LIFESTYLE and care
Here we would like to give a small insight on our dog’s routine to provide a better understanding of our values.
About breed
Physical activity
Throughout the year we prefer to provide a variety of environmental exercises that help develop the functional musculoskeletal system and encourage deep muscle functions. Mainly those activities are environmental, since training or sports is not all of it at all. In summer, during the snake and tick season, we prefer beaches and water activities, while the rest of the year we spend in forests and on off-road hikes. All our dogs love water and willingly swim in life jackets to ensure safety and proper movement technique. Preventive manual therapy is another important and regular aspect in our routine, which I provide myself as a Galen myotherapiest. We are especially proud of our approach to dog exercise routine: in addition to successful experience with puppy raising, we have a wast and successful experience in supporting dogs who live with skeletal abnormalities and chronic diseases.
Mental activity
Young dogs undergo very basic show ring training and participate in shows, but besides we are huge fans of sport search training (Nosework, polish league), which they first try at the age of several weeks. Nosework is a sport search of target odours, and myself I am a certified instructor. Nosework only started its development in Estonia and is not an official sport, but our dogs have already participated in the first competitions of the Polish league. Besides nosework, we try ourselves in obedience, but not more than a casual hobby and never actually compited in OBD.
At home
Our dogs have experience of both city and country life, but since recently we moved to a very rural area. Despite their activeness at walks and training, they are quite calm at home and sleep most of the time if all their needs are met. They are always happy to help with some housework and participate in gardening. Dogs are allowed in all rooms of the house, on sofas, and on the bed too - they are full members of the family, and keep us company all day round. The Staffordshire bull terrier expectedly wants to be included in all family routines.
Vacations
Dogs keep us company on road trips during holidays & show trips. We are not big fans of plane cargos, but our dogs are used to car travel from a very early age. One of our youngest dog traveled across the North Pole already at 4 months of age. Sometimes we wish to travel more often, but when all things work together for good, the dogs enjoy it all.
Nutrition
All dogs are fed a natural diet (B.A.R.F.) and receive naturopathic support and additional dietary supplements. Their diet includes such products as meat (beef, lamb, pork, venison), poultry (chicken, turkey), different types of fish (salmon, sardines), fruits, vegetables, and berries, and sometimes fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, greek yogurt). Both during pregnancy and lactation dogs stay on a raw diet. The puppies' feeding also begins with natural products, and when the time to move comes, they are already familiar with the diet of adult dogs.
Vet care
Dogs receive regular vaccination and annual examinations, which consists of internal organ ultrasound and a blood panel, if necessary - fecal analysis. Additional tests are done during the preparation for breeding or to adjust the diet. The results of these tests are stored on hands in the health folders of each dog, which makes it very helpful to track any changes.
Natural support
In addition, dogs receive naturopathic support such as dietary supplements and herbs under the supervision of our nutritionist. This is an important preventive and supportive measure to maintain health and support reproductive functions, as well as to strengthen the immune system and minimize the impact of aggressive environmental factors. When possible, we also prefer natural alternatives to conservative means of protection against ticks and internal parasites.
Pregnancy support
Before breeding, the future mother undergoes a veterinary examination (ultrasound of internal organs, extensive blood analysis, fecal analysis) and receives naturopathic support from our specialist for at least several months. During this period, the dog does not receive intensive exercise nor participate in competitions or exhibitions. The birth takes place under control of a specialized obstetrician.
Puppy care
When puppies grow, we use Galen Myotherapy's physical development protocol and naturopathic support. They always stay with us in the house, in contact with other dogs and people, and get familiar with car trips to the countryside and changes of scenery very early. Puppies are monitored by a veterinarian and nutritionist as they mature, and we are glad to share their daily routine on social media.
More info
More about Staffordshire bull terrier
Is SBT the right match for you?
Despite all our love for SBT, we have to admit all breeds have their cons - it’s not avoidable. It remains to make sure that none of these cons are a red flag for your family and that you and your dog will become the right match.
Character of SBT
Each dog is an individual with its character and features, but breed representatives share many traits in common.
Nowadays there are many ways to get in touch with a reputable breeder. One way would be through your local Kennel Club and Breed Club, or by your own research or social media. Remember to carefully research such topics as health testing in SBT, find some insights on the chosen line and do not forget to consider parents temperament.
Average prices may vary depending on your location and chosen breeder, but usually they are somewhere between 1500 eur. and 2500 eur.
Reputable breeders always have pedigrees/passports for their puppies and do not charge for them extra. If the pedigree is absent or not offered, there must be a reason for it like lack of dog’s Kennel Club registration, individual restrictions from Kennel Club, not done tests or other requirements.
Reputable breeders always have pedigrees/passports for their puppies and do not charge for them extra. If the pedigree is absent or not offered, there must be a reason for it like lack of dog’s Kennel Club registration, individual restrictions from Kennel Club, not done tests or other requirements.
It is hard to be sure what character your future puppy will have when he matures. This can be influenced by many factors: genetics, lifestyle, socialization and training, individual experience with the world, and even health. But overall SBT can be described as high drive all-round dogs, bold, fearless, and passionate lovers, who know for sure how to enjoy this life and to get the most out of life, but may be selective or even aggressive when it comes to other animals and dogs. We looked deeper into it in our about breed section.
First of all, each dog is an individual with it’s own character and preferences, and not only genetics, but both training and life experience too can make a big impact on adult dog’s behaviour. However, when it comes to genetic part and statistics, Staffordshire bull terrier tend to be pretty good with kids (and normally counted as +1 eternal kid in the family), but selective with dogs and other animals. You can learn more about Staffordshire bull terrier temperament here, but best is to meet different breed representatives in life.
Staffordshire bull terrier is a relatively healthy breed with a low percentage of breed-specific genetic diseases currently present. However, other genetic diseases and not breed-specific conditions still need to be considered, and puppy buyers must carefully research the topic. We discussed more on health topic here.
A proper start is very much helpful when starting a new chapter with your puppy. You can learn some of the most essential steps on how to prepare your house, your family, and yourself here.
