The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, more commonly known as the Staffy, is one of Australia’s top dogs. Staffies share a similar lineage as the American Staffordshire Terrier. In the 18th century, bull-baiting and pit-fighting were popular dog sports, and the Staffy was one of the breeds developed for them.
Thankfully, these events were eventually banned, and the Staffy no longer has to participate in these competitions. As a result, the traits that are emphasised in Staffy breeding have shifted from tenacity and power to friendliness and affection. Over the last two decades, the Staffy has risen in popularity and gained recognition as a gentle family dog.
If you’re looking at Staffy pups for sale, it’s a good idea to know some of its traits and needs before you take the puppy home.
Staffy Appearance
The Staffy is a compact dog that is classified as a small to medium breed. The most apt description for these dogs would be ‘stocky’, as their short stature is combined with an incredibly muscular and athletic body. Fully grown male Staffies generally reach an adult weight of 13 to 17 kg and 35 to 45 cm in height, while fully grown females weigh around 11 to 14 kg at a height of 32 to 40 cm.
Staffys have a wide head with pronounced cheekbones and cheek muscles. The Staffy snout is short and has a distinct stop where it meets the rest of the skull. The eyes are round and wide set, and Staffies generally have a jovial, cheerful expression on their faces. The muscles in a staffy’s jaws and head usually undergo extensive development as they grow. This may result in a Staffy pup’s head shape changing as they go from puppy to adult.
The body of a typical Staffy is longer than it is tall, with broad shoulders that taper down to a narrow waist. The tail is of medium length and is usually carried lower than the body.
Staffy Health
The Staffy is a generally healthy breed and is not known for many breed-specific health problems. Their life expectancy is typically 12 to 14 years, with many dogs reaching the mid-teens or older so long as they get good exercise and high-quality dog food in the appropriate amounts.
Staffy Grooming
Staffies are very easy to groom, as they are a single-coated breed. Their fur is short and smooth. They shed little throughout the year, and do not blow coat during seasonal changes. Brushing every couple of days is usually enough to get rid of shed hair and dander for most Staffies. Baths can be given every 2 to 3 months, though there’s nothing wrong with bathing a Staffy if they really need it after a particularly muddy walk outdoors.
Staffy Training and Exercise
Staffies are an energetic breed and require sufficient mental and physical stimulation to prevent behavioural issues. Most Staffy owners give their dogs at least an hour of exercise each day. Staffies also love to cuddle as well as play, so they’ll usually be content with an hour of high-intensity exercise before snuggling up on the couch with you. Just make sure that you give them lots of fun and challenging toys and games. Training is also one way to provide mental and physical stimulation, and most Staffies take to training well, since they love to please their owners.
