Staffy

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of Australia's favourite dogs for good reason. Staffies are affectionate, people focused and endlessly game, which makes them wonderful family companions and, at the same time, a breed that needs the right gear to keep up with them.

This collection pulls together the kit that suits a Staffy: tough chew toys, puzzle feeders, sturdy harnesses and leads, boots and car restraints, plus whelping supplies for anyone breeding responsibly.

Built Solid, So Buy Solid

Staffies are powerfully built with strong jaws, and toys that last a week with other breeds can last an afternoon here. Choose durable rubber chews and thick rope knots over hollow squeaky toys, check them regularly, and bin anything that has started to come apart. Supervise chewing rather than leaving a dog alone with a toy they can destroy.

For walking, a well fitted harness spreads pressure better than a collar on a dog that pulls, and a strong lead with quality hardware is not the place to save money. Their short coat gives little protection on hot bitumen, so check the ground with the back of your hand before a summer walk and consider dog boots for rough surfaces. Build fitness gradually if you are trying canicross.

Coat, Skin and Health Watch-Points

Grooming is simple. A weekly rub over with a rubber mitt keeps the smooth coat glossy and pulls out loose hair, and they only need bathing when genuinely dirty. Skin is the thing to watch, since the breed is prone to allergies and contact irritation, so persistent itching, red bellies or chewed paws is worth a vet conversation early.

Their short muzzle means they cope poorly with heat, so exercise in the cool of the day and never leave one in a car. Reputable breeders health test for hereditary cataracts and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and screen hips and elbows, which is exactly the transparency RPBA members are asked for. Breeders can find gear in the whelping kit range, and safe travel starts with a dog seat belt.

Ready to kit out your Staffy? Explore the RPBA collection for Staffordshire Bull Terriers.