Staffordshire Bull Terrier: description of the breed, nuances of care

Nemo me impune lacessit - "No one provokes me with impunity." This is the motto of the Staffbull breed in one of the most popular national clubs in Canada, which exactly matches the character of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Unparalleled courage, tenacity and indestructible courage of the dog have earned the respect and wide popularity of the breed in many parts of the world. In the well-known story by E. Seton-Thompson "The Story of a Bull Terrier", a young dog, a stout man Snap wins in a fight with a seasoned wolf.

Possessing high intelligence and goodwill in relations with people, the Bull Terrier is the most reliable companion dog. On top of that, this is a dog with humor - it smiles at you all the time. Take a closer look!

Various ancient records indicate that the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier were kept in the royal courts hundreds of years ago. These mastiff-like animals were used by the Romans as gladiators in arenas, for baiting bears, lions and bulls. Actually the term "bull terrier" originated from the English bull (bull).

The breed appeared in the 16th century, in the English county of Staffordshire as a result of mixing the blood of the Old English Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Bull Terriers were used as fighting dogs, because the breed was strong, strong, with an excellent reaction. The author of the breed is also known - the English Duke of Hamilton, who managed to get a real fighting dog.

Over time, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers, thanks to their fighting qualities, established themselves as participants in fierce and uncompromising dogfights and bull-baiting. From 1835, such battles began to take place regularly.

In 1935, an amateur staffbull club was opened in England, and D. Mullen was elected president. And a year later, a dog show session took place, and the press burst out with laudatory publications about this amazing breed.

The breed standard was approved in 1936, and the breed was recognized as the best precisely as a domestic companion. In 1974, the staffbulls were entered into the breeding lists and formally formed a standard that fully reflects their characteristics.

Over the course of time, Bull Terriers have become regular participants in many prestigious exhibitions. In 2006, the Staffbull won the corresponding status as the best domestic dog. In England today, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most popular companion dog.

Professionals call dogs "staffies", which, unlike popular belief, are not as aggressive as they seem at first glance, rather, on the contrary, they are affectionate and playful. However, they are supposed to be kept strictly, not spoiled, so as not to create conditions for an unforeseen manifestation of aggression towards people or animals.

According to the standard, adult staffbulls look both massive and graceful in build. In males, the relief muscular system looks great. The dog reaches a height of 40 cm. The average weight of males is 17-20 kg, bitches - 15 kg. The coat is short and stiff and, along with the rough skin, is well adapted to protect the dog's body in combat.

The characteristics of dogs, in accordance with the provisions of the standard, reflect their main characteristics:

• short and slightly widened skull, prominent cheekbones and forehead;
• dark tip of the nose and lips (without wings);
• jaws tight and strong;
• protruding and slightly hanging ears;
• eyes are round, colors depending on the color of the dog;
• the neck is powerful, with well-taut skin (no folds);
• large loin, strong chest;
• the belly is powerful, not falling;
• the legs are slightly shortened in proportion to the body;
• strong paws;

• the coat is dense, smooth, shortened;
• the bite is correct, with tightly spaced lips;
• the back is wide and straight;
• the tail is small, slightly tapering towards the end.

Bull Terriers are classified as a short-haired breed. Wool has no undercoat. Typical colors:

• amber color;
• reddish shade;
• dominant light;
• blue (gray);
• black.

Let's note a number of interesting and useful points.

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers are usually called different, alternative names - "staffbulls" or simply "staffy".

• Their hunting instincts and guardian inclinations are poorly developed, which is important to consider when choosing a dog breed.

• For about half a century, Staffy has been the living mascot of the Prince of Wales' Staffordshire Regiment.

• Staffbull will not be lazy for days to enjoy "soap" series with the owner. The breed exists in a very dynamic mode and an accelerated pace is typical for it. Therefore, she prefers play or significant physical activity to pleasant idleness.

• Staffbull males are more aggressive and prone to competition with each other. For this reason, keeping two males in the same house will require remarkable endurance from the owner.

• It is important to develop the intelligence and sharpness of the staffy regularly with training.Dogs are in dire need of early socialization.

• Staffbulls have a high pain tolerance - they are lighter than other breeds, withstand injuries and even serious wounds.

• Overheating and significant hypothermia are contraindicated for the breed. Therefore, home and apartment maintenance is recommended for the staff.

• The Staffbull is an athletic breed, with proper education and training, it is capable of showing excellent results in dog-frisbee, agility and freestyle.

Despite the definitely aggressive look of bull terriers, in reality they are loving and true friends. In a relationship with a person, they are friendly, even when meeting with strangers, dogs usually do not show aggressiveness.

Smart and gentle staffies are extremely loyal, cheerful and perky in nature, they love to be in the center of everyone's attention. The Staffbulls are active, always confident in their capabilities and are very fond of games.

The Bull Terrier is alert and focused on identifying danger. Controlling the situation and the environment, he will immediately warn the owner about it, and, if necessary, will instantly engage in a fight with the offender.

Steffy has a positive attitude towards children and is always ready to protect them. Quite peacefully, dogs get along with cats and other pets.

Nevertheless, kindness and balance of character do not prevent them from being real fighters. The first dogs do not attack, but they are ready to give a worthy rebuff to any aggressor. In this they are helped by tremendous energy, physical strength and a low pain threshold of an experienced fighter. Males are somewhat more aggressive than females, therefore regardless of the conditions of upbringing, they should be taught the skill and understanding that even a minimal demonstration of aggression is prohibited.

Some of the character traits of staffbulls:

• the dog cannot be kept in the yard, but only at home;
• walking is carried out exclusively on a leash, since individual dogs can be aggressive towards strangers;
• staffies - dogs with a developed intellect, but not devoid of some originality (stubbornness);
• the dog is partial to home comfort and coziness;
• puppies are big fans of chewing, so durable toys for the dog will not be superfluous;
• the staffies love to dig;
• they can hardly tolerate the heat, so in the summer it is necessary to monitor the possible overheating of the dog;
• this is an animal with a highly developed predator instinct, which imposes a special responsibility on the upbringing, training of the dog and control over its behavior;
• it is a reliable protector of the owner, but it is often indifferent to property.

Let's highlight some of the breed's shortcomings.

1. Staffbulls are poorly tuned in to good relations with other animals. The breed is dominant, striving to take a leading, dominant position among other dogs.
2. Staffies consider cats and small rodents to be their prey, which must be caught.
3. Often they show stubbornness and a desire to dominate the family, which can only be avoided with the help of correct and patient upbringing.
4. Their training and significant physical activity take a long time.
5. Long-term separation from the owner is fraught with psychological trauma for the dog.

Genetically, staffbulls are strong and resilient animals that do not particularly feel pain. Therefore, it is often not possible to determine the disease of the dog in the early stages of its development. On average, they live 12-14 years. The life span of an animal is most often determined by a hereditary factor. However, not the last place in this context is occupied by diseases typical of the breed. That's why the topic of vaccinations is extremely relevant here.

Staffy puppies, especially those under the age of one year, are extremely vulnerable to infection. During this period, the level of immunity of the puppy is low - he recently separated from his mother.

Of course, vaccination does not provide complete protection against the occurrence of diseases, but the likelihood of their occurrence is significantly reduced. Vaccinated animals are much easier to tolerate diseases than unvaccinated ones.

Primary vaccination is usually carried out in nurseries, where breeders are required to issue veterinary passports. In the future, the owner must adhere to a special vaccination schedule:

• complex vaccination is carried out at 2, 2.5, 6 and 12 months and is then repeated annually;
• rabies vaccination is carried out at 7 months and is subsequently repeated annually.

Staffbulls are unpretentious in keeping and adapt to new conditions quickly. Experts recommend keeping them in a country house or spacious apartments. This dog is mobile, energetic, and the space gives it the opportunity to splash out excess energy.

Bull Terriers do not tend to disable furniture or other household items - they just love to frolic and play. Therefore, frequent walks of the dog are extremely beneficial for her. You need to walk it at least 2 times a day. At the same time, during the walk, it is important to ensure high activity of the classes.

Caring for a staffbull is easy. Its short coat sheds in spring and autumn. However, if the dog is kept in dry and warm rooms, the fur coat may change throughout the year.

In case of bald spots, dandruff, dry and brittle hair on the staffy's skin, it is recommended to replace the shampoo. It is useful in such cases to take a closer look at the quality of the food. A consultation with a veterinarian will not be superfluous here.

To improve the functioning of the circulatory system, stimulate growth and eliminate dying hair, the dog is recommended to comb once a week using a brush with natural bristles. During the molting period, the procedure is carried out as needed.

The staffies are bathed once a month using a special detergent with conditioner. In this case, the wool is rinsed with warm water, and the shampoo is diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio. After foaming, the dog is washed abundantly with warm water. Shampoos are not recommended to be applied to the animal's coat without diluting.

After bathing, blot the dog's coat with a towel and then comb it over the coat. It is advisable to insert cotton wool into the ears to eliminate moisture as soon as possible. After bathing, it is not recommended to walk the staff for 2 hours for final drying. In winter, the dog is bathed at the end of the final walk.

Regular examination of the animal's eyes is very important. Small grains in the corners of the eyes are not dangerous, they can be easily removed with a lint-free cloth moistened with warm boiled water or chamomile broth. In case of redness, swelling of the eyelids, profuse lacrimation, you should seek the help of a veterinarian.

The dog's ears should be checked once a week. Sulfur and dusty contaminants are removed with a cotton pad moistened with warm water. With a clear excess of sulfur, bad smell from the ears, redness of the skin do not self-medicate, it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Milk teeth in puppies appear at about one month of age, after 5 months molars erupt. A mature staffy has 42 teeth, of which 12 are incisors, 4 are canines, 26 are molars. The bite is classic, scissor bite.The dog's teeth are looked after 3-4 times a week using a special toothpaste, using a brush or a fingertip.

The claws are trimmed with a special nail clipper once every 2 weeks in the winter and once a month in the summer, since in the summer the dog runs a lot and grinds off its claws to a large extent. After trimming, the burrs are removed with a special file. Excessively hard staffbull claws are difficult to trim, therefore, to soften them, it is recommended to hold the paws in warm water for a few minutes.

After a walk, the dog's paws should be wiped with a damp towel (you can wash off the dirt from them in the shower). Wounds or abrasions found on the paws are treated with an antiseptic. In order to prevent cracks on the pads, a small amount of vegetable oil is included in the animal's diet every day.

In winter, rubbing a special wax or cream into the pads helps to protect the pet's paws, which are washed off at the end of the walk. Another method of saving your pet's paws from road reagents is the use of silicone shoes.

In the cool period, the dog needs clothes (sweater, raincoat, overalls) to save the short-haired animal from hypothermia.

Treatment of bull terrier with substances against ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, lice) is required. They are capable of causing significant harm to the animal - cause constant itching, allergic reactions, and more.

So, the tick carries piroplasmosis - a fatal disease for a dog. Therefore, a post-walk inspection of the dog's integument in the neck, armpits, abdomen, tail, head and ears is required. If a tick is found, it is more advisable to contact a veterinarian. After treatment, it is important to control the dog's appetite, temperature and physical condition.

Piroplasmosis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• temperature up to 39-42 degrees;
• lethargy, lethargy;
• unhealthy appetite;
• reddish brown urine;
• the dog rests with difficulty on its paws, especially on the hind legs.

Medicines based on the condition of the dog will be selected by the veterinarian. It can be:

• drops on the withers;
• spray (before the walk);
• collar (for regular wear);
• tablets (after consultation with a veterinarian).

A sick dog usually tries to hide in a dark place, does not eat well, responds sluggishly and is constantly thirsty. Often he has frequent urination, manifestations of diarrhea, constipation are not excluded, blood appears in the urine, feces. Purulent discharge may occur. The mucous membranes turn pale, often become cyanotic. The wool fades, ruffles.

Typical staffy pathologies:

• cataract;
• manifestations of deafness;
• violations of the functionality of the ovaries;
• intestinal obstruction;
• stones in the urinary system;
• volvulus of the eyelids;
• cell carcinoma;
• arthritis;
• violation of joint functions;
• dislocation of the patella;
• allergy.

Walking begins after the 2nd vaccination. First, the puppies are taken out for a walk on their arms, after 3-4 days - on a leash. Immediately it is necessary to start teaching the dog the command "by" and the voice of the owner. In the course of the necessary early socialization, puppies are first walked in calm and deserted places, then introduced to more crowded places and transport.

This will help the little ones get used to their surroundings faster. It is also important to teach puppies to muzzle from an early age. Staffbulls do not particularly like dogs, so you should wait a little with such acquaintances.

Dog parks are perhaps the best place to physically load your pet efficiently. Here you can do agility and play with treats and toys. It is better to train a dog in a protective suit - the staffy has strong jaws.

Nutrition is the most important factor in determining the health of animals, their physical abilities and energy potential. You should not feed the staffbull unnecessarily, since obesity will follow with its sedentary lifestyle. The established staffy diet must be strictly adhered to from an early age.

Already at 1.5 months, the dog's diet is divided into 5-6 feedings. This regimen is maintained for up to 3 months. After 6 months, the diet is detailed:

• since morning - dairy products;
• dinner - porridge with milk or broth;
• By the evening - vegetables with meat;
• late in the evening - a piece of meat boiled or doused with boiling water.

At 6 months of age, the puppy is fed eggs and buckwheat. Oatmeal is rarely used. A little later, the dog is transferred to the diet of an adult - 2 times a day. The main dish on the menu is meat, which makes up 65% of the total diet. From time to time, instead of meat dishes, they give fish.

The diet is not recommended for the presence of:

• sugars;
• salty dishes;
• flour products;
• sweet;
• potatoes.

The Staffy is a breed with a fighting genealogy, so teaching her obedience is a priority and starts from an early age. The dog must be able to obediently walk next to the owner, on a leash and without him. Early and skillful socialization of a staffbull is the key to its successful upbringing and training. It is necessary to be in public places with the puppy, to ride with him in a car. The pet should not have a hint of aggression towards strangers.

Taking into account the peculiarities of the breed, it will be useful to get several consultations with an experienced instructor, especially if you feel a certain lack of the necessary experience in raising a dog.

In this regard, it will be useful to look at the existing programs such as UGS, ZGS (controlled or protective city dog). Staffy may well become an effective bodyguard, but for walks the dog will need to be muzzled and on a short leash.

A pet should be taught to follow a number of simple rules:

• eating should be done only after the household has eaten;
• entrance to the house only after the owner;
• games, pampering and sleeping on the master's furniture are prohibited.

The breed is absolutely not designed for the deliberate development of her aggression. Such experiments are fraught with poor outcomes and disturbances in the psyche of the dog. The Staffbull can easily become an uncontrollable animal.

Novice dog breeders should not start a breed, since staffie education is a difficult process that requires a lot of time and attention. Dominating a dog requires skill, strength of character and experience. It is not recommended to show weakness in a relationship with a dog.

The dog must learn that it has a strong master. With a verified and consistent approach to training, the staff quite successfully assimilate commands and execute them with ease. They are quick-witted and have a developed intellect, but sometimes they can persist, refusing to study. In these cases, it is worth choosing a different time for training, without punishing the pet.

For the characteristics of the breed, see the video below.