The dog is one of the most popular pets today. 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. She 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 is quite logical After all, the "artificiality" has not yet been fully studied by scientists and breeders. It is about how much the Staffordshire Terrier lives and what affects its longevity and let's talk in our article.
Some historical data
Before you begin to discuss the main issue, you need to look "at the root" and learn about the origin of the dog, because this is an important factor. Breed appeared in the XX century in the USA. But there is another opinion, on the basis of which the homeland of the Staffordshire Terrier is England. On the territory of Albion, the staff was used to protect livestock.
This is a mix of a bulldog and a game terrier. Previously, this breed was known to the world under the name of the bull terrier.
Initially, English staffs were used to protect the territory and to participate in dog fights. But over time they took the place of honor of a full member of the family and loyal comrade.
About standards
When choosing a Staffordshire Terrier, you must also clearly understand that it is both in appearance and in character. Let's take a closer look at the breed standards.
- The maximum weight of a dog is 30 kilograms, females - 25 kilograms.
- The height of the boy at the withers does not exceed 48 centimeters, the girls - 46 centimeters.
- As for color, the choice is varied. Staff is red, as well as gray, cream, brindle, black, fawn. There is a variant in which white color of wool prevails by 80%, but such a dog is considered blood-stained.
- Staff has a stocky, muscular, strong physique.
- The dog is characterized by a flat face, 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. The Staffordshire Terrier belongs to a balanced, energetic, brave and cheerful dog breeds. It is characterized by independence, independence, vigilance, curiosity, prudence and a sharp mind.
Very often, the appearance of the animal and its history can cause people to fear and fear that the dog is aggressive and dangerous. But this opinion is wrong.
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 soul of the staff laid to be loyal and loyal friend, protector. He is perfectly able to control his emotions and suppress attacks of aggression. It all depends on the owner, who should still from an early age to explain everything correctly to the dog and bring it up.
As for loyalty, the Staffordshire Terrier is a dog who infinitely loves the owner and all close family members, will protect them to the last, if they feel threatened.
What affects the lifespan
The main factors that have a tremendous impact on how many Staffordshire terriers live are the following.
- Heredity. This is one of the most important criteria affecting the life span of an animal. It is she who gives start and certain inclinations for growth. Good heredity is the key to a long life.
- How the animal feeds. For staff, proper nutrition is very important. The dog prefers in his diet to see meat that is not amenable to heat treatment, that is, raw, with a minimum amount of fat. That it should be 70% of the total diet. You also need a dog to eat protein. In addition to meat, the pet must be fed well-cooked offal, dairy products, eggs (it is better to cook an omelet or give raw yolk), various vegetables (carrots, celery, spinach, beetroot, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini).
It is strictly forbidden to feed stuff with boiled potatoes, pork, legumes, add spices to food.
Pearl barley, oatmeal porridge and smoked products also can not regale a pet. Bones can be given only when the puppy is already 7 months old.
- In what conditions is contained. Staff needs a lot of free space and space. To put him on a chain or close in the aviary can not be. It is necessary to create comfortable living conditions without drafts and dampness, it will be exclusively the territory of the dog.
- Proper care. The state of health and well-being of an animal largely depends on it. The Staffordshire Terrier needs daily walks that will not be limited to the street or the park. Staffs like to swim, so if possible, take it with you to the pond, let it swim. But do not forget that in places where large crowds of people, the dog must always wear a muzzle.
Caring for a coat of wool. You need to comb your pet at least once a week.
Hygiene of the ears and eyes is very important. They need to care for every day, rubbing them, clearing the mucus.
It is enough to trim the claws once a month with a special nail 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 follow all the above rules for the care and maintenance of a pet, its age can reach 14–15 years. This is the average life expectancy. But with proper care, such a period can be extended to 16 years.
To pet could please you over the years, you need to carefully monitor the state of his health. Regularly examined by a veterinarian for the prevention of disease, to do all the necessary vaccinations.
About breed Staffordshire terrier, see below.