Origin: Great Britain.

Description: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century from crosses between Bulldogs and various Terriers. The Staffordshire Bull was developed for the then-popular sport of bull baiting. The breed's popularity waned as interest in the sport waned. Then, in the twentieth century, interest in the breed grew again, especially in the United States. It returned to the show ring in 1935. In the U.S. it is now well bred in a size slightly larger than that called for in the European standard. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a dog for every family, but in the hands of a dominant, experienced owner; it can be a successful pet and family guardian.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie) is a short coated - medium sized dog which was originally bred for bull and bear fighting. The dogs which were proven in the pit at fighting were then bred with others of a like skill and ability and over time the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was produced.
In the early part of the twentieth century they gained respectablity and then were accepted in to the Kennel Club of England as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed are very stocky and muscular dogs that exude strength, character and athletic ability.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog, very strong for his size with a broad head and very strong jaws. The muzzle is short and the cheek muscles distinct. The stop is clearly defined. The round eyes are brown and the nose, black. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are either rose or half-pricked. The neck is short and muscular. The front legs are spaced wide apart. If they have rear dewclaws they are generally removed, front dewclaw removal is optional. The short coat is soft, sleek and close. Comes in black, blue, fawn or brindle, often with white markings.

Utilization: Terrier. 

Behavior/Temperament: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. One owner of this breed says "Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very people friendly. They are not particularly wary of strangers in almost all circumstances - although I've heard a few anecdotes about some being wary of particular people. My dogs are always happy to meet new people!" The breeds reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household, but may be combative with dogs outside the family, especially dogs of his breed or related breeds. They are intelligent and stubborn at times but this is the appeal of this 'human' in doggy fur! The Staffordshire needs firm and consistent training. They are persistent and active. As a puppy they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys. Their powerful jaws will tear though vinyl toys to get to the squeaker in no time. This can be dangerous if the dog swallows the plastic. Be sure to only give your Staffie strong toys. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so. They can be trained for agility and competitive obedience. The breed competes in agility and obedience in the UK at the highest level. Staffies love a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they're liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass. These dogs are not recommended for most families because they need firm, experienced handling and training. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Traditionally of indomitable courage and tenacity. Highly intelligent and affectionate especially with children.  Bold, fearless and totally reliable.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well known for its reliability as a nanny dog. They are extremely loving dogs, being loyal and devoted to man, with special emphasis on their reliability with children. The breed thrives in the family environment, being a suitably compact size for close family living. For these reasons, they are sometimes referred to as "nanny dogs".

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.

Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41cm) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38cm)
Weight: Dogs 25-38 pounds (11-17kg) Bitches 23-35 pounds (10-16kg)
 

Health: Prone to cataracts. HC & PHPV (both eye complaints) although through screening of both parents this can be avoided. DNA work in the UK is very nearly complete as to cure this (people should ensure they buy from eye tested parents, and that puppies are screened at a few weeks old. Hip dysplasia is occasionally seen. Like all the bully type breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have gas problems. 

Life Expectancy: 10-16 Years

Grooming: The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush every day with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of toweling or chamois.