perform services, search for bandits, etc.

Despite its completely frightening and dangerous appearance, Staffordshire is ideally suited as a companion dog or friend. He is successfully kept in apartments as a pet "on the couch." In his own house, the animal will bring even greater benefit, showing remarkable watchdog qualities.

Initially, the animal was systematically raised and displayed behavioral norms that would be applicable for bloodthirsty deadly battles. But at the same time, one bull terrier would not kill another if the opponent gave up. In the modern world, there is a distortion of the nature of the animal, as a result of which it does not show compassion and understanding, it goes “to the end”. It is very important for the owner to surround the puppy with the necessary conditions for understanding the world and behavioral norms, and with the slightest aggression, conduct a rigorous correction of the psyche. If you let the education drift, then, as he grows up, the heredity of the fighting dog may appear, followed by regular brawls and conflicts with others, the impossibility of walking the animal without a leash and a muzzle.

Standard

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier has its own standard, which defines the following characteristics of a dog.

1. The height at the withers is on average from 30 to 40 cm. Bitches are smaller than males.
2. Weight is different for males (up to 17.3 kg) and bitches (up to 15.4 kg).
3. The torso is lean, firmly built, but symmetrical and graceful. In males, the muscle corset is more pronounced.
4. The neck is short and massive, like a bull. At the same time, the skin of the withers is elastic and well stretched without forming folds.
5. Paws are strong and powerful, shortened, located in parallel.
6. The loin is large and strong, the chest is deep, and the ribs are rounded. The abdomen is lean and in no case sunken. Croup is more shortened compared to the chest. Straight and muscular back.
7. The tail of the animal is of medium length, gradually narrowing to the tip.
8. The head is short, but the full face of the skull is enlarged. The cheekbones stand out well, the transition from the forceps to the forehead is clearly visible. The lips and lobe are tightly pigmented black, regardless of color. Lips do not have bryly, tight fit.The jaw of the animal is powerful, square with tightly closed teeth and a regular bite.
9. The ears are wrapped with a rose, they can periodically hang (semi-permanent).
10. Eyes set straight, medium landing. The color of the iris is different for different colors.
11. The skin is thick and rough, and the coat is short and stiff, of medium density.
12. The color of the coat is diverse, it may contain white marks. The following shades are represented by the standard: piebald, red, amber (deer), black, white. Also, the animal can be two-tone with a combination of any of these shades.

Diseases and pathologies

The life expectancy of the Staffordshire Bulldog is about 10-16 years, an average of 11. During this time, the following pet diseases can lie in wait for the owner:

• ophthalmic pathologies (cataract, glaucoma, eyelid inversion);
• diseases of the digestive tract (inversion of the intestines, flatulence);
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system (hip dysplasia, arthritis, arthrosis);
• disorders of the urinary system (kidney stones or excretory ducts);
• pathology of the endocrine system (hyperadrenocorticism);
• oncological processes (mast cell cancer).

Bull terriers also have a high pain threshold. The animal may be injured or ill, but not realize the full depth of the damage and, accordingly, not demonstrate it to the owner in any way with its behavior.

In general, staffordshires are considered healthy dogs. Thanks to several centuries of careful selection, weak individuals were eliminated, therefore the gene pool of these animals is really powerful.

How to care for a breed

Staffords are not considered demanding in terms of content. They have a short coat, excellent immunity and good appetite.

It is necessary to pay attention to the following aspects: skin and coat, hygiene, teeth, ears, eyes, claws.

Be sure to monitor the physical form of the pet. An animal cannot be overfed or dieted without adequate reasons. Also, physical activity should be consistent with the stamina and temperament of your animal.

Wool after a walk can be cleaned with a special brush with soft bristles, which will remove the stratum corneum and massage the skin. As a result, blood rushes to the dermis and nourishes the hair follicles with useful components, and prevents skin dermatitis, microsporia, depriving, oily seborrhea and other common problems. Also, the dog can be thoroughly washed under a warm shower and drained with a personal towel. But such a measure is applied only when a specific smell of a dog appears.

Ears and eyes are cleaned several times a week with cotton pads, possibly moistened with an antiseptic suitable for the area (for example, chamomile broth). A separate sponge is used for each ear and eye.

Claw care involves shortening them when they are already bent, and you hear the sound of touching the floor. If you have the opportunity, walk your dog more often along the asphalt road, which contributes to the natural and effective grinding of claws. You need to trim them with a special tool that can be purchased at the pet store. It is better to refuse manicure scissors and files.

As for the Staffordshire walking range, dog handlers advise not to bring the animal out into the street in summer heat (from 11 to 4 pm), as well as in severe frosts. At minus temperatures, walk the bull terrier for a short time, only to cope with its needs. Lack of undercoat and short coat do not protect the dog from the cold, therefore, the risk of colds and even pneumonia increases.

The morning of the animal may consist of calcified food (milk, cottage cheese, kefir). For lunch, you can give ordinary porridge boiled in milk or meat broth. Dinner should contain meat and vegetables. The second dinner can also consist of meat or fish (pre-doused with boiling water). You can also give boiled quail eggs to the dog once a week.

Dog handlers recommend nevertheless to transfer staffs to dry food, as it contains all the necessary nutrients and vitamins in a good proportion for the animal.

We must not forget about water. It must be poured fresh in the morning and changed daily. It is advisable to use purified water of moderate degree of purification.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier will become your reliable protector, patient friend and beloved pet. It is important to provide the puppy with healthy socialization and proper care, which will allow you to raise a well-bred and faithful dog.

Video: dog breed Staffordshire Bull Terrier