The Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Known as Staffies, they are instantly recognizable for their muscular build and cropped ears. While many people have a negative perception of these dogs, those who know them well realize they make loyal and loving pets. They’re also a force to be reckoned with when they want to be, so it’s important to train them early.

Are blue Staffies rare?

In the past, they were used in the sports of bear- and bull-baiting and as a fighting dog. While they are not used for these types of activities anymore, they still maintain much of the courage and tenacity that they were bred for in their early days.

Blue staffordshire bull terrier are small to medium-sized dogs with short coats in a variety of colors. They were developed in 19th-century Britain in northern parts of Birmingham and the Black Country of Staffordshire, where they earned their nicknames of “black country” and “staffies.” They descend from a line of bulldogs that were crossed with various terrier breeds to develop a generic type of bull and terrier that became the modern bull terrier.

Despite their brawling history, Staffies are affectionate, obedient, and intelligent. They have a natural inclination to guard their families and homes, so it is important to socialize them from an early age and use positive reinforcement training. These dogs are strong-willed and can be stubborn, but with proper guidance they make devoted companions. A common health problem for these dogs is L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a genetic condition that causes a buildup of a toxic compound in the body.

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