What Colors are a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

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Some people have color preferences when getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Perhaps, you’re of them. Just like other breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers come in different colors.

If you’re planning to get one, you might be curious about what colors are a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, I never discriminate dogs just because I prefer one color over the other.

What Colors are a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes in varieties of colors such as black, white, red, fawn, blue or any shade of brindle. It can also be any of the mentioned colors in combination with white. However, black and tan or liver are undesirable colors.

Graphic image of two Staffordshire Bull Terriers in different colors describing what other colors they come in

To get to know more about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, keep on reading.

Different Colors of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier exists in various colors. Among all colors, two among these are not recognized by the AKC. Acceptable colors only include:

  • Black
  • Red
  • Fawn
  • White
  • Brindle
  • Blue
  • Any of the above colors with white

However, below are the undesirable colors that aren’t recognized by the AKC.

  • Black and tan
  • Liver

These two colors are considered serious breeding faults. A breeding fault refers to physical features or temperament that don’t conform to the breeding standard. Mostly, it pertains to the external and observable qualities of a dog such as appearance, temperament or movement.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy

How to Identify a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

There are certain ways to identify a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These ways include checking the dog’s structure, examining its coat, and studying the temperament. In the next section, I will discuss these Staffordshire Bull Terrier ways of identification in an in-depth manner.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Structure

I’ve discussed before that a Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s size ranges between 23-38 pounds in weight and stands 14-16 inches tall. The size depends on the dog’s gender and males are usually larger than females.

In addition to that, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s has a foreface and a head with short length. The cheeks are very noticeable. It has a black nose and tight lips.

The eyes are usually dark and in line with its coat. These eyes are usually round and medium-sized. The ears are small that are slightly folded or partially pricked.

On the other hand, the paws are medium size and have good pads. The tail has a medium length and is not docked. It’s typically low and narrow to its tip. The overall build of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is muscular, agile and notably strong.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier on a rocky river

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coat

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s coat feels smooth and short in length. The coat doesn’t require high-maintenance grooming. This breed of dog doesn’t shed as much in comparison to other dog breeds

You can also identify a Staffordshire Bull Terrier through its coat color. As mentioned above, this dog comes in any of the following colors like black, blue, red, fawn, solid white, brindle or a combination of white and any of the mentioned colors.

However, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier also comes as liver or black and tan in color due to breeding faults.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

As Staffordshire originates for dog-fighting, it may behave aggressively to other pets. This is the reason why socialization is important at a young age. This breed of dog can get along well with your cats and other dogs.

Surprisingly, Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good human companions despite their background. In fact, this breed of dog goes along well with kids. However, it’s still important to practice caution.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier belongs to high-energy dogs. You need to provide a generous amount of activities so they don’t convert this pent-up energy into something unpleasant like destructive behavior. 

English Staffordshire Bull Terrier Versus American Staffordshire Terrier

One distinguishable difference between an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier from the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the size. The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is noticeably smaller.

Although they look like they have the same head, the English Staffordshire has chewing muscles that are more developed than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

When it comes to temperament, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is less aggressive than the latter. For example, although the English Staffordshire has an aggressive nature, it doesn’t intend to kill its target. It just wants to assert itself.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier sitting on the grass

On the other hand, the American Staffordshire Terrier has similar nature as the Pit Bull

The similarities are more because of the common ancestor both dog breeds share. While the differences are mainly the alteration made by the breeders to create a heavier version of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. In a brief history, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier reached America in the mid-1800s.

Breeders from the US aimed to develop its heavier and taller version that produced the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Related Questions

Are Blue Staffies Dangerous?

Coat color doesn’t affect your dog’s temperament. However, the ancestors do. Despite their aggressive behavior, good breeding made this breed of dog a trustworthy human companion. Make sure you start socializing with your dog at a young age to avoid behavioral issues. 

Why Do Staffies Get a Bad Name?

Irresponsible dog owners and press releases of isolated incidents involving terrier breeds gave Staffies a bad name.

In fact, this breed of dog makes a very good human companion. With proper supervision, training and responsible breeding, Staffordshire Bull Terriers have become mild and loving compared to their ancestral breeds.

How Can You Tell if a Staffy Is Purebred?

If you bought a Staffordshire Bull Terrier from a reputable breeder, he should provide pedigree papers that show the lineage of your Staffy. A pedigree paper serves as a family tree for your dog. The papers should also contain the signature of a Kennel Club.

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Conclusion

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes in a wide range of colors. However, not all colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club. You can use the coat colors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to distinguish it from other dogs together with its body structure and temperament.

It might share the same ancestors with the American Staffordshire Terrier but Staffordshire Bull Terriers have distinct features that sets them apart.