How To Care for Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a medium-sized member of the Terrier group. They possess the typical Terrier tenacity, and determination. They put their whole heart into everything they do. A relatively short-haired breed, their colors vary from black to brindle, usually with a little white on their faces or paws. Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be a great addition to the family if properly cared for, but they do require some special care.

1. Only purchase your Staffordshire Bull Terrier from a reputable breeder. You should only select well-adjusted, socialized puppies. The puppy you pick should show a positive reaction to people, and other dogs.

2. Once you bring your Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy home, you should continue his socialization. Enroll him in puppy classes, and start his training young. Take him for walks on a leash in a park or other busy place. Get him used to being around children, and other pets.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be stubborn, but they are also very intelligent. They do very well in obedience or agility training. They respond much better to training with rewards than they do punishment or harsh words. If you are positive, they will try to please you.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to be impulsive. This makes it very important for them to at least have some basic obedience training. You need to have control of them at all times. If you reinforce the obedience commands, and teach them well, you will have the control you need.
5. Well-socialized Staffies love to interact with, and meet new people, but should be supervised around children, or pets they do not know.
6. With their powerful muscles, and strong jaws, Staffordshire Bull Terriers love to chew. Always have a Nylabone or beef bone on hand to satisfy that urge to chew. It is not a good idea to give them rawhide, stuffed or vinyl toys. They will make short work of these items, and may swallow or choke on large pieces they have chewed off.
7. Staffordshire Bull Terriers require some form of exercise every day. Most of them enjoy walking or hiking. You can also train them to play ball or Frisbee.
8. Their short coat requires little grooming. Run a soft brush over their coat at least once a week to remove dead hair, and to stimulate the oils in their skin. This will keep shedding to a minimum, and keep their short dark coat gleaming.
9. Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not do well in outdoor weather extremes. They do not have a thick coat to handle extreme hot or cold temperatures. They should be an indoor pet.
10. Take your Staffie to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete checkup, shots update, and heartworm check.
11. Wipe inside the ears gently with a soft cloth to keep them clean.
12. They often keep their nails worn, and do not require trimming. If your Staffordshire's nails do need trimming, only trim the very tip. If you do not feel comfortable trimming the nails, consult your veterinarian or a local groomer.

One of the most important things to remember with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is to work with him from a young age. Get him used to children, and other pets early in life. A great way to do this is to enroll him in puppy classes at your local obedience school.