The most popular breed of terrier in the UK after the Border Terrier, over 5,750 Staffordshire Bull Terriers were registered in the UK in 2013, which is 2,500 more than the third most popular dog belonging to the terrier breed group: the West Highland White Terrier. Making up around 21% of terriers registered in 2013, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's popularity continued into 2014, with the first three quarters seeing around 3,725 being registered.
Key Facts
| Size | Medium |
| Exercise Requirements | 1 hour + |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Lifespan | 13 years approx. |
Personality & Training
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier's popularity is undoubtedly due to its typically friendly, outgoing and loyal behaviour, not to mention the willingness it shows to interact with humans and the ease with which they can be trained as puppies.
Their stocky, muscular look can give the intimidating initial impression that these dogs are vicious and violent, but as it turns out their temperament makes them wholly unsuitable for life as guard dogs or attack dogs. Their muscularity does however make them eager to engage in play and exercise, meaning that they are perhaps not the ideal dog for people who lead a slow, easy going pace of life.
When it comes to training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier you must have a very firm hand, as must every other member of the family. It is not enough for one or two members of the family to place themselves in a position of dominance, because for these dogs to learn they basically need to see all humans as pack masters, not just their family. Once this has been established however, they will be the ideal pet and will socialise readily with new people.
Exercise & Living Conditions
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was originally bred as a mix between bulldogs and terriers for the purposes of bull baiting. This is the reason for their stout build and their surprising reserves of stamina, which if left untapped for too long can cause them to behave erratically. The best way to drain their well of energy is to take them on daily walks, with the occasional jog thrown it.
Though an hour walk everyday will help, every now and again you may find that the walk alone is not enough to stem their hyperactivity. In these instances you will probably want to consider taking them for a run or playing with them in a park or another large open area (especially if you value your home's furniture and décor).
So long as you wear them out before their hyperactivity reaches its peak, these dogs can get along quite well in your average-sized apartment and will truly thrive in anything bigger. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lifespan of approximately 13 years, but when looked after it is not unheard of for them to reach ages approaching 20 years old.
Grooming
These dogs require very little grooming thanks to their smooth, short-haired coat. You will want to give them a brush every day, or every other day at least, to keep your home from becoming covered in a veneer of hair, but other than that you will not need to give them a bath or anything unless they become dirty or it has been a good month or two since their last one.
If you're ever expecting company and you fancy giving yours a quick spruce, their short haired coat can be buffed to a shine with little more than the rub of a towel.
