Just as any other dog breed, our beloved Staffordshire Bull Terriers come in a variety of colors. Staffy breeders are the people who are maintaining the diversity of colors of this dog breed, together with unplanned matings.
Their wide spectrum of colors makes them distinct among the dog breeds, as there is no other dog breed that has as many coat colors as the bull and terrier family.
In this article, we are presenting you 19 fascinating Staffordshire Bull Terrier Colors. After we finish discussing the colors of the Staffordshire Bull Terriers, we are going to refresh our knowledge on the traits of the purebred dog breed itself.
19 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Colors
There are many colors in which the coat of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may appear. However, some of them are less famous and some of them are more famous – or at least popular among the dog owner community.
We have sorted out 19 colors of the Staffie which we have researched, and they have a natural flow – from the most common to the least common.
Black Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This color is probably most favored by the Staffordshire bull terrier club of America. Black is a color of power and loyalty, and it does suit the Stafford breed really well.
Somehow, the Black Staffordshire Bull Terrier almost always has black, brown, or hazel eyes. There are no known cases of black Staffies with, for example, blue eyes. However, if it does happen, they would probably be more expensive because of their exotic looks.
If you are fond of blue eyed dogs, check out our list of 36 Blue Eyed Dogs!
Black is a color of mystery, elegance, and power. However, many black dogs in pet shelters are finding it difficult to find a new home. People somehow usually think of the black coloured dogs as mean, even if black is the most common color in the dog kingdom.
Also, when buying a pup, statistics say that people tend to buy male black dogs, while for the female pups, they tend to pick lighter colors.
A dog being black colored doesn’t have anything to do with its personality. Black colored dogs are equally as friendly as any other colored dog!
White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Photo from: casper.the.staffy
The magnificent white Staffies look royal. The color white represents cleanliness, perfection, honesty, and pure emotions.
White colored Staffies are a bit on the rare side. A completely white Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a rare occasion, when born. They will more often have some patches or marks of other colors on their coats.
However, the pure white Staffy sometimes does appear, and it is an angel-like rare occasion, making this one of the rarest dog colors.
Often, these dogs have yellow, hazel, or even blue eyes. However, it is important that you understand the difference between the albino dog and the white colored dog.
Albino Staffy
It is of great importance that you are able to differentiate the albino staffy from the white one. The only reason for this is the health of the dog.
Albino Staffies may potentially have some underlying health issues, and may be prone to many health problems, such as skin cancer.
They have a complete lack of pigment, which makes them sensitive to the sun, their surroundings, and even some foods.
However, the easiest way to physically distinguish the white staffy from the albino one is their face. The albino Staffy will have baby pink coloured skin around their eyes, and their nose will also be pinkish colored.
However, the regular, white colored Staffy will have a colored nose (usually black or dark brown) and won’t have a pink colored eye area.
Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Somehow, the blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier turned out to be the most wanted color by breeders and dog owners too.
Once, blue was the most rare color when it comes to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but now, the overbreeding of the dogs with this specific color has led to it not being the rarest amongst them all.
However, it is still quite rare that the blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier is completely blue, without any white patches.
This color, even if it is not the rarest anymore, it looks royal and powerful on this dog breed, and suits the character of the purebred very well.
Tan Staffordshire Bull Terrier
There aren’t a whole bunch of pups that are born with this color. The tan Staffordshire Bull Terrier is considered rare. It is not as rare as the albino one, but it is definitely seen less frequent than a black Staffy.
Chocolate Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Photo from: @jack_thechocostaffy
This is the exact color that you see in the classic chocolate Labrador retriever. It fits into the category of rare coloured dogs in general, which means it is also a rare color within the group of the Staffordshire bull terrier.
The brown and black coat colors of dogs and many other mammals are determined mostly by the Brown gene (TYRP1), commonly known as the B Locus. There are five distinct variations that cause brown in dogs, according to research.
The three most prevalent alleles across breeds are tested for by the VGL, which determines the alleles present by combining the genotypes of each of these variants.
There is a spiritual meaning behind every dog color. Therefore, it is said that brown represents spirituality and intelligence individuals.
It is said that owning a dog of a chocolate shade may readily open your mind to trying new things and looking forward to new experiences that provide life-altering information.
Red Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Photo from: @lolothestaffy
There is an ancient Indian belief that red colored dogs are the ones that are best when a human is sick because, in the spiritual world, the color red is the color of life, health, and liveliness.
Your Staffy may not have these life changing abilities, but it sure has the ability to make your day. The Red Staffordshire bull terrier is not the most common color when it comes to this dog breed, nor has it been as popular as the blue or black.
However, red nosed staffies are a thing and are very popular. If you are interested in Red Nosed Staffordshire Bull Terriers, we present you the list of 5 excellent Red Nose Pitbull breeders in USA!
Fawn Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Fawn Staffordshire bull terriers are leaning more towards the group of rare colors and the not so popular colors when it comes to Staffies.
Again, it is not as popular as some other colors but, now and then, you can find a dog owner proudly walking his Fawn Staffy.
Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Brindle is the Staffordshire bull terrier color that is rising in popularity. If you ask me, this is the perfect colour for this dog breed. Black can be a little bit too common. However, the Brindle color does give the dog an elegant appearance, while the dog is still of a darker color.
However, it is quite rare for a dog to be fully Brindle without any other color interferences, such as brindle with white patches. If you want to find out more about Brindle dog breeds, you can do so here!
However, this color is one amongst the famous ones, but is on the rise.
Two-Colored Staffies
It is highly common for our beloved staffies to have a two coloured coat. That is the most usual color pattern when it comes to this dog breed.
It is a rare occasion when a staffie is solid colored without interference of other colors. That is why the two-colored Staffies take the spot as being the the ones that most dog owners opt for, when deciding to buy one.
Black And White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
One of the most common colors is actually the two-colored black and white Staffordshire bull terrier.
People often want to go for the pure black puppy litter, however, in most cases, pups have at least a small white patch of color on their chest area or front legs.
Blue And White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a blue coat with white patches is the most standard Staffie. Gray is the canine equivalent of blue.
Therefore, a Staffie won’t be blue like the sky! They will, nevertheless, have a gorgeous gray coat. These dogs occasionally have white patches on them as well, making them a two colored white and blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Brindle And White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Many people believe that it is uncommon to encounter Pitbull dogs with such a distinctive coat pattern. This is an unfounded rumor.
Both of the Pitbull types, the American Staffordshire Terrier as well as the American Pit Bull Terrier, naturally carry the brindle gene. A Brindle Pitbull is therefore not at all uncommon.
The most popular shade of brindle is definitely the brown brindle, and its most popular combination with brindle is definitely white.
Fawn And White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed with a gorgeous beauty is the blue fawn one. It has a disposition similar to its Pitbull cousins, however, it can be distinguished by its red nose and silvery-fawn coat with white patches on its broad head and chest area.
In addition to having a stunning appearance, blue fawn Pitbulls are renowned for being devoted companion animals.
Blue fawn Staffies are recognized by a number of kennel groups, however, they are less frequently seen than Staffies of other colors. Due to gene dilution, which causes their coat colors, they are indeed the rarest variety.
Red And White Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Red and white Staffies are often known as red nose Staffordshire Bull Terriers. They make up around 9% of the dog breed’s color, which means that they are amongst the rarest colors!
The usual white markings of the coat appear around the head and chest area of the dog’s body.
Tri-colored Versions Of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The term “American Staffordshire Terrier” describes a number of breeds that sport a strikingly new color pattern with three gorgeous tones. They often have three colors: a base color, which can be anything from black to lilac, and two accent colors, which are frequently brown and white.
Breeders found it very thrilling to produce more color combinations as a result of the media attention this dog is receiving, making tri-color Pitbulls unique and their genetic makeup a little more complicated than that of a typical dog.
There are many dog breeds with this color pattern, therefore, we also present you the Tri Color Pitbull!
However, you need not be concerned about their health since ethical dog breeders take great care while mating these bullies in order to maintain their health.
Merle Staffy
Photo from: @chunk_merlestaffy
A Merle colored coat in dog breeds has been trending in the last decade. And who could blame people for this colored coat being in trend?
Needless to say, it looks beautiful!
The Merle coat pattern color is what distinguishes them from other animals and gives them their name. They are distinguished from other similar breeds by their so-called merle gene, which gives them a totally distinctive pattern.
A Merle Coat is a very particular type of canine coat pattern that is distinguished by color blotches and patches within a solid or piebald coat. The merle gene, which is also used to refer to the mutation that causes it, can also change a dog’s eye color as well as the skin coloring.
The genetic mutation that gives rise to the merle coat typically results from breeding. If a Merle Staffy and a Staffy with a solid color are bred, the litter will typically have some Merles, but the merle pups can also be born by breeding two solid color Staffies.
Blue Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This colored coat is amongst the rarest of the Staffy colors, therefore, one of the most expensive ones too!
Brown Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Brown Brindle is also considered amongst the rarest color combinations of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Brown Brindle Staffies, aside from the brindle pattern, don’t just have white patches, but also brown ones.
This is not a color that breeders intend to go for, nor it is a color that they are always expecting the pups to have. Nonetheless, it can be an expensive one!
Black, White And Brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This Staffy color is distinguished by the dog being considered a darker coloured one. The brindle Staffy does have a distinguished color pattern, however, the dog appears much darker than the usual brindle.
This colored coat has a darker brindle pattern, characteristic white patches on the chest and head area, but also frequent black patches on the torso.
Black, White And Tan
We are getting there, almost at the most expensive and the rarest Staffordshire Bull Terrier color. The Black White and Tan/or Brown is considered the second rarest Staffy color!
This color coat does resemble the Rottweiler’s coat a bit because the patterns look the same around the head area, having the two characteristic Tan/Brown dots above the eyes.
This dog breed’s colored coat is most common amongst American Bullies, Pitbulls, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Lilac Blue Staffy
One of the most uncommon breeds is the tri-colored Lilac Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or the lilac blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Staffies don’t often have blue coats, therefore, you won’t see a lot of these canines. Due to their standard blue noses, the blue variety of Staffies set themselves apart from other tri-colored Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
This is known to be the rarest color combination amongst the Staffies, and the most expensive one too!
Since we have gone through every color of the Staffies, we can conclude that we have gone from the most common to the most rare colored Staffordshire bull terrier.
So, What Is The Most Common Color Of A Staffie?
There are so many colors to choose from when you are buying you Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. However, some colours are more popular than others.
The rare colors are more popular with dog breeders, however, they are not as popular or common within the dog owner community because they tend to be on the pricier side.
However, the most common colors of the Staffie are blue, blue and white, brindle, and the black and white combination.
For some reason, these colors are most popular among dog owners. We are guessing that it probably has to do with them being most common.
Now, To Refresh Our Knowledge Of The Breed Itself
Since we have been mostly talking about the colors of the Staffy, it would be a great time for us to talk a little bit about the breed itself.
The Stafford is a great family pet, an even better watchdog or guard dog, of a medium size whose origins go all the way back to the 19th century. Fascinating how many adjectives can be used while describing just one dog breed, right? But, just so you know, this is just scratching the surface!
This dog breed has an interesting past, and even more interesting present. However, what I am the most excited about with this dog breed – its future. People are growing to love this dog breed more and more, day by day.
In the future, there may be even more colors of Staffie, and definitely more Staffie owners. However, with the information that we have about this dog breed as of today, we are presenting you all the basic info about this dog breed.
How Many Types Of Staffies Are There?
Since the dog breeders are finding a way to make this already colourful dog breed even more diverse, there have been, through the years, new sub-breeds of the American Staffordshire Terrier.
However, these breeds are not necessarily approved by the American Kennel Club, but they are finding their place amongst dog lovers and breeders, who find them very special. Well, at least, enough to make them theirs!
Some of the most popular types of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are:
• Australian Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• King Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Irish Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Old Type Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• King Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Miniature/Mini/Toy Staffordshire Bull Terrier
History Of This Dog Breed
You have probably heard people saying that this dog breed is vicious, and that they would never get one themselves because these dogs are known fighting dogs. Those are typical stereotypes according to this dog breed’s history and origins.
Yes, this dog, that is descended from the parent breeds of the mastiff and the old English bulldog, was used in the 19th century for bull baiting and occasional dog fighting. And yes, those are not the best things to behave tied to the dog breed’s past, but that is not the characteristic of the dog, but of the people from England who made and owned it.
Therefore, please put your stereotypes and prejudices aside, because this is not the only side of the coin. Yes, there is dog fighting and bull baiting, but there is also the fact that this dog was a nanny dog for a few centuries.
The parent breeds, the old English bulldog and the Mastiff, gave this bull terrier breed a distinct look. Almost a seal-alike!
Personality Of The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This is a high-energy dog. That means that they need constant mental stimulation. To translate – when you are with them, don’t ignore them. Take them on a walk, or a run. Do some fun activities, play together.
These dogs are one of the best dogs – if not the best – when it comes to showing emotions. This dog breed is just so lovable and affectionate towards its owner or family that it makes them a wonderful family dog.
However, they are also a great fit for a one-person family, and they can manage in a household full of people. Whatever the case is, they will just need your love and attention, and that is pretty much all that matters to Staffies.
This breed group has been known for decades, now even centuries, for its great capability to be a nanny dog. This equals a great family dog. They were used, back in the 19th century, not just for dog fights, but for nannying small children and babies.
Yes, mothers were leaving their infants and small children with Staffies to go to the store or to do some chores, knowing that they will keep them safe and sound.
This terrier dog requires socialization, and needs to be introduced to various kinds of situations from puppyhood, just as any other dog breed. It is of great value to use the methods of socialization to include other dogs, so as with small animals and your family friends.
Doing this, they, as well as any other dog breed would, will get used to being around all kinds of mammals from a young age, which will result in them being happy, healthy, and socialized dogs. This takes away the possible destructive behaviour that can occur whenever they see something smaller than them.
If you ask me, whether you are on your own, a couple, a small or a big family – this dog has all of the needed personality traits to be the perfect companion. These aren’t called the best dogs without a reason.
Bodily Characteristics Of The Stafford
The Staffordshire bull terrier puppy will have a smaller body compared to its head, when in puppyhood. However, don’t be afraid, this will all become symmetrical as the dog develops to its adulthood.
The close relative of the American Pit Bull Terrier has a broad head with very strong cheek muscles. Having a broad head makes the Staffies prone to drooling, which can happen whenever dinner time is near, or when they hear the dog food bin move.
According to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier growth chart, these dogs are usually between 13 and 16 inches of height, and weigh from 22 to 40 pounds.
They have a strong yet muscular body that is supported by straight front legs and stronger back legs. It is the usual breed standard that the front legs are straight and that the back legs are more muscular and bulkier.
Their ears are naturally half-pricked, if not cropped. They have a somewhat short foreface.
They are born with a tail of medium length that is usually cropped at birth. However, the AKC only approves of Staffies with its natural, medium length tail.
Their bodies don’t have to be on the larger size to be as strong as they are. They are born with high energy and strength, which makes them great dogs for owners who live an active lifestyle.
Is The Staffordshire Bull Terrier A Healthy Dog?
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, thanks to the bull terrier breed, does not have many problematic health conditions.
However, every dog breed has some health conditions, for which the dog owner has to make time to check every once in a while.
However, we have included some of the most usual health problems that may impact your beloved Staffie. Those are:
• Hip dysplasia, or the most common health problem amongst dogs, starts while they’re still developing. It causes the hip joints to loosen, which leads to dysfunction and irritation. The hip bone and cartilage deteriorate over time as the dog grows.
This eventually results in arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility. There is no treatment for canine hip dysplasia. However, there are numerous treatments that have been shown to be successful in relieving pain in senior dogs and halting additional damage in young pups.
Maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle are the most fundamental therapies and also the most crucial.
• Hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a serious health condition. The metabolic condition L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA) results in gradual brain damage. It falls under the umbrella of a condition known as 2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
Despite having been found in older dogs, the disease primarily manifests in puppies under a year old. Seizures, ataxia, and muscle tremors are frequently present in the clinical presentation, which resembles epilepsy.
Phenobarbitone is a regularly used anti-epileptic medication for affected dogs. Given this method, it is debatable whether Staffordshire bull terriers have epilepsy or whether those displaying these clinical symptoms actually have L-2-HGA. To help limit the prevalence of the ailment in the breed, many dogs are now checked via DNA tests for known mutations prior to breeding.
• Cataracts is best described like this: The lens located inside the eye directs light toward the retina or the backside of the eye. The retina is where vision happens. The eye’s anatomy is comparable to that of a camera, which uses a lens to direct light onto the film. Cataracts are opaque or hazy lenses.
Inherited illness is the main reason for cataracts in dogs. Other causes include ocular injuries or illnesses like diabetes (“sugar diabetes”). Some cataracts seem to develop on their own and are age-related.
Veterinary ophthalmologists can perform surgery to remove cataracts and restore your pet’s fading vision. After surgery, the majority of animals experience little difficulties and quickly resume their usual levels of activity, including running and playing.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Bear in mind that you just have to be responsible enough to pick the right breeder when buying this dog breed.
By doing so, you will be able to predict how long your staffordshire bull terrier puppy will live. Buying your pup from a reputable owner will make or break the life expectancy of your future companion.
You can expect the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to live anywhere between 12-15 years. And if you take very good care of them, providing them with high quality dog food and regular vet checks, you can expect them to live even longer.
It is also highly beneficial for you to groom your dog regularly, since shedding dead hair makes the dog less prone to allergies. So, brushing them weekly would not only be a great cuddle session for your pup, but will also help with brushing out dead hair and/or dandruff.
What Colours Can Staffies See?
Dogs can distinguish between various colors even though they don’t appreciate the full range of hues that humans do. It’s possible that they don’t perceive an object’s “real” color.
For instance, a dog sees red as dark brownish-gray or black. And to a dog, all colors – yellow, orange, and green – appear slightly yellow. Purple appears the same to our animal friends as blue even though they can see blue quite well.
Dogs are unable to distinguish between a yellow and a purple toy when playing fetch. Fortunately, they have a keen sense of smell, so when playing fetch in the park, they can typically tell which ball belongs to them and prevent confusion.
Final Thoughts
The colors of staffies include black, white, red, fawn, blue, or brindle. Additionally, white can be combined with any one of the Staffy colors. The UK Kennel Club, however, considers black and tan or liver colors to be undesirable.
Melanocytes, a type of cell found in the hair follicles of Staffies, are responsible for the breed’s distinctive colors. Melanin is added to growing hair by melanocytes, which ultimately defines the predominant color of the hair and coat.
Darker shades are produced by more melanin. The tips of a dog’s hair may indeed be significantly darker compared to the rest of the hair shaft due to variations in melanin synthesis.
The “default” color of both eumelanin and pheomelanin can be changed by many genes.
They are often calm, loving canines who adore people. They are complete clowns who genuinely adore life and the family.
In fact, they were originally known as “nanny dogs” due to their well-documented affection for kids. Of course, every dog is unique, and any breed might become disturbed or violent in the hands of the wrong people or after a traumatic experience.
Whether you are buying or adopting a Staffie, you will be a happy dog owner. The majority of staffies have so much love, devotion, and kindness to give; they are just awaiting in an adoption center for the chance to demonstrate it to the person who chooses them. So don’t let this deter you from acquiring a Staffie.
Read Next:
• 9 Reputable Miniature Bull Terrier Breeders In The U.S.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier Vs American Staffordshire Terrier