All muscle, all heart.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Also called Staffy, Staffie, Stafford, SBT

Checked 2026-09-30 · 10 sources

Staffies are bold, cheerful dogs that pour their affection onto their people and are known for being especially sweet with children, which earned them the 'nanny dog' nickname in England.

Key facts
Size	Medium
Weight	11 to 17 kg (24 to 37 lb)males 12.7 to 17 kg, females 11 to 15.4 kg1 2 3 4
Height	35.5 to 40.5 cm (14 to 16 in)1 2 3
Lifespan	11 to 14 years3 4 5
Coat	Short, smooth, close-lying single coat
Origin	United Kingdom: Staffordshire and the Black Country around northern Birmingham, England3 5 6
Group	Terriers (FCI group 3)
Exercise	90 min a day

First-time owner Cuddly Low grooming

Very affectionate with its family, including children

Brave and steady in character

Easy-care short coat

1 5 4

what they are likeStaffordshire Bull Terrier temperament

Staffies are bold, cheerful dogs that pour their affection onto their people and are known for being especially sweet with children, which earned them the 'nanny dog' nickname in England. The breed standards describe a courageous, intelligent and dependable dog with a calm, stable nature at home. They love being close to their humans and are usually playful and eager for fun. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs is recommended.1 2 5 4 7

how to spot oneStaffordshire Bull Terrier coat and colours

short, smooth, close-lying single coat

A sleek, short coat hugs a compact and heavily muscled body. The standards ask that neither the coat nor the whiskers be trimmed, so the dog is shown just as it is. The overall picture is a small dog with a lot of strength packed into a balanced, agile frame.1 2 5

Coloursredfawnwhiteblackblueany of these with whitebrindle (any shade)brindle with white1 2

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

by countryIs the Staffordshire Bull Terrier legal where you live?

18 of the 44 countries we check have a rule that names the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.

Rules by country
Country	Rule	Source
Ireland	Muzzle and leash requiredControl of Dogs Regulations 1998: restricted breeds (and their crosses) must be muzzled in public, on a strong lead of max 2 m, held by a person over 16, with a collar showing the owner's name and address.	official
Germany	Import bannedFederal HundVerbrEinfG (2001): Pitbull-Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire-Bullterrier, Bullterrier and their crosses may not be imported or brought into Germany; keeping rules are set by each Land.	official
Germany, Baden-Württemberg	RestrictedPolVOgH list 2: dangerousness assumed only if indications exist; authorities may impose conditions.	official
Germany, Bayern	RestrictedKategorie 1 of the Bavarian Kampfhundeverordnung: fighting-dog status is irrebuttably presumed; keeping requires a permit from the municipality, granted only for a special interest.	official
Germany, Bremen	BannedBremHundeG (2025 version replacing the 2001 law): keeping Pitbull Terrier, Bullterrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bullterrier is prohibited with narrow exceptions.	source
Germany, Hamburg	RestrictedHamburgisches Hundegesetz: these four breeds are irrebuttably dangerous; keeping needs a permit, muzzle and leash in public.	official
Germany, Hessen	RestrictedHundeVO 2003 (amended 2022): one list of presumed dangerous breeds; keeping needs a permit, Wesenstest, Sachkunde, liability insurance, muzzle and leash.	official
Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen	RestrictedLHundG NRW §3 gefährliche Hunde: permit, Sachkunde before the official vet, criminal record check, liability insurance, microchip, leash and muzzle outside fenced property.	official
Germany, Rheinland-Pfalz	RestrictedLHundG RP 2004: keeping needs a permit (Sachkunde, reliability, insurance), muzzle and leash in public.	source
Germany, Saarland	RestrictedSaarland dog ordinance (HuV SL 2022): presumed dangerous, rebuttable by a temperament test; permit, muzzle and leash otherwise.	source
Germany, Sachsen-Anhalt	RestrictedHundeG LSA 2009: dogs that may not be imported under the federal HundVerbrEinfG are presumed dangerous; keeping must be notified and needs a Wesenstest, insurance, leash and muzzle.	source
Lithuania	RestrictedDangerous breeds (pavojingi sunys): permit from the municipality to keep in multi-apartment buildings, warning sign, muzzle and short leash in public, microchip and rabies vaccination; the list is exhaustive.	source
Luxembourg	Permit requiredLoi du 9 mai 2008 relative aux chiens art. 10: 'chiens susceptibles d'etre dangereux' must be declared, the owner must complete a 12-hour course and the dog a 24-hour training course with exam, leash everywhere unless exempted by diploma, muzzle on case-by-case order; all dogs in Luxembourg need liability insurance.	official
Switzerland, Zürich	BannedHundeverordnung §5 Rassetypenliste II: acquisition, breeding and moving in of these types is prohibited; Rottweilers registered before 1 Jan 2025 may be kept only with a Haltebewilligung after a temperament assessment (applications by 30 June 2025).	official
Switzerland, Valais	BannedConseil d'Etat decision 2005 under art. 37 LALPA: keeping these 12 breeds and their crosses is banned (new ownership since 1 Jan 2006); visits up to 30 days per year allowed with leash and muzzle.	source
Switzerland, Ticino	Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: 30 breeds and crosses born after 1 April 2009 need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, aptitude tests at 9-13 months and in year 3; applies to dogs staying over 30 days a year.	source
Switzerland, Other cantons	Permit requiredPermit (Bewilligungspflicht) cantons per SRF overview (Dec 2024): Aargau (8 bull types + Rottweiler), Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft (8), Solothurn (8), Glarus (10 incl. German and Belgian Shepherd), Schaffhausen (14), Thurgau (14); no breed rules in AI, AR, BE, GR, JU, LU, NE, SG, UR, ZG, NW, OW, SZ.	source
Austria, Wien	Permit requiredWiener Tierhaltegesetz and Hundefuehrscheinverordnung: 'Listenhunde' need a Hundefuehrschein (exam within 3 months, repeat after 21-24 months), muzzle and leash in public, handler at least 16 and under 0.5 permille alcohol; Sachkunde course before registering since 1 July 2019.	official
Austria, Niederösterreich	RestrictedNOe Hundehaltegesetz §2: 'Hunde mit erhoehtem Gefaehrdungspotential' must be notified to the municipality, extended Sachkunde, muzzle and leash in built-up areas, transport, schools and parks.	official
Austria, Oberösterreich	RestrictedOOe Hundehaltegesetz (new rules from 1 Dec 2024): 'spezielle Hunde' are treated as large dogs regardless of size, must pass an Alltagstauglichkeitspruefung and are under leash and muzzle duty in public places.	source
Austria, Vorarlberg	Permit requiredVorarlberg: keeping a listed breed requires an authorisation; muzzle, leash or custody conditions are set case by case by decision (older secondary overview, not re-verified against the current law).	source
Spain	Permit requiredReal Decreto 287/2002 (Ley 50/1999) 'perros potencialmente peligrosos': municipal licence (adult, clean record, psychological and physical aptitude, liability insurance of at least 120,000 EUR), muzzle and non-extensible leash under 2 m in public, one PPP per handler; a 2025 draft decree under Ley 7/2023 would let dogs leave the category by passing aptitude tests but is not yet approved.	official
Portugal	Permit requiredPortaria 422/2004 lists the 'caes potencialmente perigosos'; Decreto-Lei 315/2009 (as amended by DL 9/2021) requires an annual licence from the junta de freguesia (owner over 16, criminal record, training course, liability insurance of at least 50,000 EUR, sterilisation unless LOP-registered), muzzle and leash of max 1 m in public, secure 2 m enclosure and warning signs.	official
Croatia	Permit requiredPedigree bull-type terriers (HKS/FCI) are allowed only from controlled breeding, with owner conditions and a socialisation test (art. 8).	official
Iceland	Import bannedMAST (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority) does not permit import of these breeds, their crosses for 5 generations, wolf hybrids for 10 generations, or other dogs of comparable origin, physique or temperament.	official
Ukraine	Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.	official
Canada, Ontario	BannedDog Owners' Liability Act (Bill 132, in force 29 Aug 2005): no new pit bulls may be owned, bred, imported or transferred; grandfathered 'restricted pit bulls' must be sterilised, muzzled and on a leash of max 1.8 m off the owner's property (O. Reg. 157/05).	source
Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba	BannedResponsible Pet Ownership By-law: pit bulls may not be brought into the City of Winnipeg (city council voted to keep the ban in 2022).	official
South Korea	Permit requiredAnimal Protection Act (amended, in force 27 April 2024): 'maenggyeon' owners need a permit from the provincial governor after a temperament assessment, with registration, neutering and liability insurance; existing owners had until 26 Oct 2024.	source
South Korea	Muzzle and leash requiredOutside, these dogs must wear a muzzle and a leash of max 2 m; in shared indoor spaces the owner must hold the dog or its collar.	source
Singapore	Import bannedAVS: Part 1 specified dogs (except those already licensed) are not allowed into Singapore for sale, visit or stay.	official
Singapore	Insurance requiredPart 1 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, sterilised over 6 months, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 5,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training.	official
United Arab Emirates	BannedFederal Law 22/2016 on dangerous animals, Annex 2 'List of Dangerous Dogs': possession, trade, breeding and import banned except by licence for service or medical purposes; a Nov 2021 ministerial decision updated the list to pit bull types, mastiffs, Tosa and Presa Canario, so the status of Rottweiler, Doberman and Boxer should be treated as uncertain.	official
Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires	Insurance requiredLey 4078 CABA: registration before 3 months of age, muzzle and non-extensible leash of max 2 m in public, liability insurance, secure enclosure; abandonment is a serious offence.	official
Israel	RestrictedRegulations for the Supervision of Dogs (Import and Keeping of Dangerous Dogs) 5765-2004: import prohibited, owners and handlers must be over 18, dogs over 6 months sterilised, muzzle and leash of max 2 m outside the premises, fenced yard with warning sign, no dog parks, transfer only to approved recipients.	source
Malaysia	Import bannedDepartment of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia).	official

Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.

how busy a day looksStaffordshire Bull Terrier exercise needs

Moderate to fairly high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day. Walks, games and short training sessions suit this strong, agile dog well.5 4

the hands-on bitsStaffordshire Bull Terrier grooming and care

Very low maintenance. A weekly brush or rub-down with a grooming mitt keeps the short coat tidy; the breed sheds regularly. No trimming is needed.5 4 2

where they are happiestStaffordshire Bull Terrier at home

Adapts well to house or flat living as long as it gets daily exercise and plenty of time with its people. A securely fenced garden is useful for such a strong, active dog. This is a companion breed that wants to live indoors with the family.5 4

what goes in the bowlStaffordshire Bull Terrier food and feeding

A complete, balanced commercial or vet-approved diet suited to a medium-sized, muscular, active dog, portioned to keep a lean body condition. Fresh water should always be available.4

who they like aroundStaffordshire Bull Terrier with people and other pets

Thrives on close human companionship and does best in a home where it is included in daily family life. Good socialisation from puppyhood helps it meet other dogs calmly.4 1

where it all beganStaffordshire Bull Terrier history

The Staffy grew out of 19th-century bull-and-terrier crosses, which mixed the old Bulldog with various terriers to create a quick, strong and determined dog. After Britain's 1835 Cruelty to Animals Act outlawed bull-baiting, these dogs lived on among working people in Staffordshire and the Black Country, where they also served as ratters and family companions. When James Hinks reshaped the head of his bull-and-terrier dogs in the 1860s to create the modern Bull Terrier, many local enthusiasts kept to the older, compact type, which became today's Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The name started appearing in adverts around 1930, and in 1935 a group of fanciers including Joe Dunn and Joe Mallen founded the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club at the Cross Guns pub in Cradley Heath, adopting a breed standard the same day. The Kennel Club recognised the breed that year, and the first champions were crowned in 1939. Careful breeding over the following decades turned the Staffy into the gentle, people-loving companion known worldwide today, with recognition from the FCI in 1954 and the AKC in 1974.3 5 8 6

for the dinner tableFun facts

1
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was founded in 1935 in a pub, the Cross Guns in Cradley Heath, and approved its first breed standard on the very same day.3
2
At shows, Staffies are traditionally paraded in wide leather collars decorated with brass Staffordshire Knot emblems, a nod to their home county.5
3
In England the breed is fondly nicknamed the 'nanny dog' because of its reputation for gentleness with children.4
4
The first two champions of the breed, Lady Eve and Gentleman Jim, were made up in 1939; Gentleman Jim belonged to club co-founder Joe Mallen, a chainmaker who ran the Cross Guns pub.8
5
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Watchman is the traditional mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment, a line of regimental dogs going back to 1882.3
6
Staffordshire Police welcomed its first Staffy police dog, Cooper, who was adopted in 2018 and served until 2022.3
7
The AKC recognised the Staffy in 1974 as its 121st breed.3

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed is named after Staffordshire, England, where it was developed in the 19th century by crossing Bulldogs with terriers. The name reflects its geographic origin in the Black Country of Staffordshire and northern Birmingham.3

stars of the breedFamous ones

Champion Rockabye Gonna Get You A famous Staffordshire Bull Terrier who won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2020.7

for your new friendName ideas

BiscuitBusterDaisyRockyMollyBrunoPoppyRexSallyBuddyNellieTyson

told by a Staffordshire Bull TerrierA day in the life

I woke up and gave my human a big, sloppy kiss. It's my favorite way to say good morning. I bounced around the kitchen while they made breakfast, my tail wagging like a happy flag. Then we went for a walk, and I trotted proudly, checking out all the smells. I met a new dog friend, and we sniffed each other politely. Back home, I played tug-of-war with my rope toy, showing off my strong jaws. I cuddled on the sofa with my human, my head on their lap. I'm brave and strong, but really I'm just a big softy who loves my family.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

the official bitsRecognised by

FCI: Standard No. 76, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 3 (Bull type Terriers); definitive acceptance 21 Oct 1954; current standard published 20 Jan 19986
The Royal Kennel Club: Terrier Group; breed name approved and recognised 19355
AKC: Terrier Group; recognised 1974 as the 121st breed3
UKC: Terrier Group; recognised 19752
Canadian Kennel Club: Recognised 19523

Popularity Ranked 61st of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (63rd in 2024).9

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

Staffordshire Bull Terrier tip

Staffies are often very food-motivated, so use healthy, low-calorie treats for training and keep them to under 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain. Because dental disease is common, consider dental chews or brushing alongside any treat routine, and ask your vet for advice if your dog has skin issues that might be linked to food.

Source: pdsa.org.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice) Blue Cross

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well to match their digestion. Always provide fresh water.4 10

What should a Staffordshire Bull Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced commercial diet suited to a medium, active dog to keep a lean body. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially risky for dogs.4 11

How often should I bathe a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.12 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need brushing?

A weekly brush with a grooming mitt or soft brush keeps the short coat tidy and reduces shedding. Pet Wiki's plan also recommends weekly brushing, which matches general care advice for smooth coats.5 4 2 12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Staffordshire Bull Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small amounts at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid discomfort.12 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?

Aim for about an hour to 90 minutes of exercise daily, including walks, play, and training sessions. This matches Pet Wiki's plan and keeps this strong, agile dog happy and healthy.5 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Staffordshire Bull Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks and gently wipe the outer ear; never push anything into the ear canal.12 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier live?

With good care, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically lives between 11 and 14 years. Enjoy many happy years with this loving companion.3 4 5

Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are famously sweet with children and earned the nickname 'nanny dog'. With other pets, early positive socialisation helps them get along calmly and confidently.1 2 5 4 7

Can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier be left alone?

This breed thrives on close human company and may struggle with long periods alone. How well they cope varies, so ask a vet or good breeder for advice tailored to your dog.4 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

Miniature Bull Terrier

Boston Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Sources (10)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FCI Standard No. 76 (PDF) fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
UKC: Staffordshire Bull Terrier ukcdogs.comused for recognition year, standard size, coat, colours
Wikipedia: Staffordshire Bull Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, lifespan, fun facts, similar breeds
Hill's Pet: Staffordshire Bull Terrier hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, temperament, grooming, diet
The Royal Kennel Club: Staffordshire Bull Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, show collar fact
FCI Nomenclature: Staffordshire Bull Terrier (No. 76) fci.beused for recognition, group, dates
AKC: Staffordshire Bull Terrier akc.orgused for temperament overview
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Heritage Centre: Joe Mallen Story thestaffordshirebullterrier.co.ukused for club founding, first champion
AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity rank
VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024 akc.orgused for popularity rank

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.