The Staffypoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It is an uncommon mix, especially when compared to other Doodle breeds such as the Goldendoodle. Sometimes it’s nice to be a little different.
They are also known as the Staffie-poo, Staffiedoodle, Stafford Doodle, or Staffydoodle. If you are seeking a rare Doodle, then the Staffypoo just might be your next dog.
Read on to learn all about this unique designer dog.
Origin and History
There is no documented history on why or when the Staffypoo came to be. Luckily, both parent breeds have rich histories. Their origins reach back hundreds of years.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of both of these breeds.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
As the AKC official breed guide states, Staffordshire Bull Terriers “pour a gallon of dog into a quart-size container” [1]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/. These dogs, better known as Staffies, look somewhat like a more compact version of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Don’t let their intimidating history and looks fool you, though. If bred and trained correctly, Staffies are some of the sweetest and most affectionate dogs.
However, do be aware that they are very capable of melting your heart and becoming the most spoiled dogs you have ever met (with help from you, of course).
History
Unfortunately, the origins of the Staffy are not quite as sweet as the dogs themselves. Bred as fighting dogs, Staffies are one of the many results of mixing Bulldogs with terriers in late 18th century Great Britain [2]www.ukcdogs.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier.
The Staffie is one of the longest-lived dog breeds from the time of blood sports in England. The breed was refined in the 19th century by James Hinks. The dogs were also named after the county where they were most popular: Staffordshire, England [3]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was recognized as a breed by the UKC in 1975 [4]www.ukcdogs.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier and the AKC in 1974 [5]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/.
As of 2018, the Staffy was number 80 on the list of most popular breeds within the AKC [6]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/.
I found this video about Staffordshire Bull Terriers pretty fascinating. Check it out!
Poodle
The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in America. They are smart, athletic, and full of love for their owners.
Generally, they are classified into three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They have a history that spans over 400 years.
History
Contrary to popular belief, the Poodle originated in Germany and not France. They were bred to be waterfowl retrievers. Oftentimes, they are mistaken for being spoiled lap dogs but it’s far from the truth.
They were given iconic haircuts to protect their vital regions from the cold water during a hunt. Eventually, Poodles left the hunting field and joined the homes of many throughout Europe. The French nobles took great interest in their good looks and trainability.
This is the reason why Poodles are France’s national dog.
Poodles also spent time as circus dogs. They are smart and easy to train which made them perfect additions to a circus act.
Size
The Standard Poodle was bred down in size to the Miniature Poodle. The Miniature, or Mini, Poodle was also bred down to create the Toy Poodle. The smaller Poodles were the result of people, mainly living in cities, wanting a dog they could travel with anywhere.
Modern Day
Today, the Poodle (all sizes) is popular all across the globe. They consistently rank in the top-5 or top-10 in the AKC’s Most Popular Dog polls [7]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/.
Staffypoo Appearance
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Poodle mix combines a hardy breed with a sleek, athletic breed. Their appearance largely depends on the genes of the parents. Generally, the Staffypoo will be small to medium in height and wider than the typical dog.
The Staffy can look like a muscular menace with its broad head, pronounced cheekbones, and wide-body [8]www.ukcdogs.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier. They bear a strong resemblance to their other bull terrier breed cousins. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is about as boxy as they get.
On the other hand, Poodles are long and lean. They are very muscular but not bulky. This made them agile for the hunt.
Height
Staffypoos will typically stand above 14 inches tall. This is assuming the Poodle parent is a standard size.
Weight
As stocky as they are sweet, your average Staffiedoodle will weigh in between 24-50 pounds for females and 28-60 pounds for males. The large range is based on the Staffordshire Terrier breeding with a Standard Poodle.
You can expect a much smaller range in weight if a Miniature, or Toy, Poodle was the parent.
Coat Colors
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Poodle mix can come in nearly any color imaginable. Thanks to both parent breeds, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few to mention:
- Apricot
- Beige
- Black
- Blue
- Brindle
- Brown
- Café au Lait
- Cream
- Fawn
- Red
- Silver
- White
Their coat can be one single color or a mix of colors.
Coat Type
The Poodle has a curly, long coat [9]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/. It can get out of hand quickly if not properly taken care of.
The Staffy has a pretty low-maintenance short coat that only sheds minimally. Other than periodic baths and brushing, little needs to be done to a Staffie’s coat. However, their mostly self-cleaning hair coat does leave them more prone to ticks and fleas.
The combination of the two should give a medium-length coat that will require some attention.
Traits & Characteristics
The following visual is a summary of the mixed breed’s various traits, characteristics, and tendencies.
Temperament
Staffypoos love people above all else. They tend to be stubborn and impulsive, but they want nothing more than to spend time with their people.
If you are upset, Staffypoos will stop at nothing to make you feel better in any way that they can.
They are a bright and exuberant breed who will make funny noises to get your attention or throw tantrums if they do not get their way. Oh, the joys of a stubborn and intelligent dog.
Training
Though stubborn, Staffypoos do very well with training and prove to be good students for a good trainer. To properly train, you must be the one to set the rules and boundaries for them to follow while still being flexible.
Energy Level / Activity Needs
Staffypoos are known to be boisterous and energetic. As athletic dogs, they need a considerable amount of exercise and love to go on walks, runs, swims, and hikes.
Are Staffypoos aggressive?
The history of the Staffy has ensured that they are not the types of dogs to choose passiveness over action. If provoked, they will likely not back down unless taught otherwise [10]sbtca.com/the-breed/nature-of-the-beast/. However, the mix with the Poodle should lessen this aggression.
This does not mean, though, that the majority of all Staffordshire Bull Terriers are aggressive. If properly bred, trained, and socialized, any dog can overcome streaks of aggression.
It is just worth noting that half of their genes stem from a tenacious and impulsive breed that needs to be taught how to react to the unexpected [11]sbtca.com/the-breed/nature-of-the-beast/.
Are Staffypoos good with young children?
Staffypoos love people in general, but they have a soft spot in their hearts for children. Of course, correct training, supervision, and socialization are a must for those expected to spend time around children [12]sbtca.com/the-breed/nature-of-the-beast/.
However, you would be hard-pressed to find a dog (or any living thing) that loves children more than a well-trained and well-bred Staffypoo. Their parent breed, their parent breeds, are commonly referred to as “The Nanny Dog” or “The Children’s Nursemaid” [13]sbtca.com/the-breed/nature-of-the-beast/.
Health
The Staffypoo is prone to the diseases that are found in their parents. Luckily, their risk is decreased since they are a mixed breed.
Standard Poodles are at risk for gastric dilatation, epilepsy, eye disorders, and a few other issues [14]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/.
The most common issues found amongst Staffies are with their eyes and their joints [15]sbtca.com/health/ofa-chic-program/. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, be sure to consult with the breeder about health issues faced by your dog’s parents.
In general, it is a good idea to ensure that your dog is healthy by regularly taking them to the veterinarian. It is also encouraged that you get your dog evaluated by an ophthalmologist, tested for hereditary cataracts, and tested for L2HGA [16]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/.
Cataracts and dysplasia (of the hip or elbow) seem to be the biggest health threats to Staffypoos [17]www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/. As with all dogs, they should be regularly taken to the vet for routine check-ups and vaccines.
It is also important to remember that their coats leave them vulnerable to fleas, ticks, and mats/tangles. Be sure to keep an eye out!
Life Expectancy
The average healthy Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Poodle mix will live anywhere from 12 to 18 years of age.
Conclusion
From blood sport beginnings to modern nannying marvels, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a truly adaptable breed. When you cross one with the lean and athletic Poodle, you get a mixed dog with superb traits.
They are funny, smart, and attention-hogs, who will wiggle their way into your heart and life.
Despite their stubborn and impulsive temperament, they have hearts as big as their gigantic heads and just want to be loved. Maybe the Staffypoo is just the right dog for you!
Related Posts
- Curious about Poodle mixes? Learn everything there is about Doodle breeds.
References