Staffordshire bull terrier dogs health, personality and training

The Staffordshire bull terrier, also informally known as the Staffy, is a short coated, medium sized dog which has been recognized for a long time.



This dog was primarily bred for bull baiting and was widely respected.

Staffordshire bull terrier dogs are stocky and well built, albeit medium in stature. They have a very short coat and are very athletic. Their face is short and the head is broad.



The ears are also very small but the cheeks are pronounced. They have a smooth coat that tends to cling well to the body. Even though their face and snout resembles that of a bulldog, their lips are not loose and therefore they seldom ever drool.

They are usually not fat and through their skin, the first two ribs are generally apparent.  They are dark in color but also have white and blue variations.



If they are white and have a colored patch upon their eye, it is an added advantage for them as show dogs.

When it comes to health, the Staffordshire bull terrier does not have any particular genetic problems. They do suffer from diseases occasionally, but are not prone to any particular disease and have a health profile very much similar to other healthy dogs. They may exhibit problems related to cataract and dysplasia, but are otherwise very healthy.

Staffordshire bull terrier dogs have a very distinct personality. They are characterized by an indomitable courage and tenacity. They are highly intelligent because of which they have earned a position of respect among dog lovers. They are affectionate animals and are extremely trustworthy. They make excellent pets as well as guard dogs, because of which they are particularly popular.

Even when young, Staffordshire bull terrier puppies appear to be strong and intimidating. However, they are especially fond of children and are very gentle. They are instinctively protective of their families and therefore make for natural guards. However, their temperament doesn't make them suitable to be trained as guard dogs.  Staffordshire bull terrier training is centered on making them more lovable as pets. Recently, they were popularly voted in the list of top ten most suited dogs for families.

However, debates on whether these strong dogs are suited for families or not, keep raging. There have been increasing incidents of Staffordshire bull terrier cross breeds attacking or harming human companions and children. Though the cross breeds that are receiving bad press are primarily pit bulls, a dog considered dangerous all over the world, the Staffordshire bull terrier dogs often get engulfed in this bad publicity. Still experts believe that this bad press is only because the dogs are not trained in the right manner, as they should be.