The dog is one of the most popular pets to date. Recently, given the tremendous work of breeders, the choice of dog breeds is more than huge. You can give preference to a large dog, if there is a place for its maintenance, or a small one.
It is worth paying attention to such a breed as the Staffordshire Terrier. It was bred artificially, so for people who plan to keep such a pet, one of the most pressing questions is how long the pet will live. It’s quite logical after all, “artificers” have not yet been fully studied by scientists and breeders. It is about how much the Staffordshire Terrier lives and what affects its life expectancy and we will talk in our article.
Some historical data
Before you start discussing the main issue, you need to look "at the root" and find out about the origin of the dog, because this is an important factor. The breed appeared in the 20th century in the USA. But there is another opinion, based on which the birthplace of the Staffordshire Terrier is England. On the territory of foggy Albion, staff was used to protect livestock.
This is a mixture of a bulldog and a game terrier. Previously, this breed was known to the world under the name bull terrier.
Initially, English staffs were used to protect the territory and to participate in dog fights. But over time, they took the honorable place of a full member of the family and a faithful companion.
About Standards
When choosing a Staffordshire Terrier, you must also clearly understand what it represents both externally and in character. Let's take a closer look at breed standards.
- The maximum weight of a male is 30 kilograms, bitches - 25 kilograms.
- The height of the boy at the withers does not exceed 48 centimeters, girls - 46 centimeters.
- As for color, the choice here is diverse. Staff can be red, as well as gray, cream, tiger, black, fawn. There is a variant in which the white color of the coat prevails by 80%, but such a dog is considered to be not purebred.
- Staff has a stocky, muscular, strong physique.
- The dog is characterized by a flat muzzle, strong and large teeth, large, dark and deep-set eyes, short hair.
About character
The nature of the dog is one of the most important criteria on which the future owner relies. Staffordshire Terrier is a balanced, energetic, bold and cheerful dog breed. He is characterized by independence, independence, vigilance, curiosity, judgment and a keen mind.
Very often, the appearance of the animal and its history can cause fear and fear in people that the dog is aggressive and dangerous. But this opinion is erroneous.
Of course, so that the dog does not become a threat to loved ones and strangers, you need to deal with it. But in the stuff’s soul it’s supposed to be a faithful and faithful friend, a protector. He perfectly knows how to control his emotions and suppress bouts of aggression. It all depends on the owner, who must still from an early age everything is correctly explained to the dog and educate him.
As for devotion, the Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that loves the owner and all close family members infinitely, will protect them to the last, if they feel threatened.
What affects longevity
The main factors that have a huge impact on how much Staffordshire Terriers live are as follows.
- Heredity. This is one of the most important criteria affecting the life span of an animal. It is she who gives the start and certain inclinations for growth. Good heredity is the key to a long life.
- How the animal eats. Proper nutrition is very important for staff. The dog prefers to see meat in its diet that did not lend itself to heat treatment, that is, in raw form, with a minimum amount of fat. That it should be 70% of the total diet. The dog also needs to consume protein. In addition to meat, a pet must be fed with well-cooked offal, sour-milk products, eggs (it is better to cook an omelet or give a raw yolk), various vegetables (carrots, celery, spinach, beets, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini are suitable).
It is strictly forbidden to feed staff with boiled potatoes, pork, legumes, add spices to food.
Pearl barley, oatmeal and smoked products can also not be treated to pet. Bones can only be given when the puppy is already 7 months old.
- In what conditions is contained. Staff needs a lot of free space and space. You can not put it on a chain or close it in an aviary. It is necessary to create comfortable living conditions without drafts and dampness, this will be exclusively the territory of the dog.
- Proper care The state of health and well-being of the animal largely depends on it. Staffordshire Terrier needs daily walks that will not be limited to a street or park. Staffs like to swim, so if possible, take it with you to the pond, let him swim. But do not forget that in places where there are large crowds of people, the dog must always wear a muzzle.
Take care of the coat. It is necessary to comb the pet well at least once a week.
Hygiene of the auricles and eyes is very important. They need to be looked after every day, wiping them, cleansing of mucus.
It is enough to trim the claws once a month with a special clipper.
The procedure can be carried out at home, but it is better if the master does it in a special salon for dogs.
Experts say that if you adhere to all of the above rules for the care and maintenance of a pet, his age can reach 14-15 years. This is the average life expectancy. But with proper care, this period can be extended to 16 years.
So that the pet can please you for many years, you need to carefully monitor its health. Regularly examined by a veterinarian to prevent disease, do all the necessary vaccinations.
About the Staffordshire Terrier breed see below.
