Health

The average life expectancy of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between 12 - 14 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

Although a healthy breed, the Staffy is known to suffer from a few hereditary and acquired health issues which are worth knowing about if you have decided to share a home with one of these delightful and affectionate dogs. The most commonly seen health disorders are as follows:

• Hereditary cataracts (HC) - tests are available and stud dogs should be tested before being used for breeding purposes

• L-2- hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA) - a metabolic health issue - DNA test available and stud dogs should be tested before being used for breeding purposes

• Distichiasis

• Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) - tests available which should be done throughout a dog's life

• Posterior polar subcapsular cataract - PPSC - stud dogs should be tested annually

• Mastocytoma (mast cell tumours)

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More about L2-HGA

A few Staffies have been reported as suffering from this metabolic disorder which sees dogs display varying degrees of behavioural changes as well as dementia. Dogs suffer anxiety attacks and can experience full blow seizures. They are exercise intolerant and suffer from an unsteady gait (ataxia). They experience tremors and stiffness in their muscles. It is known to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and as such both parents must carry the defective gene in order to pass the condition on to their offspring.

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All Staffordshire Bull Terriers destined to be used in a breeding programme must be screened prior to being used which can be done by sending a blood sample to the AHT in Newmarket. It is worth noting that results from blood samples usually take up to 6 weeks to be sent out and as such, not dogs should be mated until their results are known.

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More about hereditary cataracts

Hereditary cataracts are an inherited condition and again it is an autosomal recessive disorder so both parent dogs must carry the defective gene to pass it on to their offspring. A puppy may be born with perfectly healthy eyes, but this changes as time passes. The cataracts typically start developing when affected puppies are around 8 months or so old. The condition affects both eyes and because it is progressive, dogs suffering from the condition will eventually lose their sight. All Staffies should be DNA tested more especially dogs used in a breeding programme. Blood samples are sent to the AHT in Newmarket and results can take anything up to 6 weeks to complete.

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More about persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous has been reported in the breed and although the exact reason why some Staffies develop the condition, it is known to be a congenital disorder that is non-progressive. In short, Staff puppies are born with the condition, but it does not get any worse. Puppies can be screened when they are 6 weeks old and if the disorder is deemed necessary, it can be surgically corrected although the procedure is invasive and expensive to carry out. There is a genetic test available and it's essential for all breeding stock to be tested before being used in a breeding programme.

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More about posterior polar subcapsular cataracts

Staffies can suffer from PPSC which is a condition seen in other breeds, notably the Golden and Labrador Retriever. The disorder does not typically affect a dog's vision and there is a BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme available, but it is worth noting that the disorder cannot be detected by screening litters. All stud dogs must be tested every year to establish they are clear of the disorder before being used for breeding purposes.

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What about vaccinations?

Staffy puppies will sometimes have had their first vaccination prior to being sold but this is not always the case. After this, they need to be vaccinated again following the guidelines below:

• 10 -12 weeks old, bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away, but would be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination

When it comes to boosters, it's best to discuss these with a vet because there is a lot of debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. However, if even a dog needs to go into kennels, their vaccinations would need to be fully up to date.

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What about spaying and neutering?

Female Staffies can be spayed when they are 6 months old and not beforehand. Males can be safely neutered when they are 6 months old too providing their testicles have fully dropped into their scrotums.

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What about obesity problems?

Staffies are not known to be fussy eaters and some of them like their food a little too much. The problems can start when a dog is spayed or neutered and is when they could be prone to gaining weight. It's very important to keep an eye on a Staffy's weight and to ensure a dog is not being overfed or not given enough daily exercise, bearing in mind that being obese will shorter a dog's life by several years and put them at risk of developing a lot more health issues.

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What about allergies?

Some Staffies may be prone to allergies whcih can be caused by various things and all too often finding the triggers proves challenging. With Staffies, the most common causes are as follows:

• Diet

• House and dust mites

• Environment

• Grasses and pollens

• Wheat and other cereals

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Recognising health issues in Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Recognising when a Staffy could be developing a health issue and having them examined sooner rather than later often means their condition can be easier to treat. It does also mean that a dog is made to feel more comfortable as quickly as possible.