English Staffy

Considering buying an English Staffy? Here are some dog facts and information on the Staffy breed to get you started.

Appearance

English Staffies are a well-muscled, robust looking dog with a short, smooth coat, broad head and strong tail.

How Big Do English Staffies Get?

A medium-sized dog, English Staffies typically weigh between 11-17 kilograms and stand 35-40 cm tall at the withers.

How Long Do English Staffies Live For?

For an average, healthy English Staffy, their life span can be around 12-14 years.

Their coat may be red, fawn, white, black, blue or brindle, and may be mixed with white to varying degrees.

Temperament

Are English Staffies Smart?

The English Staffy is a courageous, highly intelligent and affectionate breed. Staffies are very human-oriented and loyal, and want to be with you all the time. At the extreme, they can be clingy and occasionally prone to anxiousness when left alone. They are a versatile dog who will happily join the family on the sofa for a movie, trips to the beach, car rides, and may do well at dog sports such as flyball, obedience or agility.

Are English Staffies Good Family Dogs?

English Staffies are happiest when indoors with the family. While known as a “nanny dog” due to their love of children, they are best suited to families with children aged over eight years as they may knock smaller children over with their enthusiasm. As with all dogs, they should not be left with children unsupervised.

Although not known as excessive barkers, English Staffies are vocal: they will often be heard snoring, snorting, grunting and “singing”.

Are English Staffies Good Guard Dogs?

English Staffies have a protective nature; instinctively taking care of their home and family. As mentioned they are often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their protective nature around children.

Are English Staffies Aggressive?

English Staffies are friendly, family dogs that can be very gentle and affectionate. As with any breed of dog, if they are mistreated at the hands of bad owners, they can become aggressive, however this breed is not considered dangerous or problematic.

Exercise and space needs

English Staffies can thrive in any type of home as long as he gets daily exercise. They are notorious diggers, so it is important to ensure that fences are secure by laying a concrete trench or burying chicken wire at the bottom. The best prevention from escaping is to provide your English Staffy with a vigorous walk every day, particularly if they will be left home alone for any length of time.

An energetic and high-spirited breed, they thrive on vigorous athletic activities. All dogs have different preferences – some will love chasing a ball, others will excel at dog sports, others might enjoy taking their human for a jog. You should find a suitable activity for your English Staffy to give them an outlet for their energy and to maintain their muscle tone. They will also benefit from some strong chew toys such as a frozen Kong stuffed with suitable treats and veggies.

Grooming

Do English Staffies Shed?

English Staffies have short, easy-care coats. They shed a low to moderate amount, but this can be minimised with regular brushing. A bath once or twice a month will keep them smelling fresh if they spend most of their time indoors.

Feeding

What to Feed English Staffies

English Staffies don’t really have any specific dietary requirements, however due to them being prone to potential skin diseases, it’s recommended that you choose a dog food that supports skin and coat health.

Need help training your new English Staffy puppy?

We can help you hit the ground running with our Puppy Set-up, or help you take the first steps in training your puppy at our Puppy Pre-School.

If you liked our dog facts and information about the English Staffy breed, then check out our previous blog on the Labradoor Retriever.