Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog, Military dog and Fighter and is known by its nick name the "Staffy". The origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breed was in United Kingdom (England) where it was developed in the 1800's. There are Limitations of ownership of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in some USA States.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1974): The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terriers Dog Group (AKC:1974).
Other names for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Staffy". Other names for this breed of dog include the Staff, Staffie, Stafford, Staffordshire and the English Staff.
Origin of the name "Staffordshire Bull Terrier": The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is named after the place it was originally bred in the county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands of England. Any dogs with the word 'Bull' in its name were descended from dogs used in the blood sport of Bull baiting. Bull-baiting and other “baiting” sports were banned in 1835 but the fights continued in secret. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to hunt mice and rats.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed was in United Kingdom (England) during the 1800's. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in Staffordshire from crosses between Bulldogs and local terriers. The tough, fearless dog with its strong, powerful jaws was bred specifically for dog fighting.
Bulldogs was too slow in the dog fighting pit and breeders wanted to increase the speed and agility of the dog fighters and reduce their size, without sacrificing their power to bite. The new breed was called the "Bull and Terrier". Dog fighting was an organized blood sport in which dogs were 'pitted' against each other in special arenas called dog pits. Spectators gambled on the outcome of the bloody contests and the organizers and owners of the dog pits made their money from admission fees. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was also known to be used in another blood sport called Rat-baiting (refer to the history of the Rat Terrier).
In 1817 the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was exported to the United States and was used both in dog fighting and as a military dog. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Sallie was the mascot for Civil War Union soldiers of the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, who guarded injured troops in the Battle of Gettysburg. Sallie the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was killed two years later in the Battle of Hatcher’s Run in February of 1865 and is commemorated with a monument in Oak Ridge of the Gettysburg Battlefield. The American Pit Bull Terrier originated as a lighter, less bulky version of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
During the late 1800's a group of dog breeders sought to lessen the aggressive leanings of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the breed was officially recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1935.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a companion and guard dog. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1974. This dog can be dangerous and there are therefore Limitations of ownership of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in some USA States.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier - "Fluffy" (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001 movie): The three-headed dog, named "Fluffy" by Rubeus Hagrid, appears to be physically based on a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Three-headed dogs were prominent as guard dogs in classical mythology, the most famous being "Cerberus" the Guardian to the Underworld. In the movie the role of the three-headed dog was to guard the Philosopher's Stone.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Height: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 13 - 15 inches (33 - 38 cm).
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 25 - 38 pounds (11 - 17 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 23 - 35 pounds (10 - 16 kg).
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coat Type: The coat type is described as a smooth short coat.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Brindle, Red, Fawn, Blue and Black & White. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color..
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breed ranges from 5-7 puppies. Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Brave, Reliable, Courageous, Affectionate and Dependable.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a brisk, powerful, agile gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Diet: A fully grown Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed include Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed is 12-14 years.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Staffordshire Bull Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Out top male dog names are: Apollo *** Jax *** Flash *** Bailey *** Kenzi *** Beamer *** Aspen *** Murphy *** Buzz *** Reggie *** Crush.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Staffordshire Bull Terrier names are Georgia *** Evie *** Ginger *** CiCi *** Lacie *** Dixie *** Echo *** Hattie *** Jenna *** Kiva *** Nova *** Obie.