Staffordshire Bull Terriers

It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
Cape |
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club | Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Western Cape
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| Cape Terrier Club | Cape Terrier Club Chairman: Mrs AA Pretorius Phone: 021 933 2289 072 2309420 basenji@iafrica.com |
| Terrier Club of the Eastern Cape | Terrier Club of Eastern Cape Chairman: Miss AG Young Phone: 041 585 3080 083 330 3356 amandayoung@wol.co.za |
Free State |
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club | FS Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club
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Gauteng |
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club | Johannesburg:
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Transvaal | Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Transvaal
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| Transvaal Terrier Club | Transvaal Terrier Club Chairman: Mrs P de Coning Phone: (011) 463 8140; 082 579 3022 patricia@cuberoute.co.za |
Kwazulu Natal |
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club | KZN Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club
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| Natal Terrier Club | Natal Terrier Club Chairman: Mr SN Armstrong Phone: 031 762 1312 082 755 2589 shaun@thalion.co.za |
Northwest Province |
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| Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club | Northwest Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club
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Fact File - Staffordshire Bull Terriers
| KUSA Group | Terriers | |
| FCI Group | Terriers | |
Original Function |
The Stafford was originally bred to bait bulls, for dog-fighting and for ratting. | |
| Modern Function | Llively, affectionate and loyal family pet. Not a natural guard dog. | |
Appearance |
A smooth-coated dog of great strength for his size and although muscular, he needs to be active and agile. | |
Weight |
Weight to be in relation to height. |
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| Height | Desirable height at withers 36 – 41 cms (14 – 16 inches). |
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| Coat Colour | Red, fawn, black (brindle) or blue, or any one of these with white. White. Any shade of brindle with white. Black and tan or liver colours are highly undesirable. | |
| Coat Texture | Ideally smooth, short and close. | |
Grooming |
Occasional brushing to help remove dead hair. Keep bathing to a minimum as it removes the natural oils from the dog’s coat. Whilst grooming check the ears, the nails and brush his teeth. | |
| Personality/Temperament | The Stafford is not a natural guard dog but he is a trustworthy pet. The Stafford standard require him to be affectionate with all people and especiallly children. He is intelligent, has great courage, and must be bold, fearless and totally reliable. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
The Stafford is a jealous breed and was originally bred for fighting. He might be slow to start a fight but is usually determined to finish one. However he can live in harmony with Staffords as well as other breeds. | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Will live happily with the family cat, but may well chase strange cats out of the garden. Will get on with other pets when correcctly raised with them. | |
Compatibility with people/children |
Excellent – he is best known as a people-lover, giving his heart to his family – and to everyone he meets. | |
Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors |
Indoors and outdoors with his family – locked outside by himself, he may become bored and destructive. | |
Space and Exercise |
Youngsters don’t need a great amount of exercise. Adults can benefit from road walks to keep nails short and to meet people. | |
Trainability |
While not a traditional working breed he can be taught almost anything. The Stafford is known to be stubborn, but has a great desire to please. The key to successful training. | |
| Suitability as Watchdog
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This breed is exuberant, boisterous and a welcoming host to all who visit. Too friendly to make a natural guard, although he is naturally protective of his family. | |
Noise Factor |
Will alert his owners to the presence of strangers. Not overly noisy unless bored and left to his own devices. | |
| Average Lifespan
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10 – 11 years – some are known to have reached 15 years. | |
| Feeding | Any good quality dog food – follow manufacturers recommendations for age and weight. | |
Health |
Generally the Stafford is a very robust, healthy breed which can make detecting ill-health a real problem. They also have a high pain threshold. Good nutrition, regular vaccinations and grooming can aid in maintaining good health. | |
| Availability | Enquire via Clubs for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies. | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Are the puppies registered with KUSA; are they de-wormed and vaccinated; ask to see both parents of the litter if possible. Are health tests undertaken – ask to see certificates. |

