Irish stafforshire bull terrier

The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a powerful and muscular dog, very strong for his size with a broad head and very strong jaws. The muzzle is short and the cheek muscles distinct. The stop is clearly defined. The round eyes are brown and the nose, black. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The ears are either rose or half-pricked. The neck is short and muscular. The front legs are spaced wide apart. If they have rear dewclaws they are generally removed, front dewclaw removal is optional. The short coat is soft, sleek and close. Comes in black, blue, fawn, red, white or brindle, often with markings.
Temperament

The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is intelligent and does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. One owner of this breed says "Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very people friendly. They are not particularly wary of strangers in almost all circumstances - although I've heard a few anecdotes about some being wary of particular people. My dogs are always happy to meet new people!" The breeds reputation with children is second to none. Adored and adoring within its own family circle. Excellent with other dogs and always ready to play. If they sense their owners are meek or passive they can become stubborn and persistent as they believe they need to run things since their humans are not strong minded enough. The Irish Staffordshire needs firm and consistent training. They are an active breed for the active family. Without enough mental and physical exercise they can become destructive and hard to handle, even going as far as tearing down fencing to get to the other side. Staffordshire Bulls who are hyper active or high strong are not getting adequate exercise. Dogs have an instinct to migrate and therefore going for daily pack walks is a must. As a puppy they tend to chew a great deal so make sure you provide them with plenty of chew toys. Be sure to only give your Staffie strong toys. Do not allow it to be off its leash unless it is safe to do so. They can be trained for agility, competitive obedience, weight pulling and jumping. The breed competes in the UK at the highest level. It holds the world record for jumping 7feet. Irish Staffies love a challenge and variety. Owners need to protect these dogs from injuring themselves. Totally fearless and curious, they're liable to jump off of a deck or walk through broken glass. These dogs are not recommended for most families because they need consistent, firm, experienced handling and training. They do best with children who know how to be little pack leaders. Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. They will bark at wild animals such as birds, rabbits and hedgehogs and must be corrected if this is an unwanted behavior. Generally very friendly by nature, however it depends on the stranger, if the stranger seems scared or frightened of the dog then the dog seems to pick this up and take advantage. With experienced dog handling the breed is very friendly. They can be difficult to housebreak.

Height, Weight

Height: 17 - 24 inches (44-60 cm.)
Weight: 55-77 pounds (25 - 35 kg.)
Health Problems

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Living conditions

The Irish Staff will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay with a small yard.
Exercise

The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier possesses tremendous stamina and must have plenty of exercise. They need a daily long, brisk walk or they will become restless and difficult to manage. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.
Life Expectancy

10-16 Years
Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush every day with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The coat will gleam if rubbed with a piece of toweling or chamois.
Origin

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England in the nineteenth century from crosses between Bulldogs and various Terriers. The Staffordshire Bull was developed for the then-popular sport of bull baiting. The breed's popularity waned as interest in the sport waned. Irish breeders then attempted to create a taller and leaner type of dog that could be used primarily for dog fighting. When dog fighting was banned the breed became rare although it is becoming more and more popular now. These days the breed is used mainly as pets however there are some owners who use the breed for jumping and weight pulling competition as athletics is where this breed excels. The Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a dog for every family, but in the hands of a dominant, experienced owner; it can be a successful pet and family guardian.
Group

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Recognition

UNKC, ISF, IKC, DRA