Diamond Paws

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Health Problems

Here is a list of the most common health problems that exits in this breed. This is provided so that the new puppy owner can be aware of the potential problems that may arise. All breeders strive to provide healthy puppies.

Undershot and overshot jaws - hard to assess in pups though short muzzled
types are known to produce undershot jaws.

Testicles - In male dogs they do not always descend properly into the scrotum.
This has become such a problem that they appended the requirement into the
breed standard.

Inturned eyelids/eyelashes - thought to be hereditary

Sarcoptic mange - quite common in bitches and passed on to siblings.

Directly from the SBT breed FAQ from the AKC -

"Medical Problems. Although relatively problem-free, Staffordshire Bull Terriers sometimes exhibit hereditary problems and susceptibilities that can
range in degree of seriousness from mild to life-threatening:"

Brachycephaly -
Any brachycephalic (short- or broad-headed breed such as the Bulldog) may be prone to breathing problems because of foreshortening of the nasal passage. Cleft palate is sometimes found in puppies and such puppies are usually humanely destroyed; they cannot draw milk properly and if not abandoned by their dam, may starve. Some dogs are born with an elongated soft palate. If not extreme, it may not be noticeable or bothersome to the dog. However, extreme cases identifiable by respiratory distress and infection, stentorian breathing and difficulty in eating can be corrected surgically. This surgical procedure renders a dog ineligible to be shown in AKC-sanctioned conformation classes.

Congenital Epilepsy -
Congenital epilepsy occurs at 3 to 5 years, and can result from trauma. Although little understood, once diagnosed, it can be controlled with medication.

Juvenile Cataracts -
Although cataracts are considered an affliction of older dogs, some Stafford pups develop them. The condition should be diagnosed by an eye specialist."

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