Last Updated: 04/06/2025
Staffy Breed Guide | Behaviour & Nutrition
The humble Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia's favourite dog breeds. Learn why here!
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 30 minutes - long read
Nutrition
The right diet can make a big difference on your dog's health and wellbeing. As Staffies are a medium sized breed, a medium or all breed formula will usually be the best option. Although they have no highly specific nutrient requirements compared with other medium sized breeds, there are a few key attributes to look for when choosing food for your Staffy.
Flea & worming
Keeping your Staffy protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.
Health
For Staffies with sensitive skin, it's crucial to work with your vet to determine the underlying cause. Typically allergic skin disease is the major cause of itching and redness.
Your vet may recommend a number of diagnostic tests including skin tape impressions and scrapings, as well as an elimination diet trial to rule out food allergies using a hypoallergenic vet diet.
Training and activity
Keeping your Staffy physically and mentally fit requires a multi-modal approach including exercise, play, social interaction and mental stimulation. If their needs are not addressed, Staffies can become bored or anxious and display problematic behaviours such as digging, destructive chewing and escaping.
Grooming
Due to their short, smooth coat Staffies are a low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Typically a bath every two to four weeks and a weekly brush to remove loose hair from the coat is sufficient.
Sleep and home
Staffies tend to play hard and fast for short periods with long stretches of sleep in between. While every dog is different, most adult Staffies sleep for around 12 to 14 hours per day. Even if your Staffy shares your bed at night time, it's important that they also have their own place to nap independently of you during the day.
