The Ultimutt Staffordshire Bull Terrier Handbook

Whilst it has a stocky and tough exterior, these pooches are widely celebrated for their gentle and affectionate temperament, particularly to children, earning them the name ‘nanny dog’. Their origins can be traced back to early 19th-century England, when during a time of dog fighting and bull-baiting, the breed developed from crosses between Bulldogs and various terrier breeds, in an attempt to combine the tenacity and strength of the Bulldog with the agility of the terrier. Bull-baiting was eventually banned in 1835, though people continued to breed these dogs for underground dog fighting. Fortunately, a segment of Staffy enthusiasts worked to improve the breed’s image and shift the focus toward family companionship - and they succeeded. By the mid-1800s, as their admirable qualities were recognised, their popularity as a family pet grew. The Kennel Club in the UK recognised the breed in 1935. Today, the breed is a popular pet, excelling in agility, obedience and even therapy work. 

Staffies are known for their affectionate demeanour and love to snuggle and nuzzle… hopefully wet kisses are your thing, as this breed loves to give them. They have a playful attitude and love fun. Fetch and tug-of-war are safe bets, but when they get an outburst of energy, zoomies are common too. The ‘Staffy Smile’ is also impossible to resist. This breed has a unique expression that resembles a grin, giving them a charming and mischievous appearance. 

 

They are endlessly loyal to their owners, meaning they can be anxious if left alone, and can also be protective of family members, showing a desire to guard those that they love. Also important is to train and socialise your pooch early in their lives. They’re intelligent and independent thinkers so consistent and positive training methods will work best, and early socialisation will help them learn to interact positively with other pooches.

Like many breeds, Staffies are prone to some health conditions. These are rare but it’s good to look out for them. A hereditary condition called Hip Dysplasia, whereby the joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, can cause discomfort and ultimately arthritis over time. The symptoms of this are limping, or difficulty getting up or down. The best way to alleviate the risk from this is to avoid rigorous or excessive exercise during early development and maintain a healthy weight in your pooch (and in severe cases, surgery). As well as Hip Dysplasia, owners should also be aware of Elbow Dysplasia, which can affect the elbow joint.

Staffies are energetic and intelligent dogs, so regular exercise is really important for them. Most require at least an hour a day of exercise, which can be broken into smaller sessions to accommodate their energy levels and your schedule. It’s best to vary the activities for your pooch too to keep them mentally stimulated. On top of the regular walks, tug-of-war, fetch or even frisbee all provide good exercise and promote the bond between you and your dog. 

 

Consider joining an agility class to provide both mental and physical stimulation, and if your Staffy has a love for water then swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise. As previously mentioned, early socialisation with other dogs is important to avoid risks of your Staffy being intolerant of other pooches. Therefore, getting out to the park as regularly as possible as they grow up will be beneficial down the line.

Their short coat makes elements of maintaining a Staffy a little easier - though they still require regular attention. Brushing your pooch once a week will remove loose hair and dirt. More regular brushing is advisable during shedding seasons (spring and autumn). You can bathe Staffy as needed, normally around every 2-3 months or when they’re particularly dirty. Avoid over-bathing as this will strip them of their natural oils, which isn’t good for their skin. Always use dog-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

As with all dogs, a balanced and nutritious diet is key to health, energy and longevity. Ingredients to look out for include high quality animal protein (meat, poultry or fish), healthy fats (such as fish oil or flaxseed), carbohydrates from wholesome sources (sweet potatoes, barley etc.) and any dog-safe fruit or vegetables on top of that. When you’re feeding your Staffy puppy, 3-4 times per day is advisable. Frequent meals will help support their rapid growth. 

 

Adults usually do well when fed twice a day, with meals evenly spaced. Sticking to the same time each day will establish a routine and promote better digestion. Into their senior years, older Staffies may require smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion. As a breed, they can be prone to obesity, especially if they aren’t exercised enough. Ensure proper portion control - a moderately active Staffy will need 1000-1200 calories per day, on average, whilst less or more active pups will need 200 fewer/more calories respectively.