Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Breed characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Size of home
- Small house
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat length
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Lifespan
- Over 12 years
- Vulnerable native breed
- No
- Town or country
- Either
- Size of garden
- Small/ medium garden
About this breed
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares the same ancestry as the Bull Terrier, i.e. Bulldog crossed with the Black and Tan terrier, and was developed as a fighting dog. When the founder of the Bull Terrier James Hinks added other breeds like the Collie to change the head shape of that breed, devotees of the original type of bull terrier cross remained loyal to their preferred type. Because of its early association with fighting it was, for some time, difficult to get recognition for the breed and it was not until the 1930s that The Kennel Club recognised the breed. It carried the name Staffordshire as the breed was developed in the “black country” of Staffordshire and northern parts of Birmingham.
Unlike other breeds it is shown traditionally in a broad leather collar ornamented with brass emblems, containing the Staffordshire Knot – as a tribute to its origins.
Despite its early function, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known as a wonderful family pet.
Images for this breed
The Terrier breed group
Dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin. 'Terrier' comes from the Latin word Terra, meaning earth. This hardy collection of dogs were selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue fox, badger, rat and otter (to name but a few) above and below ground. Dogs of terrier type have been known here since ancient times, and as early as the Middle Ages, these game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters.
Breed standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Black
- Black & Tan
- Black & White
- Black Brindle
- Black Brindle & White
- Blue
- Blue & White
- Blue Brindle
- Blue Brindle & White
- Brindle
- Brindle & White
- Dark Brindle
- Dark Brindle & White
- Fawn Brindle & White
- Fawn
- Fawn & White
- Liver
- Red
- Red & White
- Red Brindle
- Red Brindle & White
- White
- White & Black Pied
- White & Blue Pied
- White & Brindle Pied
- White & Fawn Pied
- White & Red Pied
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Non-breed-standard colours
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Health
Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.
More about health
Priority health schemes and tests
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeders must use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.
- Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS)
- DNA test - HC-HSF4 - part of The Kennel Club's CombiBreed package* (see below). Find a list of tested dogs
- DNA test - L-2HGA - part of The Kennel Club's CombiBreed package* (see below). Find a list of tested dogs
Important health schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.
- Litter eye screening for PHPV
- Check inbreeding calculators
*CombiBreed - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests for breeders
The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our CombiBreed health test package. This includes:
- HC-HSF4 (Hereditary cataract)
- L2-HGA (L2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria)
As part of this package, both tests are carried out from a single swab. Assured breeders receive a 10% discount.
Find out more about our CombiBreed health packages.
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
Have any questions about health in your breed?
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email either
Breed watch
Category 2
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
With effect from 5th January 2010, merle puppies whelped from a mating on or after this date will not be registered. This is due to associated health risks of impaired vision and hearing associated with the merle gene in this breed.
With effect from 1st January 2013, The Kennel Club will not register puppies whelped from a merle to merle mating born on or after this date. This is due to associated health risks of impaired vision and hearing associated with the merle gene in this breed.
Looking for a puppy?
Looking for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.
More information
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