Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Other names: Nanny dog, Staffie, Bull terrier du Staffordshire
#43
Wamiz's Top Breed

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a compact, muscular, medium-sized dog. Used as a fighting dog in the past, he has preserved a fearless temperament that endows him with remarkable courage. Often mistaken for his close cousin, the Amstaff, the Kennel Club Staffie possesses several traits that make the breed unique in its own right and is not subject to the 1999 law addressing so-called ‘dangerous’ dogs.
Key facts about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origins and history
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was born in the 19th century from a cross between the Bulldog and several different Terriers (White Terrier, Manchester Terrier). Developed in Staffordshire, England, the Staffie was originally used in bull fights. Very widespread in the States since the inter-war period, he has since gained some appreciation throughout Europe. The breed was officially recognised in 1935.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 3 : Bull type Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 14 and 16 in
Male : Between 14 and 16 in
Weight
Female : Between 24 and 33 lb
Male : Between 26 and 37 lb
Coat colour
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can have a red, fawn, white, black or blue coat. All coats can contain white patching. The coat can also be brindle (in any shade), with or without white. Black and tan or brown coats are not admissible by official standards.
Do note that the blue Staffie is particularly sought after.
Type of coat
The coat is short.
The coat is smooth and close-lying.
Eye colour
The eyes should preferably be a dark colour.
Description
He appears as proportionately built, giving the impression of immense strength given his size. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is muscular, molossian-type dog- active, nimble, brave and tenacious. The head is short, deep, with a wide skull. The masseters are very pronounced; the stop is well-defined. The muzzle is short, and the nose should alway be black. The eyes are round and medium-sized, they are set in a straight manner, casting the gaze directly ahead. The ears can be semi-upright or rose-shaped: they should neither be large nor heavy. The frame is compact, with the upper part following a straight line, a deep and low-reaching chest, and barrel-shaped ribs. The limbs are perfectly straight; the hind feet are slightly crooked. The tail, of medium size, is carried low: large at its base, it tapers down towards the tip without curling over, and is shaped in the same form as a water pump handle.
Good to know
With regards to classifications, only the Staffordshire Bull Terriers lacking Kennel Club papers are assigned the Category 1 group, established by the January 1999 law that addresses so-called ‘dangerous’ dog. It is therefore of utmost importance to only resort to professional breeds when considering the adoption of a Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which will be the only ones capable of ensuring a ‘pure blood’ certificate that will render the dog exempt for the above-mentioned, unjust category.