Staffords an outlook on them (Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

Member Name: mummyno4

Product:	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Date:	09/11/05 (2165 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loving, energetic, fun, loyal, what more can I say

Disadvantages: Can be hard work, if you are not prepared for one.

I have two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, both girls one aged 3 years and 1 at 18 months old. I have taken my dogs to Fun Dog Shows and me and my family love this breed.

Here is some information on this intelligent, lovable and some what energetic dog.


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BUILD
These dogs like other pure bred animals are measured against a breed standard, a written description of what the ideal specimen should look like. Each dog registering organization has a standard as to each breed, they recognise however these standards vary, in the way that they are worded, from country to country, to registry to registry.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is smooth coated dog of medium size, muscular and very agile, although they possess great strength for their size.

There heads are short and deep, the skull is broad, the foreface short. The cheek muscles are well developed and pronounced. The nose is black (a pink nose is a serious default among this breed)

The eyes are preferably dark although their colour may vary. (light eyes or pink eye rims are to be faulted, except in a dog who's eye is white in this case the eye rim maybe pink)

The ears are rose or half pricked and not large. Either full drop or full prick ears are also to be considered serious fault.

The mouth is clean, the neck is rather short and muscular, straight well boned forelegs set rather far apart, this is one of the most obvious traits of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Muscular, well built hindquarters provide power and drive for the dog when it is in action.

The tail is essential to the breed's special characteristics. It is low set, of medium length, and should never be docked. It should not curl at all, and should look similar to an old fashion pump handle. Any tail which is too long or curls is to be faulted.
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Size
In size the Dogs are slightly larger than the bitches. There height is similar although the broadness of a dog is much larger than the bitches.
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GROOMING
The Staffordshire coat does not really need any special care as it is smooth and short. An occasional bath and rub down with a dog mitt should keep the coat looking clean/neat and shiny. Also this is a good time for you and your dog to bond.
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COLOUR VARIATIONS.
Red, Fawn, Black, White or Blue or any of these colours combined with White, is classed as acceptable to the Breed Standard. Any shade of brindle or brindle and white is also acceptable. Black and Tan and liver coloured dogs are disqualified under the breed standards.

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TEMPREMENT
This breed of dog is intelligent, fearless, loyal, devotion, curious, entertaining, excitable, energetic, agile, active and many other characteristics. They are happy in most situations although they seem to thrive as a family dog.
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PRESS
This breed has received some bad press in the past, although it must be remembered that all dogs of any breed are capable of being aggressive if provoked. It is not always a sign of viciousness when a dog turns on an adult or child, it may just be they are being tormented. All dogs have patients but only so much. (Stafford’s have more endurance than most dog breed and a greater tolerance for pain) before they reach the breaking point.
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Training
Stafford’s are very easily trained, with little problem. There are eager to learn and please. Always begin training from the start usually between 2 to 3 months is best. Easy commands to begin with are "sit" "stay" "come" "heel" and "down". Make lessons short as this helps to keep the dog interested. (10 minutes will suffice) Always praise and use treats for rewards.

My evaluation of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a perfectly sized package with love, enjoyment and many happy days of cuddles and wet sloppy licks. They are your best friend for life. Just remember this breed can be hard work and any person thinking of getting a Staff or any other breed should carefully consider all the aspects of owning one.

There are many great WEBSITES also different clubs which specialise in this breed. SO have a look on the Web.

Summary: This breed of dog is fantastic and sometimes mis understood