Breeds
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a compact, muscular, affectionate dog that adores its family, especially children. Staffies are playful, headstrong and full of energy, and they are easy to groom. They are often not friendly with other dogs and are notorious chewers, so they need early socialization and plenty of exercise. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Staffordshire Bull Terrier temperament and personality
VCA describes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as affectionate, headstrong and feisty, very devoted to its family and especially to children, and cautious with strangers at first. It also calls the breed a notorious chewer.
Most Staffies are people-loving, clownish and keen to be in the middle of family life. VCA warns they are often not friendly with other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones, which shapes how and where they are exercised.
How big do Staffordshire Bull Terriers get?
VCA gives a height of 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 24 to 38 pounds, and the AKC's breed weight chart lists the same 24 to 38 pounds. Neither source splits the ranges by sex.
Staffies are short, stocky and very muscular, so they are heavier than they look. Keep them lean to protect the hips, and ask your vet to check body condition at each visit.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and names hip dysplasia, cataracts and entropion, in which the eyelids turn inward, as common genetic issues.
VCA says breeders should have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and eye clearances, and buyers should ask to see them. Ask your vet to check eyes and hips. Squinting, a watery eye or a limp should be seen promptly.
Keeping a Staffy lean protects its hips.
Exercise needs
VCA rates exercise needs as high and recommends daily walks plus running and play. A Staffy that has had a good walk and a game of tug is a much calmer housemate.
VCA advises against dog parks because the breed can be dog-aggressive. Exercise on a leash in public, use a secure yard for play, and choose sturdy toys, since Staffies chew hard; a puzzle feeder is another outlet.
Mental work, such as scent games and trick training, helps too.
Grooming and shedding
VCA says the short, smooth coat needs brushing about once a week, and more during seasonal shedding, along with weekly ear cleaning, nail trims and occasional baths.
A rubber curry brush or hound glove keeps the coat shiny. Check the skin for redness when you brush, keep the nails short and brush the teeth several times a week.
Check the skin for redness or bumps as you brush.
A Staffy's short coat makes it easy to spot cuts and scrapes after play, so give it a quick once-over at the end of the day.
Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
VCA says the breed is quick to learn but can be stubborn, and responds best to consistent, firm, positive training. It calls early socialization crucial.
Start puppy classes early and keep socializing with calm, well-mannered dogs. Teach a solid leave it, a reliable recall on a long line and loose-leash walking. Redirect chewing to durable toys from day one.
Keep sessions short, fun and full of praise.
Tug games with clear start and stop rules are a great reward for this strong, playful breed, and they teach self-control at the same time.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Staffies are very devoted to their families, especially children, and good with older children. Their strength and enthusiasm mean supervision with toddlers.
VCA warns the breed can be dog-aggressive and is not friendly with other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones. Introduce any dog or cat carefully and supervise, and keep small pets secure.
Give the dog a quiet place to rest and teach children not to tease it.
Walk on a leash in public and keep greetings with unfamiliar dogs brief and calm. Many Staffies live happily with a dog they were raised with.
What a Staffordshire Bull Terrier needs at home
A secure fence, a sturdy crate, a durable bed and a well-fitted harness and strong leash are the basics. Heavy-duty chew toys, tug toys and puzzle feeders give a strong-jawed dog an outlet.
For care, keep a rubber curry brush, nail clippers or a grinder, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush, plus a coat for cold walks. Ask your vet about eye and hip checks.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Staffordshire Bull Terriers live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Asking to see the parents' hip and eye clearances is one of the most useful steps when choosing a puppy.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with children?
VCA says they are very devoted to their families, especially children, and good with older kids. Their strength still means supervision around small children. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
How big do Staffordshire Bull Terriers get?
The AKC lists a height of 14 to 16 inches, with males at 28 to 38 pounds and females at 24 to 34 pounds.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with other dogs?
Often not. VCA says the breed is not friendly with other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones, and advises against dog parks. Early socialization helps. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers chew a lot?
Many do. VCA calls the breed a notorious chewer, so provide durable chew toys, puzzle feeders and plenty of exercise, and keep shoes and cables out of reach, especially with young dogs.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
