Distinctive Features of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Characteristics, Flaws, and Lifespan of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

1. Height

Male dogs typically stand at 45.7 to 48.3 centimeters, while females range from 43.2 to 45.7 centimeters in height.

2. Weight

The weight of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier usually falls between 18 to 23 kilograms.

3. Head

This breed boasts a mediumsized head with a deep and broad skull, full cheek muscles, and highset, welldefined eyes. The ears are usually cropped, with uncropped ears being short and either standing or semistanding. Droopy ears are considered a flaw. The eyes are deep and round, set in the middle of the skull with a wide spacing, and the eyelids lack corners. The nose is mediumlength, round, and slightly tucked up. The jaw is distinct with a pronounced underbite, and the teeth meet in a strong bite. The lips are tightly closed and may appear tense. The upper teeth fit snugly over the lower teeth on the outside. The nose is black.

4. Neck

The neck is robust, slightly arched, narrowing from the shoulders to the back of the head. The skin is tight and the neck is of moderate length.

5. Shoulders

The shoulders are strong and muscular with a flat width and a slight slope.

6. Back

The back is slightly shorter and slopes from the shoulders to the hips, with a gentle slope at the base of the tail as well. The waist is slightly arched.

7. Body

The body has wellsprung ribs with close spacing, with the last few pairs slightly tucked in. The front legs are spaced widely to promote chest development, and the chest is deep and broad.

8. Tail

The tail is relatively short, lowset, and tapers to a point without curling or carrying high. It ends in a straight line.

9. Legs

The front legs are straight and powerful with round bones and upright wrists. They do not bend forward. The hindquarters are muscular with the hock joints pointing down, neither showing nor carrying. The feet are of moderate size with a moderate arch and are compact. The gait is elastic, steady, and without a sway or waddle.

10. Coat

The coat is short, dense, hard, and smooth.

11. Color

Any color, solid, mixed, or spotted is permissible, although solid white, over 80% white, or liver color are not encouraged.

12. Proportion

The height and weight should be proportional. Ideal measurements for males are 45.7 to 48.3 centimeters at the shoulder, and for females, 43.2 to 45.7 centimeters.

13. Flaws

Defects such as Dudley nose, cropped ears, pink eye color, an overly long or poorly shaped tail, overbite or underbite, must be eliminated.

14. Lifespan

As a hybrid breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier tends to have a shorter lifespan than typical dogs, with an average of 7 to 8 years.

Tip: Click on 'Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Standard' to learn more about the appearance of other dog breeds.