Breed Standard for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

Home land: UK

Background / Purpose

In his native England, the breed has a fairly short official history, was recognized as late as the 1935th Unofficially, the breed is much older. It is documented that even in the late 1700's, crossed the rase with Bulldog Old English Terrier and was taken to the Bull and Terrier or Bull Terrier. (Today's Bull Terrier was created around 1850 when Bull and Terriers were crossed with English White Terrier.) In order to distinguish them, were the original race later adding "Staffordshire" after its principal place of residence). The intention of the crossing was to create an easier and faster fighting dog and as such it was used in the 1900s, when the dogfights were banned. Since the ban the breeding determination has been a success, focused on the struggle to suppress the urge to race without loosing strength, courage and intelligence.

Characteristics:
From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws his character by courage, high intelligence and tenacity.
This mixed with his affection for his friends, and children in particular, his off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes him the purfect foremost all-purpose dog.
In its early development, it can make demands on their own, but with good education and training they become a kind and happy top dog in many areas.

General Appearance:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog. He should be of great strength for his size and although muscular, should be active and agile dog. ( Foreemost all-purpose dog.)

Head and Skull:
Short, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop, short fore-face, black nose.

Eyes:
Dark preferable, but may have some relation to coat color. Round, of medium size, and set to look straight ahead.

Ears:
Rose or half-pricked and not large. Full drop or prick eras is considered a serious fault.

Mouth:
The mouth should be level, that is, the incisors of the lower jaw should fit closely inside the incisors of the top jaw, and the lips should be tight and clean. The badly undershot or overshot mouth is considered a serious fault.

Neck:
Muscular, rather short, clean in outline and gradually widening towards the shoulders.

Body:
The body should be close coupled, with a level topline, wide front/chest, deep brisket, and well sprung ribs being rather light in the loins.

Forequaters:
The front leggs should be straight and well boned, set rather far/wide apart, with the feet turning out slightly.There should be no looseness at the shoulders and no weakness at the pasterns or "wrists"

Hindquarters:
The hindquarters should be well muscled, hocks let down with stifles well bent. Legs should be parallel when viewed from behind.

Feet:
The feet should be well padded, strong and of medium size.

Gain:
The Staffy`s gain should be free,powerful, and agile without excess effort. Leggs should move parallel when viewed from the front or rear. Hind legs should show a discernible drive.

Tail:
The tail should be of medium length, low set, tapering to a point and carried rather low. It should not curl much and may be likened to an old-fashioned pump handle.

Coat:
Smooth, short and close to the skin.

Color:
Red, fawn, white, black or blue, or any of these colors with white. Any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white. Black-and-tan or liver color not to be encourage.

Weight and Size:
Desirable height at withers 35-41 cm, these heights being related to the weights. Weight: dogs: 13-17 kg & bitches 11-15.4 kg.
Generally speaking, the length of the dog`s back (from withers to tail set) should be equal to the distance measuerd from the wihters to the ground.

In Sweden also:
A dog that shows severe agression is not promitted to enter the show ring.
(This is a general rule for all breeds in Sweden)

Sorse: Based on (KC) Kennel Club breed standard & (Skk) Swedish kennel Clubb. (FCI) standard.