Staffordshire Bull Terrier health: what owners should know

Staffies are generally hardy, but the breed is known for hereditary cataracts, L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L-2-HGA, a neurometabolic disorder), persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (an eye condition present from birth), skin allergies, hip dysplasia and slipping kneecaps. Mast cell tumors, a type of skin tumor, also appear more often than average. Good breeders DNA test both parents for HC and L-2-HGA, have eyes examined and hip score breeding dogs.

Check the skin for new lumps during weekly grooming and have any lump looked at by a vet, even a small one, especially if it changes size. Other reasons to book a visit include cloudy eyes, a wobbly or unsteady gait, sudden behavior changes or seizures, and constant paw licking. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or several in a row, is an emergency.