How to Identify a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a bull-type terrier dog and part of the terrier group. [1] Originally bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting, the sports eventually were outlawed, and the breed became a companion. [2] Staffordshire Bull Terriers are only one of several bull-type terriers and thus have much in common with other breeds. However, by recognizing key traits of the breed, this wikiHow will help you identify a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

  1. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are fairly short but heavy for their size. They have a height of 14–16 inches (36–41 cm), with males weighing 28–38 pounds (13–17 kg) and females weighing 24–34 pounds (11–15 kg). [3]
  2. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier's head is of a short length overall and in foreface. It is still fairly broad and deep, however, with a distinct stop, a black nose, tight lips, and pronounced cheeks. The bite is made up of lower incisors on the outside meeting the upper incisors on the inside. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier are medium-sized and rounded, looking directly forward. In color, they are generally dark but may correspond to the color of the dog's coat. The rims also tend to be dark unless white fur goes around the eye, occasionally making the rim pink. [5]
  4. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have ears that are typically a bit small. They may be partially pricked or slightly folded as a rose ear. [6]
  5. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier's paws are medium in size and appear strong with good pads. The front paws turn slightly outward. Dewclaws may be present on the front legs, though any on the hind legs are usually removed. [7]
  6. The tail of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a natural tail, not being docked and instead staying its normal medium length. It is carried and set on fairly low and tapers to its tip. Without curling, it resembles a pump handle. [8]
  7. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular, strong, and notably agile. They have a neck that widens as it approaches the shoulders, well-sprung ribs, a level topline, straight forelegs, and parallel hind legs. Their gait is of great drive, power, freedom, and agility. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Viewing the Coat

  1. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier may be one of many colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, or solid white. They may also have white markings, brindle markings, or both of these. [10]
    • Be aware that one is not liver or black and tan, so do not expect to see a Staffordshire Bull Terrier with either of these colorings. [11]
  2. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have coats of a short length that feel smooth. The coat is drawn close by the skin. [12]
  3. With such short hair, Staffordshire Bull Terriers have very low-maintenance coats. They are only occasional shedders and need brushing every week and infrequent baths. [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Analyzing Temperament

  1. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are people-oriented dogs and love human companionship. They have the potential to be incredibly friendly dogs if given enough socialization. [14]
    • Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known to get along especially well with children and have proven to be a trustworthy breed. [16]

    Did you know? Most people associate the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with their dogfighting background, but in actuality, they left their past behind and are now amazing companion dogs. [15]

  2. Though not great guard dogs as they love people, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can make good watchdogs. They typically alert their family of anything unfamiliar. [17]
  3. Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be a bit stubborn, especially during training. They require confidence and consistency during training sessions. [18]
  4. Due to their background, some Staffordshire Bull Terriers may act aggressively toward other dogs or chase small animals. Note, however, that when raised with another animal, including cats or other dogs, they can get along well with them. [19]
  5. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are active dogs and thus need a good amount of exercise. Their high energy levels need to be addressed through activities to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behaviors. [20]
    • When it comes to exercise, they are fairly versatile. As long as they are given enough of it, they can easily adapt to any sort of environment. [21]
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      Tips

      • Consider using a DNA test if you wish to know your own dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
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      Warnings

      • Due to their stigma of being a "pitbull" breed, Staffordshire Bull Terriers may be banned in certain places. [22] Make sure to check the breed bans in your local area.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/StaffordshireBullTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/staffordshirebullterriers.html
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/staffordshirebullterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/staffordshirebullterriers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/staffordshirebullterriers.html

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