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Breed Guide

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier: What They Were Bred to Do

The early work was dog fighting, which required strength, courage, and a dog that could be handled by people.

What drives your dog?

Breed is a starting guess. Take the free drive test to see which job your dog actually runs on, with three ways to give them that job this week. We email you the result.

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Where the Staffordshire Bull Terrier came from

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes from the Staffordshire and Birmingham area of England in the 1800s. Working people crossed bulldogs with terriers to get a smaller, quick dog. England banned bull-baiting in 1835, and some of these dogs were then used in dog fighting.

Dog fighting continued for decades because it was hard to police, and it largely ended in Britain by the early 1900s. Some owners turned to showing and companionship, and breeders kept the people-friendly side of the breed. The Kennel Club in England recognized the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in 1935.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1974. Today they are family companions, known for being affectionate with people.

  • 1800s Workers in Staffordshire and Birmingham cross bulldogs and terriers
  • 1935 The Kennel Club in England recognizes the breed
  • 1974 The AKC recognizes the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The job a Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred for

The early work was dog fighting, which required strength, courage, and a dog that could be handled by people. That shaped a strong, athletic dog who loves people and can be very determined. At home they are cuddly, eager to please, and need exercise and boundaries with other dogs.

Sports that fit a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

  • Agility. They are athletic and love to play.
  • Weight pull. Strong and eager for physical work.
  • Scent work. A positive way to use their drive.
  • Flyball. They love fast, active games.
  • Rally. Good for focus and bonding.

Training tips for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

  • Socialize early and carefully with other dogs and keep introductions calm.
  • Teach leash manners early. They are strong and eager.
  • Use food and play, and keep sessions fun.
  • Teach a reliable settle so they can calm down after play.

Body and health

They are muscular, short-coated dogs who overheat easily. Skin allergies and some eye problems are common.

Fun fact. When the AKC accepted the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in 1974, it was the 121st breed on its registry.

Breed is where we start

A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.

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Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.