Official Breed Standard – Staffordshire Bull Terrier

General Appearance

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated, well-balanced, and powerful dog for its size. Despite its compact build, it should convey great strength, agility, and determination. The breed is known for its courage, tenacity, and confidence, combined with a stable and reliable temperament. The overall outline should be short-coupled and muscular, never leggy or coarse.

Characteristics

Traditionally fearless and bold, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also highly intelligent and exceptionally loyal. The breed is renowned for its affection toward people, particularly within the family environment, and should display a calm, confident demeanor when properly socialized.

Temperament

Bold, fearless, and totally reliable. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is highly people-oriented, affectionate, and trustworthy. Aggression toward humans is unacceptable and considered a serious fault.

Head

The head is short, deep, and broad, with a pronounced skull. Cheek muscles are very well developed, giving the head great width and strength. The stop is distinct.

Eyes

Eyes should be round, of medium size, and set to face forward. Dark eye color is preferred, although eye color may correspond with coat color. Light or pink eye rims are undesirable.

Ears

Ears are rose-shaped or half-pricked and should not be large. Fully erect or heavily dropped ears are undesirable.

Muzzle

The muzzle is short, with a strong underjaw. The lips are tight and clean, without looseness. Jaws are powerful with a perfect, regular scissor bite, where the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are set square to the jaws.

Nose

The nose must be black.

Neck

The neck is of medium length, muscular, and slightly arched. It widens gradually toward the shoulders and is free from loose skin.

Forequarters

The forelegs are straight with strong bone and set well apart to allow proper chest development. Shoulders are well laid back and muscular. Elbows are held close to the body.

Body

The body is close-coupled with well-sprung ribs. The chest is deep and broad. The back is level, with strong loins.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are well-muscled, showing great power. Stifles are well bent, and hocks are set low. When viewed from behind, the legs should be parallel.

Feet

Feet are of moderate size, well-arched, compact, and firm.

Tail

The tail is of medium length, set low, tapering to a point, and carried low. It should not curl or be carried over the back.

Movement

Movement should be free, powerful, and agile, showing drive from the hindquarters. The gait must be smooth and efficient, without rolling, pacing, or crossing.

Coat

The coat is smooth, short, and close to the skin.

Color

Red, fawn, white, black, blue, or any of these colors with white. Any shade of brindle is permitted, with or without white. Black and tan or liver colors are undesirable.

Size and Weight

Height: approximately 14–16 inches (36–41 cm) at the withers.

Weight:
Dogs: 28–38 lbs (13–17 kg)
Bitches: 24–34 lbs (11–15.5 kg)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and effect on the health and welfare of the dog.