Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) (Medium Risk Brachycephalic Breed)
Staffy’s descended from 19th-century Bull terriers that were developed by crossing bulldogs with various terriers to create a generic type of dog generally known as bull and terriers. Staffy’s share the same ancestry with the modern Bull Terrier and the Bull & terrier were also common foundation dogs for many American Bully type breeds.
Staffy’s are a Brachycephalic Dog that does suffer from common BOAS issues and is less heat tolerant however there is wide variation in this affect amongst individuals and it is considered a low risk breed for our purposes.
Staffy’s are very excitable and like many Bull Terrier and associated breeds the risk of BOAS is not just specifically related to the direct impact of a shorter nose as for many this may be only mild. As these dogs are prone to stress or anxiety, including due to separation from their owner, interaction with other dogs or even through excitement BOAS can exacerbate the effect of any other existing health issue and limit the dogs intake of oxygen due to restricted airways or cause overheating even in otherwise cool conditions.
Also, like all the low & medium risk Brachycephalic breeds as they age or if they are overweight they tend to be less tolerant of heat and have extra risk during transport so we like to ensure that owners are aware that we will make transport decisions as best we can based on the information provided by the owners rather than requiring veterinary checks and that there are additional terms & conditions they need to be aware of and accept.
Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Staffordshire Bull Terriers in their golden years and as they age or if they are overweight they tend to be less tolerant of heat. In any situation where Staffy’s do become stressed due to any other unrelated health issue mild BOAS may cause more difficulty breathing which will dangerously exacerbate the problem.
Like other issues with these dogs proper socialisation with both people and other animals is a major advantage including with respect to their health during transport.