Staffordshire Bull Terrier - breed description and character of a dog

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a noble and ancient breed that is admired by others. A calm but brave dog requires good endurance and decent conditions from the owner. Only in this case the dog will fully reveal its potential, will become an irreplaceable friend and protector.

Breed history

Many sources indicate that the first ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terriers were bred at the courts of high-ranking officials many thousands of years ago. And, nevertheless, the birth of a purebred breed occurred in the English county of Staffordshire only in the 16th century. Bulldogs and mastiffs are considered ancestors. The first bull terriers appeared at the duke Hamilton, whose goal was to bring out a fighting breed.

At first, strong and courageous Staffords were bred exclusively for dogfights and bull baiting (the name "Bull Terrier" went so well). Bloody spectacle actively entered into use since 1835. Then the animals began to be used in the fight against rodents - the staff coped well with this task, as a result of which a new type of competition was born.

Competent selection and natural data led to the fact that the breed began to stand out sharply against the background of great-grandfathers. The pied coat coat was originally spread. In the Bulldogs, he remained so, but in the Bull Terriers he transformed into tiger.

The first club of breed connoisseurs was officially registered in 1935, headed by President Joe Mullen. A year later, the first pedigree exhibition was organized, and a note about a dog was published in the journal. Standards were adopted in 1936, when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was recognized by one of the best companion dogs (and the bloody past of the breed was not mentioned).

In 1974, Staffordshire was already brought into the stud book. Then the standard officially adopted the main differences between the breed and the American Staffordshire Terrier.In contrast to the staff, the latter has larger dimensions of growth, weighs 10 kg more. Also terriers made to stop their ears.

Character traits and behavior

Nevertheless, dog experts advise to keep the dog in strictness and to start educational measures in a timely manner, as it is very easy to spoil him. A naughty bull terrier can start attacking people and animals around, though not without a reason. Bringing the animal out of balance can a sense of impending danger, as well as aggression from another pet or person. Also, the breed can dominate the weaker and younger dogs, to enter into conflict with a male relative, to present the primacy.

In everyday life, a dog gladly obeys the will and orders of the owner.She can be a “nanny” for a child or a mentor for another pet. The animal very quickly gains the sympathy of all households and becomes a real pet of the family.

Staff is considered to be a wonderful empathist who sensitively senses the mood of another animal or person, analyzes his thoughts and behavioral reactions. From the side it may seem that the dog all the time shows restrained anger, wariness and suspicion towards others.

The animal is very cheerful and energetic, so in any case it is impossible to restrain its impulses and raise it as a normal apartment dog. When starting a Staffordshire bull terrier, a person must be aware that the breed requires constant contact with the outside world in order to realize its vocation - to analyze and protect. Pet loves active pastime: hunting, fishing, jogging or just a long walk with a frisbee.

Many people ask, are Staffordshires smart? Yes, the dog is very smart and even intelligent. He is smart not only in the educational process and training, but also in everyday games. Training with a dog is always easy and in a relaxed atmosphere, but the owner may occasionally encounter stubbornness.That is why the upbringing of a staff must be started from early childhood and accompanied by adequate socialization, as a result of which the animal learns to restrain its instincts and not to show "character" in communicating with its own kind. With proper socialization of the bull terrier, it is quite possible to keep with other animals in the same room, including cats and birds.

Specialty Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Since the formation of the breed, dogs have been used exclusively for spectacular battles and harassment. However, this kind of entertainment gradually became a thing of the past, and the wonderful fighting qualities of the dog were useful for official purposes. The animal is actively acquired by power structures for the implementation of services, the search for bandits, etc.

Despite the completely intimidating and dangerous appearance, Staffordshire is perfect as a companion or friend dog. He successfully kept in apartments as a pet "on the couch." In their own home, an animal will bring even greater benefits, showing remarkable guard qualities.

Initially, the animal systematically educated and deduced the norms of behavior that would be applicable to the bloodthirsty deadly battles. But at the same time one bull terrier would not kill the other, if the rival surrendered. In the modern world there is a distortion of the nature of the animal, as a result of which it does not show compassion and understanding, it goes “to the end”. It is very important for the owner to surround the puppy with the necessary conditions for knowing the world around him and the norms of behavior, and at the slightest aggression to carry out a tough correction of the psyche. If you let the education take its course, then as he grows up, the heredity of the fighting dog may appear, followed by regular fights and conflicts with others, the impossibility of walking the animal without a leash and a muzzle.

Standard

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier has its own standard, which defines the following characteristics of the dog.

1. Height at withers is on average from 30 to 40 cm. Bitches smaller than males.
2. Weight is different for males (up to 17.3 kg) and bitches (up to 15.4 kg).
3. The torso is lean, firmly folded, but symmetrical and graceful.In males, the muscular corset is more pronounced.
4. The neck is short and massive, like a bull. At the same time, the withers skin is elastic and well stretched, without forming folds.
5. Paws strong and powerful, shortened, are arranged in parallel.
6. The loin is large and strong, the chest is deep, and the ribs are rounded. The belly is lean and in no way sunken. Croup more shortened in comparison with the breast. Straight and muscular back.
7. The tail of the animal is of medium length, gradually narrowing to the tip.
8. The head is short, but the full face of the skull is enlarged. The cheekbones stand out well, the transition from the gable to the forehead is clearly visible. Lips and earlobes tightly pigmented black regardless of color. Lips do not have flesh, tight fit. The jaw of the animal is powerful, square with tightly closed teeth and the right bite.
9. Ears are wrapped with a rosette, can periodically hang (semi-erect).
10. Eyes set straight, landing average. The color of the iris is different for different colors.
11. The skin is thick and rough, and the hair is short and hard, of medium thickness.
12. Coat color varied, may contain white markings. The standard presents the following shades: piebald, red, amber (deer), black, white.Also, the animal can be two-color with a combination of any specified shades.

Diseases and pathologies

The life span of a Staffordshire Bulldog is about 10–16 years, an average of 11. During this time, the following pet diseases can lurk on the owner:

• ophthalmologic pathologies (cataract, glaucoma, volvulus of the century);
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (volvulus, bloating, flatulence);
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system (hip dysplasia, arthritis, arthrosis);
• disruption of the urinary system (kidney stones or excretory ducts);
• endocrine system pathologies (hyperadrenocorticism);
• oncological processes (mast cell cancer).

Bull terriers also have a high pain threshold. The animal may be injured or sick, but not be aware of the full depth of the damage and, accordingly, does not demonstrate this to the owner with its behavior.

In general, Staffordshire are considered healthy dogs. Thanks to several centuries of careful selection, weak individuals were eliminated, so the gene pool of these animals is really powerful.

How to care for a breed

Staffords are not demanding in terms of content. They have short hair, excellent immunity and good appetite.

Attention should be paid to the following aspects: skin and wool, hygiene, teeth, ears, eyes, claws.

Be sure to follow the physical shape of your pet. An animal cannot be overfed or dieted without adequate reasons. Also, physical activity should be consistent with the endurance and temperament of your animal.

After walking, the wool can be cleaned with a special brush with soft bristles, which will remove the horny layer and massage the skin. As a result, the blood rushes to the dermis and nourishes the hair follicles with beneficial components, produces prevention of skin dermatitis, microsporia, depriving, oily seborrhea and other common problems. You can also rinse the dog thoroughly under a warm shower and dry it with a personal towel. But such a measure is applied only in the case when there is a specific smell of dog.

Ears and eyes are cleaned several times a week with cotton pads, possibly moistened in an appropriate antiseptic for the area (for example, chamomile decoction).A separate sponge is used for each ear and eye.

Caring for claws involves shortening them when they are already bent, and you can hear the sound of touching the floor. If you have the opportunity, often walk the dog on an asphalt road, which contributes to the natural and effective grinding of the claws. They must be trimmed with a special tool that can be purchased at a pet store. It is better to refuse manicure scissors and nail files.

As for the walking of the Staffordshire, the dog experts advise not to take the animal outside in the summer heat (from 11 to 4 pm), as well as in hard frost. At minus temperatures, walk the bull terrier for a short time, only to cope with its needs. The lack of undercoat and short hair does not protect the dog from the cold, therefore the risk of cold and even pneumonia increases.

The morning of the animal may consist of calcined food (milk, cottage cheese, kefir).At lunch, you can give the usual porridge, boiled in milk or meat broth. Dinner should contain meat and vegetables. The second dinner can also consist of meat or fish (first pour boiling water). You can also give the dog boiled quail eggs once a week.

Canine experts still recommend to transfer stuff to dry food, as it contains all the necessary nutrients and vitamins in a good proportion for the animal.

We must not forget about the water. It is necessary to pour fresh in the morning and change daily. It is advisable to use purified water moderate degree of purification.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier will become for you a reliable protector, patient friend and favorite pet spoiled. It is important to provide your puppy with a healthy socialization and proper care, which will allow you to raise a well-bred and dedicated dog.

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