The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia’s most beloved dogs, and for good reason. They’re happy-go-lucky little dogs with the energy to match their owner’s active lifestyle. One thing that prospective Staffy owners worry about is the Staffy’s behaviour and temperament. There’s a stigma surrounding the Staffy because of its tough, muscular appearance.
So today we’re going to break down Staffy behaviour and temperament so that you can make an educated decision on whether to get one.
Staffy Behaviour and Temperament
- Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers aggressive?
No! Few dogs are naturally aggressive toward people or other dogs. Most aggressive behaviour in dogs is due to poor socialisation, poor training, or an undiagnosed medical issue. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are no exception – they’re raised to be companion animals, so they tend to be gentle and even-tempered in most situations.
- Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers loyal?
Yes! Staffordshire Bull Terriers are incredibly devoted to their owners and family members. They tend to bond well with humans, and are exceedingly loyal. This trait is likely due to the Staffy’s long history as a companion animal.
- Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers affectionate?
Yes! Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to be very affectionate with humans, even children. That’s why they have earned the name “The Nanny Dog” due to how gentle and sweet they are with kids.
- Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers live in an apartment?
Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can handle apartment living! While they’re energetic dogs, they are adaptable enough to be well-behaved indoors. You just need to give them enough outdoor play time that they are able to get their daily exercise. It’s best to have a secure outdoor space to do this, as they might run off after smaller animals such as squirrels or rabbits.
- Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers get along with other dogs?
Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be friendly with other dogs, so long as they get proper socialisation at a young age. It’s best to expose a Staffordshire Bull Terrier to other dogs early so that they learn proper behaviour around other animals. It also builds their confidence and makes them less fearful of other dogs in their space.
- Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark a lot?
No, Staffordshire Bull Terriers don’t bark much more than any other dog. They can be trained to stay quiet, so long as they’re getting enough exercise and play.
- Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good guard dogs?
No. They are protective of their family members, but don’t make great guard dogs because they’re more likely to befriend intruders than guard your property.
