The size of a full-grown Staffordshire Bull Terrier is relatively small, standing less than 16 inches tall and weighing as little as 24 pounds. Despite their size, Staffies have muscles to spare. Compared with the much larger American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed that weighs up to 80 pounds, this compact breed weighs between 24 and 38 pounds.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a short-haired breed with glossy coats that can come in many colors, including red, fawn, black, white, blue (gray), brindle (black and brown striped), and lighter shades of brindle. Their coats are either a solid color or parti-color with white.

Staffies are considered moderate shedders. When it comes to grooming, Staffords are the definition of low maintenance. Run a horsehair mitt or hound glove over their coats once a week to remove dead hairs and bathe as needed. While they might not have a lot of hair, the breed isn’t considered hypoallergenic, so they might not be the best fit for allergy sufferers.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Some Staffies have been known to live longer with proper care and nutrition.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically stop growing between 12 and 18 months of age. With decreased activity levels and changes in metabolism, it’s common for Staffies to gain weight as they get older into their senior years.

Staffies are a small and powerful breed. They have broad chests and strong shoulders and short, broad heads with wide jaws, short muzzles, and distinctive cheek muscles (not to mention grins that stretch from ear to ear).

Known affectionately as “Staffies” or “Staffords,” Staffordshire Bull Terriers originated in the northern parts of Birmingham and the Black Country of Staffordshire, England.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred for dog fighting in the 19th century by crossing Bulldogs and various terriers. With the decline of dog fighting, the breed was further developed to become a loyal and affectionate companion, transforming this former gladiator into a mild, playful pet.

Yes, Staffies love to cuddle. They are loving and affectionate dogs who will happily take on the role of lap-dog and snuggle buddy.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are considered average barkers who will alert to unfamiliar sights and sounds but don’t bark incessantly. Consistent training and redirection can help lower the volume of their protective instincts.

Staffies make great family dogs. Don’t be fooled by their tough exterior. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are gentle, docile, and sweet-natured dogs, and all it takes for them to break into their signature goofy grin is a few scratches behind the ears and the promise of a long walk. With enough exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs make well-behaved, loyal companions.

Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs who need a lot of exercise. These active pups love being around people, especially when it involves activities like walking or fetch. Their playful, curious natures and strong, agile bodies make Staffordshire Bull Terriers well-suited to activities such as flyball, rally, agility, and competitive obedience exercises.

Yes, Staffies are quick to respond to obedience training, but their stubborn tendencies can affect their willingness to respond to commands. For training to be successful, take a rewards-based approach, offering treats, toys, and praise in exchange for good behavior. Also, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smart dogs. They are known for their quick learning abilities and their eagerness to please. They are responsive dogs who learn new things quickly when taught with positive reinforcement.

Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally friendly, social dogs who can get along well with other dogs when properly socialized. However, like all breeds, individual personalities can vary, and some Staffies can be reactive toward unfamiliar dogs. It’s important to keep this in mind if your Staffie is ever in a situation with unleashed dogs.

Like most terriers, these pups have a strong prey drive, but it’s possible for Staffies to get along with cats. Proper introductions, training, and socialization are key to ensuring Staffordshire Bull Terriers can live harmoniously with cats and other pets.

Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are good with kids. Their gentle, sweet-natured temperaments — not to mention the energy to participate in endless games of tag and tug of war — earned Staffordshire Bull Terriers a reputation as “nanny dogs” who are great with children and love their families. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally healthy but may still be prone to several genetic health conditions. It’s important to remember that just because this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions doesn’t mean they will develop them. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are prone to the following health conditions:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Abnormal growth patterns in the hip or elbow joints can cause the ball and socket to grind, not glide. It’s a painful but common condition that can lead to lameness and, eventually, osteoarthritis. Initial treatments for hip dysplasia include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements, but the condition may also require surgery.

• Juvenile cataracts: The inherited genetic condition affects both eyes. Unlike cataracts that develop with age, juvenile cataracts affect dogs who are less than one year old. It’s a progressive disease that causes affected dogs to slowly lose their vision and results in blindness by two to three years of age. 

• Patellar luxation: This condition causes the knee joint to slide in and out of place and is sometimes called “slipped kneecaps.” While it can cause the joint to lock at an odd angle and cause mild pain, the joint often realigns, and dogs resume normal activities as if nothing happened. Patellar luxation or luxating patella is more common in small breeds (but can affect all breeds). Most cases require no treatment, but some dogs do need surgery.

• Allergies: Dogs can also suffer from allergies to food, environmental factors, and parasites, and some breeds are at higher risk. Allergies can cause symptoms such as hair loss and excessive scratching, biting, and licking that can trigger secondary infections. Depending on the cause, treating parasites, changing diets, reducing exposure to environmental allergens, or medication can help alleviate allergies.

The easiest way to adopt a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is through a rescue that specializes in Bullies. A great place to start is with a breed search on Adopt a Pet, which will show you all the available Staffordshire Bull Terriers in your search radius.