What do you need to know about a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Living With: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that needs two things in life — close human contact and a chance to play. He is far too much a people dog to be exiled to the yard, and far too much an athlete to be stuck inside all day. Living with a Stafford means sharing time both inside and out.
What causes a Staffordshire Bull Terrier to have distichiasis?
Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Stafford is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition.
What causes a Staffordshire Bull Terrier to lose his vision?
Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Staffords. We’ll watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaque—meaning they look cloudy instead of clear—when we examine him. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine.
When to know if your Staffordshire Bull Terrier has epilepsy?
If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Staffordshire Bull Terriers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause.
Can a Staffordshire Bull Terrier have health problems?
It seems that Staffordshire bull terriers are predisposed to the condition. Luckily, it is not progressive, so it will not get worse throughout the course of your dog’s life. However, it can present a lot of discomfort to your dog depending on the severity of the case. Symptoms can be hard to spot, particularly in puppies.
How did the Staffordshire Bull Terrier get its name?
Staffies are often kind, gentle dogs despite a somewhat violent history. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares common ancestors with the bulldog, pit bull terriers, and the American Staffordshire terrier. They gained their name due to being developed in Staffordshire and northern parts of Birmingham in the UK.
Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Stafford is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition.
When does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier start licking its face?
Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition.
