The Staffordshire bull terrier is similar in appearance and temperament to his close relative, the American pit pull terrier. In fact, these two breeds are so much alike that some do not make the distinction between the two. The Staffordshire bull terrier originated in Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century. The breed was the result of a cross between bulldogs and a variety of terriers, and was created for the then popular sport of bull baiting.

When interest in this sport diminished a number of years later, the popularity of the breed diminished as well. However, the Staffie returned to popularity once again a century later when the United States took and interest in the breed as well, and by 1935 it had made its return to the show ring. Today, the Staffordshire bull terrier can make a great family pet for an owner who is experienced with dogs and can lead the Staffie with a strong hand.

Appearance

The Staffordshire bull terrier is a medium-sized dog, weighing in at 25-38 pounds for the male and 23-35 pounds for the female. The coat of this breed is short and smooth, and can come in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn or red. The body of this dog is short but muscular, making this animal as strong as he is agile. The ears of the Staffordshire bull terrier are generally rose or half-prick, and they are not terribly large or heavy in relation to the rest of the animal.

Temperament

Contrary to what many think of this breed and his close cousin the American pit bull terrier, this dog is exceeding friendly and highly intelligent. His eagerness to please results in an obedient creature that can be fairly easy to train, and his willingness to play makes the Staffordshire bull terrier the perfect choice for many families. This dog can become protective of his family, and may become confrontational with other dogs he meets, especially those that are a similar breed to him. The Staffordshire bull terrier has a tendency to be stubborn as well as intelligent, so a firm hand and consistent training is the most effective path to an obedient, well-trained dog.

The Staffordshire bull terrier can make a wonderful family pet, but it is not the right choice for everyone. This breed tends to do best with an owner that is experienced in dog training and will be able to give the dog the firm leadership that he needs. If you are thinking about adding a Staffordshire bull terrier to your family, it is important that you talk to breeders and your veterinarian about whether this breed will be a good fit for your family. With the proper training and plenty of attention, the Staffordshire bull terrier can bring your family years of enjoyment and companionship. Enjoy your Staffie!