Korvosa Staffords
The Stafford
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, in a nut-shell, is a medium-sized, muscular breed of English origin showing great strength for its size. The muscular but agile Stafford is courage and tenacious, but should have an exuberant affection and empathy for humans big and small, with an unmatched zest for life, with a quietness off duty. They are an intelligent, active breed that require daily exercise. It is not uncommon for a stafford to not particularly enjoy the company of other animals, or be less tolerant of other dogs. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie/Stafford) should not to be confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier (Am. Staff) or American Pit Bull Terrier (Pitty). These are three very distinct breeds, with their own unique history and characteristics.
Breed History
Although there has been some discussion through the years about the origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, authorities generally agree that the breed can be traced back to the Mastiff-like dogs through the old Bulldog which, when crossed with British terriers, produced the first “Bull and Terriers.” Books published in the early 1800s which refer to “Bull and Terriers,” “Pit Dogs”, and “Fighting Dogs” confirm that the cross existed at that time.
The old-fashioned Bulldog was a fierce, courageous animal used in the sports of bear- and bull-baiting as early as the mid-sixteenth century. When these sports fell from public favor and were outlawed, their supporters turned to dog fighting and sought to create a sporting dog that, while retaining the legendary courage and ferocity of the Bulldog, would incorporate the greater agility of the terrier.
The Breed Standard
A breed standard is the guideline that describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed; ensuring that the breed is fit for function. The purpose of a dog show is to evaluate quality breeding stock in order to maintain the integrity of the breed. A dog with good conformation (appearance and structure), is more likely to produce correct, structurally sound, puppies than a dog with poor structure.
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog of great strength for its size, combining power, agility, and athleticism in a compact frame. Although relatively small in stature, the breed gives an impression of substance and muscular development without appearing coarse, exaggerated, or cumbersome.
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A Stafford is broad and solid, yet active and agile. The body is close-coupled with no feature appearing overdone or out of proportion. Muscle definition should be evident throughout, reflecting the breed’s strength and physical capability while maintaining overall balance and soundness. The head is a defining feature of the breed, characterized by a broad skull, pronounced cheek muscles, and a short, deep muzzle.
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The breed moves with purpose and efficiency, displaying free, powerful movement and athletic ability. At rest or in motion, the breed should convey confidence, readiness, and stability; never weakness or fragility.
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*Be advised that no reputable breeder will purposely breed blue dogs. Due to the backyard breeders, many blues now have Colour Dilute Alopecia and/or allergies, or produce affected puppies. Blues are not rare, and no blue dog has ever obtained a champion in the country of origin.
Temperament
The Stafford is described in the breed standard as bold, fearless, and utterly reliable; a powerful combination defining both their presence and their character. Beyond these hallmark traits, Staffords are highly intelligent, energetic, and driven dogs. They thrive on purposeful activity and engagement; daily exercise and mental stimulation are essential. A quick walk around the block is not enough to satisfy this breed’s physical or psychological needs.
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Staffords are best suited to individuals or families who are genuinely committed to sharing their lives with their dog. Prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that values deep bonds with family and craves close companionship. This is not a breed content to exist on the sidelines as they want to be involved in everything their humans do; personal space quickly becomes a shared concept with a Stafford in the home.
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It is important to acknowledge that some Staffords may have limited tolerance for other animals, which includes other dogs. While early socialization and responsible management are important, temperament is shaped by both genetics and real-world experiences. Understanding the breed’s history is key, they were a pit fighting dog, first with bulls, and then dogs for a time. A well-bred, well-managed Stafford should not seek conflict, but neither should one be expected to back down when challenged. Responsible ownership means recognizing, respecting, and appropriately managing this aspect of the breed rather than ignoring or minimizing it.
Breed Specific Health Testing
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Though a relatively healthy breed, responsible breeders prioritize comprehensive health testing before breeding. For instance, the most effective way to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia is to breed dogs with certified healthy hips. Similarly, ensuring puppies are free from hereditary cataracts requires selecting parents who are unaffected by the condition.
Ethical breeding begins with transparency and a commitment to health. Below is a list of health screenings that all Stafford breeders should perform by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. Click on each item to learn more about the specific test or condition.​​
Standard Health Screening
Optional But Recommended​​