Colors: Staffies come in a variety of different colors. accepted colors are brindle, blue, black, red, fawn,

Living: A small apartment would be ok if the dog is properly exercised daily. they don"t tend to bark too mu

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Description

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog, very strong for his size with a broad head and very strong jaws. Dark preferable, but may bear some relation to coat color. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead. Light eyes or pink eye rims to be considered a fault, except that where the coat surrounding the eye is white the eye rim may be pink. Ears--Rose or half-pricked and not large. Full drop or full prick to be considered a serious fault. Mouth--A bite in which the outer side of the lower incisors touches the inner side of the upper incisors. The lips should be tight and clean. The coat is smooth, short and close to the skin, not to be trimmed or de-whiskered. Colors include red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colors with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black-and-tan or liver color to be disqualified. The tail is medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. Should not curl much and may be likened to an old fashioned pump handle. Lips tight and clean. Jaws strong, teeth large, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Rose or half pricked ears, not large or heavy. Full, drop or pricked ears highly undesirable.

Temperament

The Staffordshire bull terrier is a fun-loving character that loves playing with its family and friends. It is typically playful, companionable, amiable, docile and generally responsive to its owner"s wishes. Its love of a good game is rivaled only by its need for human companionship. It is also characteristically friendly toward strangers. Some can be strong-willed. Although it doesn"t usually look for a fight, it is fearless and tenacious. It may not do well around strange dogs or sometimes even household dogs that challenge it. It is generally very good with children; although usually gentle, some can be rambunctious. In the United Kingdom the Stafford is known as the Nanny Dog, in reference to its eagerness and ability to assume the role of a child"s nursemaid.

Excercise

This is an athletic breed that needs a good walk on leash every day. It also enjoys a good game in the yard or a run in a safe area. Although the Stafford is capable of living outdoors in mild weather, it can be affected by cold and, more importantly, it is a dog that craves human contact; thus, it is far better suited as a house dog. Coat care is minimal.

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush every day with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of toweling or chamois.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Occasionally seen: cataract, CHD

Suggested tests: (CERF), (OFA)

Note: The high pain threshold may mask problems.