STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER BREED STANDARD
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a strong, muscular and athletic dog, powerful for its size while remaining agile, active and well balanced.
The breed may show more terrier influence, more bull influence, or a balanced combination of both, but should always remain unmistakably Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Strength should never come at the expense of sound movement, fitness or function.
GENERAL APPERANCE
HISTORY & ORGINAL PURPOSE
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier developed in Britain from old bull-and-terrier type dogs, combining the strength and determination of the bulldog with the agility and tenacity of the terrier.
Historically associated with bull-baiting and later dog fighting, the breed was subsequently developed into the companion and show dog recognised today.
Its history should still be visible in a dog that is strong, courageous, athletic, agile and exceptionally powerful for its size.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be seen in three general expressions of type:
Terrier Type — lighter framed, athletic and agile, showing more of the breed’s terrier influence.
Bull Type — broader, heavier boned and more powerful, showing stronger bulldog influence.
Balanced Type — combining the power and substance of the bull type with the athleticism and agility of the terrier type.
All three should remain recognisably Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with health, soundness, temperament and function taking priority over type preference.
TYPES WITHIN THE BREED
The head should be broad, strong and well defined, with pronounced cheek muscles and a clear stop.
The muzzle should be short, strong and proportionate to the head, with a large nose and wide, open nostrils.
Head shape may vary slightly between terrier, balanced and bull types, but should never become excessively narrow, heavy or exaggerated.
HEAD & MUZZLE
EYES & EARS
Eyes should be medium-sized, round and set to look straight ahead, giving an alert, confident and intelligent expression. Dark eyes are preferred.
Ears should be small to medium, rose or half-pricked, and carried naturally without appearing heavy or oversized.
The eyes and ears should complement the head while maintaining a functional, unmistakably Staffy expression.
The jaws should be strong, broad and well developed, with large, healthy teeth.
A scissor bite is preferred, with the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth.
The mouth should remain functional and proportionate, with excessively undershot, overshot or misaligned bites considered faults.
MOUTH & BITE
SIZE & PROPORTIONS
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be strong, muscular and well balanced, with size and substance appropriate to the individual type.
The traditional breed standard describes a height of approximately 14–16 inches (36–41 cm), but considerable variation in size exists within modern Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Terrier types may be lighter and finer, balanced types more moderate, while bull types may be considerably larger, heavier and more substantial.
Dogs should not be penalised for size alone provided they remain recognisably Staffordshire Bull Terrier, correctly proportioned, sound, athletic and functional.
BODY & CONSTRUCTION
The body should be strong, muscular and compact, with a broad chest, well-sprung ribs and a strong, level back.
Forelegs should be straight and well boned, with muscular hindquarters providing power, drive and agility.
Construction may vary between the terrier, balanced and bull types, but every Staffy should remain sound, athletic and capable of free movement.
The coat should be short, smooth and close fitting, with healthy skin and a natural shine.
A wide variety of colours and patterns are accepted, including red, fawn, white, black, blue and brindle, either solid or combined with white.
Merle is not accepted.
Colour should never take priority over health, temperament, sound construction or correct Staffordshire Bull Terrier type.
COAT & COLOUR
Movement should be free, powerful and athletic, with good reach in front and strong drive from the hindquarters.
The Staffy should move with confidence, balance and agility, regardless of whether it is terrier, balanced or bull type.
Movement should never appear stiff, restricted, excessively heavy or unsound.
MOVEMENT
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier should be confident, courageous, intelligent and affectionate, forming a strong bond with its family.
They should be bold and self-assured without being nervous or unpredictable, and remain manageable and responsive to their handler.
Unprovoked or uncontrollable aggression, extreme nervousness or unstable temperament are unacceptable.
TEMPERAMENT
Faults include poor breathing, weak or unsound construction, restricted movement, excessive exaggeration, poor overall balance, lack of recognisable Staffordshire Bull Terrier type or unstable temperament.
Dogs should not be faulted simply for displaying terrier, balanced or bull type, provided they remain healthy, sound, functional and unmistakably Staffordshire Bull Terrier.