Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog with great strength for his size. He is active and agile and comes in six color varieties: solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Today, he serves primarily as a family companion and is seen in the show, obedience and agility rings.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity from his past history. The breed originated in the nineteenth century when coal miners in Staffordshire, England, wanted a small, fast dog. They combined the Bulldog with a small local terrier similar to the Manchester Terrier. The result was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.
Breed Profile
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent and affectionate with a sense of humor. This coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way. The Staffie’s coat is short and smooth and needs only a quick brushing once a week.
Grooming
Bull Terriers are a short flat coated breed that sheds throughout the year, even in the winter time. Grooming is suggested for 4 – 8-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.
Eyes
Eyes should be alert and bright. Use Opti-Soothe Eye Wash during the bath to flush any foreign matter.
Ears
Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is advised to be sure no ear problems that might need vet attention arise. Only clean as far as you can see, never further.
Bathing
Bathing: Bull Terriers require 2 baths when you bathe them. The first bath should be a general bath. If your Staffordshire Bull Terrier has allergies or sensitive skin we would suggest a Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo and follow it with a medicated shampoo depending on your dog’s needs. If your Staffordshire Bull Terrier has normal skin then the second bath you would want to pick one of our wonderful fragrant shampoos and conditioners. Follow the bath with a conditioner or Luxury Remoisturizer to keep the coat in great shape.
Paws
Paw Balm should be used weekly to keep paw pads soft and pliable. This makes the pads less likely to dry and crack.
Coat Care
Use Aloe Hydrating Spray between baths to control flaking and dandruff, especially in dry conditions.
Show Dog Tips
Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and shine to the coat as well as the Honey and Oat Conditioner. High Sheen Finishing Spray right before entering the show ring will add the little extra shine without any oily residue.
Common Problems
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a healthy breed with little known genetic problems.