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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Terrier breed from Staffordshire, England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, compact, and muscular terrier with a broad head and strong build. Known for great strength, agility, and courage, the breed is also described as affectionate, intelligent, loyal, confident, and energetic. While individual temperaments vary, these traits are commonly noted. The breed has a short coat and is estimated to have a lifespan of 12–14 years. Adult males and females both typically weigh between 13 and 17 kg and stand 36–41 cm tall at the shoulder. Grooming needs are low (score 2/5), shedding is moderate (2/5), and energy level is high (4/5). The breed is rated as very suitable for children (4/5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (3/5) and apartment living (3/5). Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Staffordshire Bull Terrier at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupTerrier
OriginStaffordshire, England
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight13–17 kilogram
Female weight13–17 kilogram
Male height36–41 centimetre
Female height36–41 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in 19th-century Staffordshire, England, by crossing bulldogs with local terriers. According to available sources, the breed was originally used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. After these sports were banned, breeders refined the breed into the affectionate and reliable family companion known today. The breed's origins are in Staffordshire, England, and it is classified in the Terrier group. No specific dates or historical figures are provided in the evidence.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
13–17 kilogramAdult weight36–41 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Courageousintelligentaffectionateloyalconfidentenergetic
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Staffordshire Bull Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight13–17 kilogramAdult female weight13–17 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 36–41 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight is 13–17 kg for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 12–14 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Commonly described temperaments include courageous, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, confident, and energetic. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?
The breed has a high energy level (scored 4 out of 5), indicating a need for regular exercise. However, specific exercise requirements are not detailed in the available facts.
What are the grooming needs of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Grooming needs are low (score 2/5) due to the short coat. Shedding is moderate (score 2/5). Regular brushing can help manage loose hair.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier good with children and other dogs?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability, suggesting it is generally very suitable for families with children. For compatibility with other dogs, it scores 3 out of 5, indicating moderate compatibility. Individual experiences may vary.
Can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is scored 3 out of 5, meaning it can adapt to apartment living with sufficient exercise, but it is not ideally suited due to its energy level.
Where does the Staffordshire Bull Terrier originate from?
The breed originates from Staffordshire, England. It was developed in the 19th century by crossing bulldogs with local terriers, originally for bull-baiting and dog fighting. After those sports were banned, the breed was refined into a family companion.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.