Staffordshire Bull Terrier

In its home country of England, the Staffy is nicknamed the "nanny dog," such is its reputation as a child's playmate and guardian. Despite his fierce appearance, this dog is a lover, not a fighter. The breed is gentle, docile, and always on the look out for fun. Although not looking for trouble, the Staffy will not back down to a challenge and is not always agreeable with other dogs.

Obedience training is possible, although it is not the Staffy's strong point. Force training methods will lead nowhere, but if training is made into a game, then the Staffy is more than willing to play.

The Staffy is a dog that needs two things in life — close human contact and a chance to play. He is far too much a people dog to be exiled to the yard, and far too much an athlete to be stuck inside all day. Living with a Staffy means sharing time both inside and out. Given proper exercise of body and mind, the Staffy is a well-behaved house dog.

Because some Staffies are not good around strange dogs, precautions should be made that they not encounter dogs while loose.

This is an easy upkeep dog, needing no special grooming.

Diet Suggestions:

Puppy: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Adult: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Dry Dog Food.

Mature: Hill's Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food.

Like all the bull breeds, the Staffordshire bull terrier can trace its heritage back to the ancient Molossian war dogs of the Greeks. The Mollossians in turn gave rise to the great Mastiffs of Europe, and then to the family of dogs bred to bait bulls and other animals.

The Staffordshire bull terrier joined the English Kennel Club in 1935 and the American Kennel Club in 1974. The breed had won over many families who found their courageousness matched only by their faithfulness.