Staffies topped our list for most popular stickers given away over winter so we thought it was the perfect breed to highlight in our launch issue of Hooman Magazine.
For future issues we will choose the breed to highlight based on popular vote through a Facebook poll, so be sure to join our Facebook Group to be part of the selection process.
Now back to the Staffies … Formerly known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier the “Staffy” is a British breed of medium sized short-haired terrier originating from Birmingham which is in the county of Staffordshire.
The Staffy is a direct descendent of the English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier and was bred primarily for dog fighting before it was decriminalised and breeders then refined them to become a family pet and companion dog.
Staffies are one of the most popular companion dog breeds in the UK, France and New Zealand. In Australia they are the most popular in terms of registered dogs and most importantly they are the most popular with Personalised Pet Collar customers.
Staffies are stocky, muscular dogs that stand around 36 to 41 cm tall and weigh on average between 12 to 17 kg. They have broad chests, strong shoulders, well-boned wide-set legs, a medium length tail that is carried low and a broad head with a short muzzle and strong jaw that always looks like they are smiling.
Their coat is short and colours can be red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any one of the aforementioned with white, any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. The blue staffy coat colour is especially popular.
Staffies are a great family pet and companion dog as they LOVE Hoomans. They are considered loyal, courageous and affectionate, and are recommended as suitable for families.
It is highly recommended that puppies receive early socialisation though, as they tend not to back away when challenged by other dogs.
They have a life expectancy of 12–14 years, hereditary eye conditions are known to occur in the breed, so screen for that if you can. Skin Allergies are the most common issue with the breed, so be prepared to work with your Vet on solutions around that.
They also love to chew, so give them plenty of chew toys or subscribe to a monthly Pet Subscription Box to keep things interesting. All in all, the more you invest in training with a Staffy, the more enjoyable the relationship will be, although this can be said of most dog breeds.
Staffies are a good choice for those Hoomans that don’t want too many visits to the groomers as a regular bath and brush is enough. Other than that some teeth brushing and the occasional pedicure if the walking doesn't keep nails in check.
But they are high energy, so need lots of exercise and they do have a tendency to bark. They will cost you between $10 - $15 a week to feed on average, they don’t have any special dietary requirement in general but food can be used to help skin allergies if you have to address that issue.
In closing, if you are after a great family dog with a big personality the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a great choice. They are bold, fearless, trustworthy, friendly and tolerant with children and you will have a lot of other Satffy Hooman’s to share stories with and to learn from.