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Breed profile

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Muscular and people-mad. One of the UK's most popular dogs and among the most common in rescue centres.

Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier with an open-mouthed grin against a sunlit background
The famously people-loving Staffie.Photo: Gemma Longman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
11–17 kg24–37 lb
Height
36–41 cm14–16 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Terrier
Origin
England
Popularity
#61 US#7 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Brave, Playful, Tenacious.

Health problems to know about

  • L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (genetic test available)
  • Hereditary cataracts (genetic test available)
  • Juvenile-onset demodicosis (demodectic mange)
  • Cruciate ligament injuries

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily exercise and tug or fetch. Sturdy toys. Socialise with other dogs from early on. Check local breed rules.

A good fit for

Families, people who want an affectionate, active dog.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with other dominant dogs, places with breed restrictions.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  2. RVC VetCompass: Canine cruciate ligament disease publication in Veterinary Surgery
  3. Wikipedia: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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