Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a British bull-and-terrier breed — a muscular, medium-small dog with a famously affectionate streak toward people.

History

It was developed in the Black Country of nineteenth-century England from bulldog and terrier crosses, bred for the pit until blood sports were banned, after which it was turned toward companionship. Selection for a sound temperament with people is part of that later history.

Temperament

The breed is known for being brave, tenacious and remarkably people-loving, often devoted to children in its family. That fondness for people does not always extend to other dogs, which is why socialising matters.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and early, consistent, reward-based training to channel a strong and determined dog. The short coat is easy to keep.

Health

Known tendencies include hereditary cataracts and a metabolic condition carried in some lines, both of which breeders can test for, along with skin problems. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.