Staffordshire Bull Terrier insurance
Is a Staffy the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately known as the "Staffy," is a strong, loyal, and affectionate companion. Known for their courageous nature and loving personality, they make great pets for the right families, particularly active households. With their expressive faces, it's no wonder they're often regarded as one of the UK's favourite breeds.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) quick facts
- Size: Males: 36-41cm, Females: 33-41cm
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Weight: 11-17kg
- Colours: The breed comes in a variety of colours, including blue, black, brindle, fawn, red, and white. They may also have white markings.
- Temperament: Loyal, confident, affectionate
- Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, heart issues, eye problems
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
Where does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier come from?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in the UK in the 19th century. Bred from bulldogs and terriers, Staffies were initially used for bull-baiting (various Terrier breeds including Staffies have also been used to pursue animals like foxes, badgers, and rats). Their “Staffy” name derives from Staffordshire, where they were first developed.
Despite their tough past, the breed has gained a reputation for being affectionate and reliable companions, particularly with families. Today, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are celebrated for their loyalty and courage, with many being gentle and friendly family pets.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier temperament
Brave
Staffies are brave, persistent and sometimes stubborn, with have a relatively high energy level.
Happy
They're happy, friendly and curious, and enjoy playing with family and long walks in varied terrain.
Playful
Some of them never really let go of their puppyish nature, which can be a bit of a handful, especially for new dog owners.
Loyal
Staffies love to be where you are; warming your feet whilst you relax on the sofa, or following you to the toilet.
Strong
Whilst not huge dogs, they are strong and there is plenty of muscle under their fur. Make sure you teach them nice leash walking.
Fearless
Their history doesn't deny itself, and they can end up in conflicts with other dogs. Their, often physical, behaviour can be provocative.
Patient
With positive introductions, Staffies are very fond of children and extremely patient. Set boundaries so they are treated with respect.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good family dogs?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their affectionate, playful, and loyal personalities. They’re famously good with children, often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their gentle nature around kids. As with any dog breed, however, they still require supervision around children, particularly as they’re got a strong build and lively nature.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers sociable?
Staffies are highly social and enjoy being involved in family activities. They thrive on attention and interaction, often forming deep bonds with their owners. Because Staffies are so people-oriented, they can suffer from separation anxiety, so tend to work best for owners that can be around them for sufficient periods of time.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers aggressive?
Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren’t naturally aggressive towards people. They’re known for being affectionate, loyal, and friendly. However, they can be dog-aggressive, especially if they’re not socialised early. Proper training and consistent handling help prevent behavioural issues.
Thinking of getting a Staffy puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier size & appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy and muscular body. They stand between 33-41cm tall and typically weigh between 11-17kg. Their muscular build and broad chest give them a strong appearance, but they tend to have loveable, friendly faces.
The breed has a short, smooth coat that comes in various colours, including blue, brindle, fawn, red, and white. Some may have a white patch on their chest or paws They have a short muzzle and strong jaw, which adds to their robust appearance.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier grooming
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a low-maintenance coat that doesn’t require much grooming and doesn’t shed heavily. A simple routine of occasional bathing and regular brushing should help keep it healthy and shiny.
Key grooming tips:
- Bathing: Bathe your Staffy every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat clean and fresh.
- Eyes and face: Wipe their eyes regularly to prevent tear stains.
- Nails: Trim their nails regularly to avoid discomfort.
- Teeth: Brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier training
- 1
Make time for play
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an active dog that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. It's not enough to just take your daily walks – you should also include play, nosework, agility or other dog sports in your program.
- 2
Train obedience
It is important that you train your Staffordshire Bull Terrier in obedience, especially a good recall is essential and something that you should continue to practice throughout the dog's life.
- 3
Be patient
It can take a little patience to train this breed; not because they don't want to, but because they often have their own opinions on things. But as with most things, positive reinforcement and a friendly attitude will go a long way.
- 4
Teach them to be calm
Most Staffs are high-spirited, however some may have high stress levels. Therefore, it may be necessary to train your dog to be calm from an early age.
- 5
Make a routine
Make sure to establish a routine that meets the dog's physical, mental and social needs, otherwise you may end up with a stressed dog who is not happy.
- 6
Be consistent
Training a Staffy requires consistency and patience, as they can be strong-willed. Positive reinforcement works best and they tend to respond well to training that involves treats or praise!
- 7
Harness their energy
Staffies are also energetic and love playtime, making them ideal for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. They’re also keen learners and will happily engage in interactive games and activities that keep their minds stimulated.
- 8
Let them expel their energy
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are energetic dogs that need at least one to two hours of exercise daily. This should include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. They enjoy interactive activities like fetch or agility training. Without sufficient exercise, they can become bored and display destructive behaviour.
- 9
Try swimming
Some Staffordshire Bull Terriers can swim, but not all are natural swimmers. Their muscular build and broad chest can make swimming difficult. Always introduce them to water gradually and provide a canine life jacket for safety. Supervision is essential during water activities.
- 10
Socialise them young
Early socialisation is key to preventing unwanted behaviours.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier health issues
Like all dogs, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can get sick or have a problem. That's why we haven't included the things that generally affect dogs of all breeds. Instead, we've found some common health concerns.
Hip dysplasia
A genetic condition that affects the hip joint, which can cause pain and reduced mobility
Heart issues
Some Staffies may be prone to heart murmurs or other cardiovascular problems
Eye problems
Staffordshire Bull Terriers can suffer from certain eye conditions, such as cataracts or conjunctivitis
Allergies
Elbow dysplasia
Respiratory problems
Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet will help ensure your Staffy remains fit and healthy throughout their life.
Also, if you’re considering getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy, check that the parents have had the necessary health tests. This helps lower the risk of your puppy developing certain conditions.
“ Staffies are charming and resilient and look pretty indestructible, but we still see conditions such as allergic skin disease, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis that may require long-term treatment. Only a lifetime insurance policy will help with the costs for as long as necessary. ”
Robin Hargreaves
Agria Vet Panel Lead, Veterinary Surgeon for 30 years and former British Veterinary Association President.
What we love most about a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Their loyalty
Staffies are famously loyal to their owners. They form strong bonds with their family and naturally want to offer love and protection.
Their playful nature
Despite their tough exterior, Staffies are playful and full of energy. They love spending time with their humans, especially during games or walks.
Expressive faces
They have a soft, loving side and their big, expressive eyes and affectionate nature make them incredibly endearing.
Things to consider before getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
While Staffordshire Bull Terriers are wonderful pets, there are a few things you should know before bringing one into your home.
- 1
Not ideal for first-time dog owners
Their strong-willed nature may be challenging for those without prior dog ownership experience.
- 2
Need for socialisation
Early socialisation is key to a well-behaved Staffy. Without it, they can develop undesirable behaviours.
- 3
High exercise needs
While not as high-energy as some breeds, they still require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
In summary, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are loving, loyal, and energetic companions, making them a great choice for active families who can provide them with the care and attention they need.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Staffordshire Bull Terrier's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier FAQs
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