Buying a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A good breeder will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smellng of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  1. BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
  2. abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
  3. BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
  4. abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
  5. BVA/KC screening for eye disease
  6. full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
  7. PHPV – Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous
  8. congenital abnormality of the eye, impairing vision

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  1. HC – hereditary cataract
  2. clouding of the lens within the eye, leading to loss of sight
  3.  L-2HGA – L-2 hydroxglutaric acidura
  4. progressive weakness and neurological defects in young dogs

Other Tests

  • Putnam scoring for luxation

Other Diseases

  • No current health scheme or DNA test available
  1. Allergic skin disease
  3. Demodicosis
  4. skin disease caused by demodex mites
  5. Epilepsy
  7. Follicular dysplasia
  8. hair loss
  9. Luxating patella
  10. abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness
Return to Breed Health Information List