With a tough exterior comes a huge heart and a love of family. Staffies want nothing more than to be a part of your life and be your best friend forever. They’re loyal and affectionate, especially to children.
How long do Staffies live for?
Originally bred for blue staffy dog, people crossed their Bulldogs with local terriers to bring the courage and strength of the Bulldog into a more agile and faster fighting dog. This new breed, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was eventually recognized as a separate breed in 1974.
While Staffies are incredibly intelligent, they need firm and consistent training to be well behaved. They also need to be exercised regularly, so they don’t get bored and chew everything in sight. It’s a good idea to introduce them to other dogs and pets as young as possible, so they can learn how to interact with them properly.
When choosing a blue Staffie, be sure to buy from a reputable breeder that focuses on breeding healthy dogs. Look for parents that are both friendly and calm. If they’re not, that’s a bad sign, and the puppies won’t grow up to be friendly and confident dogs. Also, choose parents with dark eyes, as they should be free of dilution.
The Staffie’s muscular build makes them quite durable, but they are susceptible to a few health issues. They’re prone to skin problems, such as dermatitis and hot spots, and may be prone to seizures or other neurological issues, like ataxia or disorganized motor skills. They may also develop L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L-2HGA), which is an inherited condition that causes damage to the brain and nervous system.