Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed?

Yes, despite their short coat, these pups do shed. However, shedding is minimal compared to most other breeds.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers hypoallergenic?

No, Staffies are not hypoallergenic dogs . But no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, as they have allergens in their drool, pee, and on their skin.

What’s the average lifespan of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

The average Staffordshire Bull Terrier life expectancy is 12–14 years.

Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers swim?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren’t particularly strong swimmers, though every dog is different. Because of their body shape, they might have trouble keeping their head above water. Never force them to go in the water if they don’t do it on their own, supervise your Staffy whenever you’re around a pool or body of water, and invest in a life jacket to ensure their safety.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs. Pit Bull: What’s the difference?

Pit Bull is a general term that refers to Staffies, AmStaffs, Bull Terriers , and mixes of these and other breeds. So, all Staffordshire Bull Terriers are considered Pit Bulls, but not all Pit Bull-type dogs are Staffies.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs. American Staffordshire Terrier: What’s the difference?

Think of these pups as cousins. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smaller version of the American Staffordshire Terrier (who is about twice their size). They’re both exceptionally friendly and playful, though the AmStaff might have slightly more energy.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Updated April 1, 2025

Affectionately referred to as “land seals,” Staffordshire Bull Terriers are thrilled to be your best friend. These friendly canines have a reputation for their tendency to dote on little kids, and their big smiles show how much they love being part of the family.

Temperament

Doting, Playful, Silly

Weight

24–38 pounds

Height

14–16 inches

Life Expectancy

12–14 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Black, Black And White, Blue, Blue And White, Brindle, Brindle And White, Fawn, Fawn And White, Red, Red And White, White, White And Brindle, White And Fawn, White And Red

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Concerned that a seal has moved into your neighborhood and you might need to call a wildlife rescue? Don’t worry—if they were a medium-sized short stack with four legs, it was just a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aka a “land seal.”

These cute canines have velvety fur, a seal-like black nose, and huge, dark eyes that make you think they should be sunning on a rock somewhere. And when their ears are back, it’s nearly impossible to tell who’s a dog and who’s a seal.

When a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or “Staffy” for short, decides to smile, you’ve never seen a bigger grin in your life. That’s the giveaway that this creature is a loyal and friendly BFF who prefers life on the sofa instead of life at sea.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Appearance

Staffordshire Bull Terriers may be smaller than their relatives, the American Staffordshire Terrier, but they’re just as athletic and agile. Staffies have a wide grin that makes them look like the happiest dogs on the planet, and their bright, eager eyes reflect their curiosity and kindness.

Ears
These dogs have small- to medium-size ears that are either alert and folded slightly back (known as a rose shape) or alert and folded forward at the top (known as half-pricked).
Eyes
Staffies have dark, round, medium-size eyes with a bright, intelligent expression.
Nose
They have a relatively short muzzle with a black nose.
Coat Length
They have a sleek, short coat that’s close to the skin. It’s often called glossy or velvet.
Coat Color
Staffy colors might be black, blue, red, fawn, red, brindle (faint tiger-like stripes), or any of these colors with or without white patterns.
Tail
Their tail is usually medium-length and low-set.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

If you’re looking for a best friend who thinks you’re the best thing since sliced bread, well, you’ve found them. The Staffy is a loyal, devoted pal who wiggles their whole body when wagging their tail.

Staffy dogs are extremely bright and buzzy with energy. Although they’ll definitely enjoy their couch time, they also enjoy being part of an active family—whether it’s hikes, walks, fun games, scent work, or dog sports like agility trials.

These canines love people, so they’re often delighted to be introduced to someone new. But for them to be their best self, a Staffy needs early (and consistent!) socialization when they’re younger so they grow into a calm and open adult.

When it comes to other pets, some Staffies might want to be your one and only. But each dog’s an individual, and others might enjoy two- and four-legged siblings, especially when introductions are made properly.

In fact, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often called The Nanny Dog because of how much they enjoy the company of children.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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How to Care for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

These clever canines don’t require a lot of grooming time. But a Staffy’s smarts mean lots of mental stimulation is a must, and they’ll love putting their brain to work during obedience training sessions.

Bathing: Staffordshire Bull Terriers do a good job of staying clean. They need to be bathed every month or so, as long as they don’t take a spill in the mud.
Brushing: They shed lightly in the spring and fall, and they have a short, glossy coat that doesn’t need regular brushing. But they might enjoy a nice brush-out with a curry brush every now and then.
Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily. It’s a good idea to start when your Staffy’s a puppy so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.
Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every couple of weeks. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time to pull out the clippers.

When it comes to training, Staffordshire Bull Terriers need a confident pup to teach them various skills. Start with cues like sit, stay, and come, then moving into how to walk nicely on a leash.

Always use positive reinforcement—praise, special treats, and toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior.

A certified dog trainer is never a bad idea, and your pup will probably enjoy their special training sessions. Puppy school might also be a good choice for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy.

Regular socialization with other dogs and people, as well as introducing your Staffy to new places (think public parks, dog parks, and hiking trails), is essential and will help your pup acclimate to polite society.

These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and situations, all of which they’ll probably come to love. (Just make sure your dog is fully vaccinated before hanging out with new friends.)

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very smart dogs who are eager to please, so training usually goes well. They learn best from pet parents who are consistent and patient with their lessons.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).

If you have questions about the best kibble or diet for your dog, your vet can advise you which food to choose.

Remember that treat calories count, too. And while treats are important for motivating your dog during training, extra weight can lead to health issues, so know when to say when. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

When you were a kid, all you wanted to do was get out of the house, run around the neighborhood, and see the world. Your Staffy feels the same way. These dogs are big fans of the outdoors, and they need an outlet for their vibrant, playful personality.

Make sure your Staffordshire Bull Terrier gets at least 30 minutes of exercise twice a day. Like many dogs, if these pups see a squirrel, they could take off after it—so keep them on a leash when you’re not in a fenced area.

These smart pups also need daily mental stimulation. They’ll probably love interactive toys and games, and they may also enjoy dog sports, like flyball or agility trials. Scent work can be a fun way to get their mind active, too.

Staffies are happy to call anywhere home, as long as you’re there and they feel loved and pampered.

They’ll do fine in an apartment if you don’t leave them alone too long and make sure they get their daily exercise. If you ignore this very reasonable request, you might not appreciate the ways they decide to entertain themself (these dogs love to chew).

They fit in well with any family, and if there are children around, they’ll be particularly devoted to the younger ones.

If Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies are properly socialized when they’re young, they can do well with other animals in the house. But sometimes these canines would prefer to be your one and only pet. Every dog is an individual!

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health

The typical Staffordshire Bull Terrier lifespan is 12–14 years. Here are a few health issues to be aware of. 

Cataracts: Cataracts are a common eye problem and can be hereditary in Staffy puppies. Surgery is the go-to treatment.
Degenerative myelopathy: This is a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, causing problems with breathing, vocalizing, and eating. DM it slowly weakens and then paralyzes the back legs. There is no treatment to reverse it, but physical therapy may help.
Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align well and become looser than normal. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain meds, or, in severe cases, surgery.
L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: A rare, genetic metabolic condition, this disorder may cause seizures, a wobbly gait (ataxia), dementia, and tremors. There’s no cure, but anticonvulsants may be used to treat it.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier History

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an admittedly sad origin story. They were first bred in England to be used in dog sports. People would bet on these events, and breeds from Staffordshire Bull Terriers to English Bulldogs were used for things like bull baiting, which was outlawed in 1835.

Sadly, though, the law just drove any activity underground, and dogfighting became popular.

To be clear: Dogs like Staffies and Pit Bulls were often used in fighting not because they are naturally mean—on the contrary, their loyalty and desire to please their human made them very malleable.

However, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and related breeds were unfoundedly were maligned by the media, which caused a drop in their popularity. There is still prejudice against the dogs, including breed-specific legislation, in which certain cities ban dog breeds deemed “aggressive.”

Despite being recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1974, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, along with other Pit Bull-type dogs, are regularly overlooked in shelters due to the breed’s stigma.

So if you’re looking to adopt a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, there are many of these misunderstood dogs patiently waiting for their forever homes. Look into a Staffy rescue like Staffie Smiles Rescue, make a visit to your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier