Staffy

Staffy image 1

About the Staffy

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.

staffy history

Staffy Breed History

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.

Staffy Breed Characteristics

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.

Caring For a Staffy

Family Life
5.0
Friendly with Kids
5.0
Friendly with Dogs
1.0
Ease of Grooming
5.0
Exercise Needs
4.0
Prey Drive
2.0
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3.0
Good for Novice Owners
2.0
Apartment Living
3.0

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How to Choose a Responsible Staffy Breeder

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.

Everything you need for Staffy

Staffy

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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.

Built Solid, So Buy Solid

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.

Coat, Skin and Health Watch-Points

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 Dog Chew Toy, Retractable Pole A$76.99
    Retractable Pole Dog Chew Toy Give your dog a fun way to chase, tug, and burn energy. The retractable dog chew toy features a telescopic rod, rope, and chewable toy head - perfect for play at home, in the garden or in the park. Ideal for dogs that need extra exercise. A Better Way to Keep Active Dogs Busy Some dogs need more than a walk. Without enough playtime, dogs can become bored and begin to chew on the things they should not. The retractable dog toy is the perfect way to get your dog more active. Encourage your dog to swing, move and play with the toy to encourage chasing, tugging and jumping activity. Why Pet Owners Love It • Chews, tugs and encourages active play • A telescopic design allows for more movement. • Helps keep dogs mentally and physically active • Anti-slip sponge handle for more secure grip • Features rope and toy head for dogs to chew on • Lightweight aluminium alloy design for easier handling • Retractable design for easy storage • Great for outdoor play in the garden or park Made for Interactive Play This retractable toy is designed for play between you and your dog. Perfect for encouraging your dog to play and burn energy. Portable and Easy to Store The three-section retractable design allows for easy storage - store it in your car or away from your dog when not in play. The lightweight aluminium alloy design with the anti-slip handle allows for easier play with your dog during play sessions of your choosing. Product Details • Extended rod length: 102cm • Closed rod length: 42cm • Rope length: 110cm • Colour: Black • Material: Aluminium alloy, sponge anti-slip handle, nylon rope, cotton rope and replacement toy head • Design: Three-section telescopic retractable pole • Suitable for: Dogs • Use: Tugging, chasing, training, outdoor play and exercise Keep Playtime Fun and Active Give your dog a fun toy to help them burn off energy in a healthy way. Order your pack of retractable pole dog chew toys today and make playtime with your dog more exciting!
  • Dog IQ Puzzle Toy Feeder Dog IQ Puzzle Toy Feeder A$30.99
    A shallow puzzle disc that makes a dog work out where the food is instead of inhaling it. Mealtime goes from thirty seconds to several minutes, and the dog has to use its nose and paws to get there.Who needs oneThe dog that finishes its bowl before you have put the scoop away. Fast eating brings gulped air, and gulped air brings the burping, hiccupping and occasional bring-it-back-up that follows. Slowing the meal down fixes most of it.It also suits the dog that has nothing to do between walks. Ten minutes of sniffing and problem solving tires a dog more than ten minutes of pacing.Puppies and breedersWorth introducing before a puppy leaves. A litter fed from a shared tray learns to eat fast and defend the bowl. A puzzle feeder breaks that habit early and travels with the puppy to its new home as something familiar.How to introduce itStart it easy. For the first few meals, leave the food sitting in the open channels so the dog wins immediately. Once it is confident, tuck the food further in. A puzzle a dog cannot solve is a puzzle a dog walks away from.Specifications Approx. 23cm diameter x 3cm high Pet-safe moulded plastic, no coating to flake Suits cats, puppies and small to medium dogs Four designs: circular in pink, green or blue, and pawprint in blue Food not included CleaningWarm soapy water and a brush into the channels. Wet food dries hard in the corners, so rinse it straight after the meal rather than at the end of the day.A note on sizeThis is a small-dog and cat feeder. A labrador will push it around the kitchen and empty it in a minute. For big dogs, use a full-size slow feeder bowl instead.
  • Dog Rope Knot Toys, Durable Dog Rope Knot Toys, Durable A$25.99 - A$47.99
    Discover the Perfect Playtime Companion for Your Furry Friend! Our Dog Rope Knot Toys will amuse your dog for hours. Suitable for all dog breeds (including puppies), these toys are not just for fun but also good for your dog’s oral health. With a variety of eight engaging options, just pick a design (or more) and watch your pup enjoy hours of interactive play.Diverse Range of Designs:Six Knot Whip - Perfect for tug of war.Corn Cob - Keeps dogs busy and helps them to chew.Seven Ring Whip - Provides interest and engagement for more active play.Roped Chew - Convenient to encourage chewing.Two Way Tuggie The Ball - Convenient for families of two or more dogs.Whip Balls - Make them happy with a ball and whip.Donut - Beautifully crafted and easy to hold, catch, and toss.Rope Ball - This classic is beloved among fetch lovers.All of our products are designed to maximise your dog's happiness and safety by providing a range of stimulating variations that will keep them interested and active.Quality and Durability:Our toys are made with the best quality materials to endure even the most rigorous play of the most notorious chewers. They are also machine washable.Items are sold individually. Select multiple at check out to give your dog the variety they deserve.
  • Dog Seat Belt, Bungee Style Dog Seat Belt, Bungee Style A$46.99 - A$47.99
    Dog Car Seat Belt with Bungee Stretch Keep Them Tied In, Without Tying Them Down Dogs move about. That’s fine in the backyard, not fine in a moving car. This strap clips in where your seat belt would, keeps your dog from roaming, but the bungee stretch means they’re not pinned stiff. It makes sudden stops less rough, and trips less of a gamble. What’s Good About It: • Solid build - tough nylon that doesn’t fray easy. • Bit of give - elastic core stretches, takes the edge off jolts. • Lights catch it - reflective stitching shows up in headlights. • All in one pack - belt, collar, harness. Nothing else to hunt for. • Fits most cars - buckle slides into the slot, strap length changes to suit tiny breeds or big ones. • Quick clip - snap it on, you’re off. The Basics: • Material - reinforced nylon• Elastic cord inside• Reflective trim• Includes - belt, collar, harness• Works with most cars, dogs of all sizes Why Bother It’s not fancy gear. It’s just peace of mind. Dog stays put, you keep your eyes on the road. Grab One Throw it in the basket, keep it in the car, and next drive you won’t be second-guessing. Add to Basket today.
  • Dog Shoes, Non-Slip Waterproof Dog Shoes, Non-Slip Waterproof A$29.99 - A$56.99
    Non-Slip Waterproof Dog Shoes (Medium Large Mud Snow Rain) Treat your dog to stable, comfortable paws with our Non-Slip Waterproof Dog Shoes for medium and large dogs. Whether it’s raining and you want to keep things mud-free, you’re hiking up a storm, or it’s simply too hot or too cold for your dog to be walking with bare paws on the pavement or frozen footpaths, our dog shoes are here to offer year-round, durable, dependable coverage for any (and every) situation. Made with genuine leather and fitted with non-slip soles, your dog is covered, dry, and mud-free when they wear our shoes out and about to protect their paws from dirt and damage on any type of terrain. Why Your Dog Will Love These Shoes: • Waterproof Genuine Leather for Dry, Protected Paws - Crafted from premium waterproof leather, your dog’s feet will stay dry come rain, snow, or early morning walks across wet grass. Great for keeping paws dry in the winter slush, muddy trails, and on the same wet pavement. • Non-Slip Soles For Safe Movement On Any Surface. Soft, anti-slip soles help your dog maintain stability on, Wet pavements, Snowy conditions, Smooth floors indoors, Rocky terrain. Great for making sure your dog doesn’t slip and hurt their paw no matter what surface they’re walking on. • Comfortable and Secure Fit That Stays On - The elastic bands are adjustable, which allows for a tight fit, meaning that the dog shoe won’t be falling off while they run around or you’re out on a long walk. Easy to put on and comfortable to wear! • Reflective Strips for Night-Time Safety - The reflective strips allow you to see your dog better in low light, whether you’re going out early in the morning or after dark. • Suitable For Dogs From 5 kg To 65 kg - Available in small, medium, large, extra large and extra extra large, meaning that our shoes are suitable for medium and large dogs of all ages-from working dogs needing added grip support for their daily jobs to older dogs who need added support for their sensitive paw pads. Perfect For: • Rainy walks • Snowy walks • Hiking • Hot pavements • Indoors-no more slipping on tiles! • Preventing dirt build-up in winter • Dogs with sensitive paws Stylish, Durable and Practical With a sleek, modern look, your dog will look just as good as they’ll be comfortable. A breathable design with a soft sole means you can wear them indoors and outdoors, meaning no matter what your dog is doing, they’re comfortable! What’s Included Four dog shoes included! Give your dog the best paw protection-rain, mud, snow or shine. Add to cart today for safer, cleaner walks in any weather!

Dog Breeds Similar to the Staffy

Staffy FAQ

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.

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