ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Why the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Is Voted as Britain’s Top Dog

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

What is the UK’s most popular dog breed?  It has been a seemingly endless two and a half hour before the public voting ended for Britain’s top 100 dog breeds. And yes, Staffies, one of the most eminent terrier breeds, took the crown as announced by the programme’s hosts, Ben Fogle and Sarah Cox.

Staffie history at a glance

  • Staffordshire bull terriers were first bred as fighting dogs in the 19th century Britain.
  • The American Staffordshire terrier, the bull terrier, and the American pit bull terrier have the same ancestors as with the bulldogs.
  • In 1935, Staffies were recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club.
  • The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was formed in England.
  • It was not until 1975 when the breed was also recognised by the American Kennel Club.

With their powerful stride and muscular appearance, the Staffies are often mistaken for pit bulls. However, the pit bull and Staffordshire bull terrier are two separate breeds, with the latter being comparatively smaller and weighs a lot less. Unfortunately, the Staffies’ ear-to-ear grin and placid nature are often overlooked by their ‘reputation’ as an aggressive breed.

Staffies often get a bad rep mainly down to owners. #Top100Dogs will hopefully go a long way to dispel the myth that they’re an aggressive breed.

Lola loves all people but people often back off when they see her, don’t brandish all staffies with the same brush. 🐶 pic.twitter.com/1waNpeZ2MC

— Brad Clough (@bradclough12) January 30, 2019

SO happy the Staffordshire bull terrier made it to number 1 in #BritainsTop100Dogs Wonderful breed, wonderful family dog & I’m so glad shows like this are helping to break the stereotype these breeds have just because of how they look. Thank you! @ITV #EndBSL

— Gemma Atkinson (@MissGAtkinson) January 29, 2019

Spread Staffie love

The UK Kennel Club Standard describes this breed as ‘bold, fearless, and totally reliable.’ Here are some of the Staffies’ winning points that will further convince you why they are UK’s top dog:

Staffies are great family pets.

There is a good reason why this breed is not a banned breed in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Despite its intimidating look, they are one of the best choices as family pets.

They were initially bred for badger baiting and fighting, sports that had been banned in the mid-19th century. Despite their breeding history, they have become family dogs with remarkable courage, tolerance, and patience around people and children. As such, Staffies earned the title ‘nanny dogs.’

a stafforshire bull terrier playing with a wood

They are affectionate furry creatures.

These muscled pooches secretly love cuddle sessions with their owners. They love human companionship, that’s why they follow people around. They are comfortable in a curled-up position at their owners’ feet or on their laps.

These tough-looking, smart Staffies are eager to please their owners.

Given the right training, any Staffies could excel at agility, obedience, flyball, and many other dog activities. However, it is important to note that they have a streak of stubbornness, which can be challenging during training.

Tip: Puppy socialisation is a vital key in rearing Staffies. It is important to introduce training with a lot of positive reinforcement.

Like any other smart and active breeds, Staffies are easily bored. Make sure to provide an engaging environment with dog toys and daily exercise. Test out their intelligence by introducing these 5 must-know dog commands.

They are low-maintenance in grooming.

Staffie owners do not have to worry about grooming as they have short hair and are not prone to tangling problems. Follow a regular brushing and a few baths to keep their short hair smooth and clean.

Staffie healthcare

Staffies has an average lifespan of around 12 years. Although a sturdy breed, it pays to heed early signs and symptoms of the following health issues:

  • Distichiasis
  • Hereditary cataracts
  • Hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Mast cell tumours
  • Posterior polar subcapsular cataract (PPSC)
  • Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
  • Skin allergies

a staffie waiting for its owner's command

Staffies’ unjust reputation

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), ‘Unfortunately, Staffies have suffered a great deal from overbreeding and bad press recently and many end up in our care due to irresponsible ownership. We currently have 67 Staffordshire bull terriers in our kennels who are waiting for new homes.’

Staffies are rarely portrayed in a domestic setting living a ‘normal’ life with families. Staffordshire bull terrier is a common sight in animal shelters. It is either a Staffie dog breed or one with Staffie crosses. Volunteers face a great challenge in looking for their potential owners because of their so-called reputation.

‘However, given the right home and care, Staffies can make absolutely wonderful family pets. Many of the Staffies in our care are loving, playful, fun-loving dogs who would thrive in family homes,’ The RSPCA added.

Though it is quite understandable why some would be cautious, especially those who are a novice in dog parenting, volunteers encourage you to try to meet these sweet-natured often mislabelled as aggressive canines.

Ziggy Trixx, the skateboarding dog

Adem Basharan, the owner of the skateboarding Staffordshire bull terrier named Ziggy Trixx, aims to dismiss the negative stereotype that goes along the name of the breed. Together, Adem and Ziggy perform a variety of fantastic tricks such as riding a skateboard and more on Southend’s High Street.

‘We have been doing shows to raise awareness for Staffies as they get a bit of a bad rep sometimes and people judge them quite quickly. So, we want to show that they can be lovely dogs if they are brought up correctly,’ stated Adem in an interview.

Watch this:

FREE E-BOOK

home-remedies-for-dog-health-issues
Get your FREE e-book on

Home Remedies for Most Common Dog Healthcare Issues

when you subscribe to your weekly dose of pet-infused newsletters

Packed with solutions and ideas for treating
common health issues for your dog at home.

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Hannah Mitchell

Related Stories

Britain’s Top 100 Dogs
Britain’s Top 100 Dogs
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Dog Foot Corns: Causes and Treatments
Dog Foot Corns: Causes and Treatments
Latest Stories
  • Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
  • How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?
  • 6 Natural and Cruelty-Free Cat Deterrents for Your Garden
  • Are Blueberries Good For Dogs? Top 7 Health Benefits
  • How Long Do Gerbils Live?4 Ways to Prolong a Gerbil’s Lifespan
  • 6 Healthy Homemade Puppuccino Recipes
  • Do Cats Have Periods When in Heat?
  • Featured Story

    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?

    Why are grapes bad for dogs? Dogs and grapes do not mix because of the fruit's unidentified toxic compound in canines. The lack of information makes … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    3
    african-grey Advertisement UK Pets
    African Grey Babies

    Carlisle

    1,850

    7
    Mixed Breed For Sale
    5 ginger Kittens

    Leicester

    200

    4
    Bengals for Rehoming
    Retired Girl looking for 5* home

    Gateshead

    500

    10
    American Bully For Sale in the UK
    Tri carrier American bully pups for sale

    Great Yarmouth

    1,500

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • American Bullies for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.