Staffordshire Bull Terrier
English, muscular, and so fond of people that it makes a poor guard dog. Strong out of all proportion to its size, and it thinks it is a lap dog.
Photo by Serial Number 54129, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier came out of the bull and terrier crosses of the English midlands, bred for fighting until it was banned and then kept as a family dog by the same communities. UK data gives it a life expectancy at birth of 11.33 years.
It is one of only two breeds the UK Kennel Club describes as totally reliable with children, which sits oddly beside the reputation and is entirely consistent with what the breed was actually selected for: dogs that fought had to be safe for their handlers to separate.
Temperament
Affectionate, exuberant and famously good with people. Staffies are devoted to their families, delighted by strangers, and they are useless as guard dogs.
Dog aggression is the honest caveat and it is a different thing from aggression towards people. The bull and terrier history selected for it, it appears in some individuals despite good socialisation, and it means management around other dogs rather than assuming it away. They are also extremely strong for their size.
Care and grooming
A short smooth coat, a weekly rub down, moderate shedding. Easy.
L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and hereditary cataracts both have DNA tests and both are specific concerns in this breed. Hip dysplasia and skin allergies also occur. Ask for both DNA results.
Living and exercise
An hour a day of real exercise plus mental work. They enjoy strength work and they are athletic.
Breed specific legislation, insurance and rental housing restrictions are real practical issues in many places, and they are a large part of why Staffies fill British shelters. Check before buying.
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