The Staffy or Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a tough appearance, but on the inside they’re all sweethearts – they love kids and are loyal and devoted to their family members. Most Staffies are bursting with affection for their owners, and want nothing more than to spend time with them.
A Staffy dog is athletic and powerful, but is completely fine with loafing around the house so long as their owner is there.
While the breed does have a legacy of being a fighting dog, modern Staffordshire Bull Terriers are no more aggressive than any other breed. Well-bred and well-socialised Staffies from ethical breeders are some of the most affectionate, friendly dogs you’ll ever meet.
During the 19th century, dogs were used for blood sports such as bull baiting. Thankfully, these cruel displays were eventually outlawed, but that only meant that the sports continued in underground matches.
The larger mastiff-type dogs and bulldogs that were used to fight bulls and bears were simply too large for these illegal matches, so breeders wanted a smaller, more agile dog to fight in the ring. The bloodsports also transitioned to dog-versus-dog combat.
This resulted in the creation of a number of pit-fighting dogs, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is likely the product of crossing a Bulldog with an ancestor of the Manchester Terrier.
These days the Staffy no longer spends its time in the fighting pits, but there remains the stigma of their history. This is a shame, because modern Staffies are loving family pets first and foremost.
Height
33 to 41 cm at the shoulder
Weight
11 to 17 kg (24 to 38 pounds)
Life Expectancy
12 to 14 years
Coat Colours
Fawn, brindle, black, white, red, blue
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Staffy, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
As with any breed, buying a Staffy puppy begins with looking for a responsible breeder. Registered Staffy breeders will be accountable for the treatment of their dogs and will have the best knowledge of how to care for and raise them. Look for breeders who are able to demonstrate that they have a solid breeding program and the utmost love and respect for their animals.
If possible, visit your breeder so that you can meet the parents of the puppy you’re looking to buy. The health and temperament of the dam and stud will give you some indication of your puppy’s personality. You can also check whether the breeding animals are well-treated and healthy.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia's favourite dogs for good reason. Staffies are affectionate, people focused and endlessly game, which makes them wonderful family companions and, at the same time, a breed that needs the right gear to keep up with them.
This collection pulls together the kit that suits a Staffy: tough chew toys, puzzle feeders, sturdy harnesses and leads, boots and car restraints, plus whelping supplies for anyone breeding responsibly.
Staffies are powerfully built with strong jaws, and toys that last a week with other breeds can last an afternoon here. Choose durable rubber chews and thick rope knots over hollow squeaky toys, check them regularly, and bin anything that has started to come apart. Supervise chewing rather than leaving a dog alone with a toy they can destroy.
For walking, a well fitted harness spreads pressure better than a collar on a dog that pulls, and a strong lead with quality hardware is not the place to save money. Their short coat gives little protection on hot bitumen, so check the ground with the back of your hand before a summer walk and consider dog boots for rough surfaces. Build fitness gradually if you are trying canicross.
Grooming is simple. A weekly rub over with a rubber mitt keeps the smooth coat glossy and pulls out loose hair, and they only need bathing when genuinely dirty. Skin is the thing to watch, since the breed is prone to allergies and contact irritation, so persistent itching, red bellies or chewed paws is worth a vet conversation early.
Their short muzzle means they cope poorly with heat, so exercise in the cool of the day and never leave one in a car. Reputable breeders health test for hereditary cataracts and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and screen hips and elbows, which is exactly the transparency RPBA members are asked for. Breeders can find gear in the whelping kit range, and safe travel starts with a dog seat belt.
Ready to kit out your Staffy? Explore the RPBA collection for Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Dog Chew Toy, Retractable Pole
A$76.99
Dog IQ Puzzle Toy Feeder
A$30.99
Dog Rope Knot Toys, Durable
A$25.99 - A$47.99
Dog Seat Belt, Bungee Style
A$46.99 - A$47.99
Dog Shoes, Non-Slip Waterproof
A$29.99 - A$56.99
No, Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are extremely close to their family and can become sad and lonely if they receive no human contact.
Almost all dogs can naturally swim, but Staffies are not well suited for swimming. They’re densely-packed with muscle and are naturally front-heavy. This makes it more difficult for them to keep their heads above water. Always supervise your Staffy if they’ll be playing in the water.
Many RPBA Staffy breeders can be found posting their litters on PetsForHomes Australia.
