Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mobile

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A muscular, smooth-coated dog, the ever-popular Staffordshire Bull Terrier combines both 'bull' and 'terrier' in his physical appearance and gives the impression of strength and agility.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for owners with some experience
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 12–14 years
Weight: Adult males weigh 13–17kg and females 11–15.4kg
Height: 36–41cm
Colours: Red, fawn, white, black or blue, brindle, or any of these with white
Size: Small/Medium
Kennel Club group: Terrier

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 4/5
Easy to train: 2/5
Tolerates being alone: 2/5
Likes other pets: 1/5
Energy level: 3/5
Grooming needs: 3/5
Shedding: 3/5

Personality

A well-bred, well-socialised Staffordshire Bull Terrier should have an impeccable temperament and be especially good-natured (if not somewhat boisterous!) with people. With other dogs or animals, however, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be less than friendly, though a great deal depends on his early socialisation and training. Some Staffordshire Terriers live perfectly happily with other dogs and cats; others cannot be walked off-lead in areas where they might meet another dog. Early and ongoing socialisation is essential.

History and Origins

The origins of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be traced back to the 1800s when bull and bear baiting was outlawed. A new 'sport' was devised – dog fighting – and so Bulldogs and Terriers were bred together to produce the Bull and Terrier, from which the Staffordshire Bull Terrier descends. Popular with all classes, including the Victorian working class, the 'Stafford' was often raised in small, cramped conditions with large families – to which his traditionally good temperament with people of all ages can be attributed.

Did You Know?

  • Developed originally by James Hinks of Birmingham, this breed was appearing at dog shows as early as 1862. But it wasn’t until the 1930s when it was recognised as being a separate breed from the Bull Terrier and had a name change to distinguish the two, adding the county name where it had become so popular.
  • One of the most popular events in the main ring at Crufts over the past few years has been the East Anglia Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team, who show their dogs doing everything from competitive agility, to tricks to working with children.

Found your perfect fur friend? Here's some useful tips from us:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality, but there are some instincts and behaviours that they're born with. Try our Dog Breed Selector tool and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
7 of the Best Dog Breeds for Families and Kids
Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to stay active while helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. To help you ensure you find the best match, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a purebred puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Finding the right breeder is crucial to make sure that your pup has received the best start to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!