Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared, cooked or raw, with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior.

Some Staffords are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake and weight, and reduce portions if your dog gains. Treats help with training, but too many can lead to obesity. Choose a low-calorie option and account for treats on top of regular meals.

Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your dog's breeder or vet if you have concerns about weight or diet. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Brush weekly with a horsehair mitt or hound glove to remove dead hair, and bathe occasionally. No special skin care is required.

The low-maintenance coat does leave Staffies open to fleas and ticks, so ask your vet about prevention and run a flea comb through the coat in summer.

Trim the nails at least monthly. Overly long nails can be uncomfortable and lead to trouble walking. Clean the ears regularly to remove wax and debris, and your breeder and vet can suggest a routine and show you how to do it safely without reaching the inner ear.

They typically need no special eye care, but watch for signs of cataracts, especially if your dog hasn't been screened for the breed's juvenile hereditary cataract condition.

The Stafford needs regular exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. That can mean chasing a ball across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, or a long hike through the woods. Wait until after 18 months to run beside a bike or jogger, so the growth plates can close, and go out only when the weather is not humid or too warm.

These agile dogs also enjoy flyball, rally, agility, and competitive obedience. A Stafford in good condition can exercise with an active owner and settle indoors afterward. Provide regular exercise and long walks.

The breed can be heat intolerant, so never overwork a Stafford in warm or humid weather. Staffies are not persistent barkers, though they may bark or talk while playing or to alert you to a visitor.

The Stafford is intelligent, learns easily, and responds quickly, with an eager desire to please. They can also be hard-headed, so reward-based training with small treats and favorite toys helps lessen stubborn tendencies. Clear, consistent, positive training matters from the start, and because they are sensitive despite a tough look, they do not respond well to harsh methods.

Remember that they were bred to fight other dogs, and most retain a strong prey drive, so watch for escalation in enthusiastic play, especially after maturity. Early socialization and consistent, reward-based training help manage guarding behavior.

Their gentle nature toward children earned them the nickname the nanny dog. Pups raised with cats and other dogs generally do well with them. If you bring an older Staffy into a home that already has a dog, introduce them on neutral ground away from the house. Persistence and patience matter with a breed that can be stubborn and exuberant.