Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Staffordshire Terrier originated in the 19th century in Staffordshire County, England, as a result of crossing Bulldogs with Terriers. Initially, it was used for dog fighting and as a guard dog, but over time, selective breeding focused on developing a balanced and friendly temperament. In the United States, the breed evolved into its own distinct type and was officially recognized as the “American Staffordshire Terrier.” Today, these dogs are valued for their strength, intelligence, loyalty, and composure — reliable companions and excellent protectors when properly raised.
General Appearance
The Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog with a muscular frame and strong bone structure. The body is compact, the chest broad and deep, and the back short and straight. The head is broad with pronounced cheek muscles and a short muzzle; ears are semi-erect or rose-shaped. Eyes are round, dark, and intelligent, expressing confidence. Limbs are strong, straight, and parallel, movements energetic and assured. The coat is short, smooth, glossy, and tight-fitting. The overall impression combines strength, endurance, and determination, while the breed remains friendly, balanced, and dependable.
Important Proportions
The Staffordshire Terrier has a compact, well-balanced, nearly square body. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. Height at withers: males 46–48 cm, females 43–46 cm; weight: males 18–25 kg, females 14–20 kg. The head is large yet harmonious with the body; muzzle length approximately half the skull length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, ribs well sprung, loin short and muscular. Limbs are straight and strong with well-defined joints and firm feet. All proportions emphasize strength, stability, and agility, making the breed powerful yet athletic without heaviness.
Behavior and Temperament
The Staffordshire Terrier has a calm, confident, and friendly character. It is courageous, energetic, intelligent, and deeply loyal to its owner. Despite its powerful appearance, it is affectionate with people and especially gentle with children. Alert, curious, and naturally protective, it does not display unprovoked aggression. With proper training and socialization, it becomes a reliable, composed, and obedient companion. The breed needs regular exercise, mental activity, and close contact with humans to reveal its best traits — loyalty, balance, and strength of spirit.
Head
The head is broad, deep, and powerful, with strong musculature and a short muzzle. The skull is wide and slightly rounded, with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is medium-length, square, and strong, with a broad black nose. Cheeks are well-developed but not coarse. Lips are tight and dry. Teeth are large, scissor bite. Eyes are round, dark, set wide apart, and express confidence and kindness. Ears are set high, semi-erect or rose-shaped, not large. The head reflects strength, determination, and intelligence, yet remains in harmony with the body.
Muzzle
The muzzle is broad and strong, with a firm lower jaw and well-defined cheek muscles. The muzzle is short, square, deep, and straight-nosed. The nose is large, black, with wide nostrils. Lips are dry, tight, and non-pendulous. Jaws are strong with a complete set of large white teeth and scissor bite. Cheeks emphasize bite strength and breed expression. The muzzle conveys confidence, determination, and friendliness — a hallmark of the breed’s type.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, round, low-set, and wide apart. The expression is intelligent, confident, and kind. The iris is dark, harmonizing with the coat color; darker shades preferred. Eyelids are tight and well-pigmented. The gaze is lively and attentive, reflecting the breed’s composure and self-assurance. Light or slanted eyes are undesirable, as they spoil the breed expression. The eyes add softness, balance, and nobility to the Stafford’s confident appearance.
Ears
Ears are set high, medium-sized, semi-erect or rose-shaped, giving an alert and confident expression. They should not be large, heavy, or fully drooping. When attentive, ears lift slightly at the base, emphasizing liveliness and focus. Cropped ears are not permitted. Correctly set ears harmonize with the head’s shape, reinforcing the breed’s intelligent and friendly look. Oversized, low-set, or incorrectly shaped ears are faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, powerful, and slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders. Musculature is well developed, emphasizing the breed’s strength and endurance. Skin is tight, without wrinkles or dewlap. The neck is held proudly and gives the dog a confident bearing. It should be long enough to avoid appearing short or thick but not overly extended. Proper neck form ensures balance and freedom of movement, highlighting the breed’s noble strength.
Body
The body is compact, powerful, and proportionate, expressing strength and stability without bulk. The chest is broad and deep, reaching the elbows, with moderately sprung ribs. The back is short, straight, and firm; the loin muscular and slightly arched. The withers are well defined; the croup short and slightly sloping. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, giving an athletic outline. Lines are smooth and balanced, creating a compact, strong silhouette. The conformation combines power, agility, and endurance — key traits of the Staffordshire Terrier.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set low, tapering toward the tip, and carried straight or slightly curved. It should not curl over the back or form a ring. The tail continues the body line harmoniously, not too long or short. Coat on the tail is short and smooth. In motion, it moves freely but never held high. A proper tail adds balance and finish to the silhouette. High-set, curled, or limp tails are considered faults.
Description of Exterior
Forequarters
Forelegs are strong, straight, and well-muscled with solid bone. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and close-fitting, forming a 90° angle with the upper arms for powerful movement. Shoulders are muscular; elbows point straight back, not turning out. Forearms straight and parallel; pasterns short, slightly springy. Feet medium-sized, compact, with thick pads and strong nails. Correct forequarters provide strength and stability in motion. Weak muscles, narrow stance, or turned elbows are faults.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are powerful, muscular, and well-angulated, providing strong drive and stability. Thighs broad and well-developed; stifles clearly defined; hocks low-set and firm. Metatarsi are short and nearly vertical; feet compact with resilient pads. Viewed from behind, legs are straight and parallel. Straight angles, weak joints, or narrow stance are serious faults, as they compromise the breed’s balance and movement.
Gait and Movement
Movement is strong, confident, and springy, with good reach in front and strong drive from the rear. Actions are straight, balanced, and effortless, without body roll. The dog moves smoothly and energetically, showing power, endurance, and coordination. At the trot, the topline remains firm and level. Movement must be natural and functional, reflecting stamina and confidence. Stiffness, crabbing, crossing, or rolling are faults.
Coat
The coat is short, smooth, tight, and glossy, lying close to the body. To the touch, it is hard and resilient, never soft or wavy. Undercoat is absent or minimal. The coat covers the body evenly, accentuating the breed’s muscular form and polished appearance. Proper coat texture protects against weather and enhances the dog’s clean, athletic outline. Long, soft, thin, or wavy hair is a fault.
Permissible Colors
All solid colors are permitted except pure white. Common colors include black, blue, fawn, red, brown, and their combinations with white (black and white, red and white, blue and white, etc.). Brindle and pied patterns are allowed if evenly distributed. Completely white or predominantly white coats (over 80%) are undesirable. The color should be rich, clear, and shiny, emphasizing the dog’s musculature and vitality. Mottled, faded, or dirty tones, as well as merle patterns, are not accepted.
Size
The Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized, compact, and muscular dog. Ideal height: males 46–48 cm, females 43–46 cm. Weight: males 18–25 kg, females 14–20 kg, maintaining proportional balance. The body format is nearly square, with length approximately equal to height. The dog should appear strong, well-muscled, and proportional, without coarseness or heaviness. Oversized, undersized, or overly light dogs deviate from the standard.
Faults
Minor faults include slight deviations not affecting type but reducing harmony or expression: head too narrow or broad, light or round eyes, weak musculature, soft or thin coat, pale nose, overly long or short body, weak angulation, narrow chest, or light bone. Behavioral faults include shyness, overexcitability, excessive aggression, or distrust of people. Any imbalance or lack of strength and confidence is undesirable.
Disqualifications
Serious faults disqualifying the breed include aggression, viciousness, or timidity; overshot or undershot bite; missing more than three teeth; blue, light, or mismatched eyes; depigmentation of nose, eyelids, or lips; fully dropped or malformed ears; long, soft, or wavy coat; incorrect height or proportions; limb deformities; completely white, merle, or patchy coat; and any physical or behavioral abnormalities. Dogs showing signs of crossbreeding that alter breed type must be disqualified.
Important Notes
The Staffordshire Terrier requires responsible ownership and proper upbringing. Despite its strength and energy, it has a stable temperament and deep loyalty. Early socialization, consistent training, and physical and mental exercise are essential. Harsh handling is unacceptable — the Stafford responds to respect and firmness, not force. Properly raised, it is reliable, affectionate, and confident, living harmoniously with families. Breeding should focus on stable temperament, balanced structure, and preserving the breed’s noble and confident look.
Conclusion
The Staffordshire Terrier embodies strength, loyalty, and intelligence. It unites power and energy with remarkable kindness and balance. With proper upbringing, it becomes a devoted friend, protector, and family member. Its noble appearance, confidence, and cheerful disposition make it one of the most respected breeds in the world. The Staffordshire Terrier requires an active life, attention, and affection, and in return, gives unwavering loyalty and sincere devotion. This is a breed for strong-spirited people who value courage, dignity, and faithfulness.
