Hip dyElbow dysplasia & patellar luxation
Common joint abnormalities
Elbow dysplasia (ED) examination is not as technically challenging as HD and is usually performed in conjunction with HD examination under the same sedation. Elbow dysplasia in SBT is less common than HD, but if present, can have a massive impact on a dog's mobility and quality of life. The primary function of a dog's forelimb is efficient weight bearing, which is significantly compromised by elbow dysplasia. ED has more studied genetic predisposition than HD. Depending on the diagnosed grade and symptoms such as lameness, ED often requires surgical intervention.
Patellar (knee cap) luxation examination, unlike the dysplasia of hips or elbows, is done through a manual test. However, in several breed clubs there have already been discussions about whether this test should be better done under sedation because massive musculature of the hind limb could be a hindrance during manual examination. However, the displacement of the patella is far not the only knee issue that is often found in Staffordshire bull terriers: problems with the cruciate ligaments and meniscus are also quite common and harder to examine. They are observed more often in some lines than in others, and most likely environmental factors such as injuries, exercise routine, and nutrition are a huge factor in ligaments and meniscus damage.
Finnish Kennel Club statistics on elbow dysplasia examination of dogs born 2014-2024. Source: Finnish Kennel Club
Finnish Kennel Club statistics on patellar luxation examination results from 2014 to August 2024. Source: Finnish Kennel Club
- BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Disorders 2018
- Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. doi: 10.1186/s40575-020-0080-5
- Long-term outcomes in dogs with elbow dysplasia, assessed using the canine orthopaedic index. doi.org/10.1002/vetr.2950
- Heritability of Unilateral Elbow Dysplasia in the Dog: A Retrospective Study of Sire and Dam Influence. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00422
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the UK: their disorder predispositions and protections. DOI:10.1186/s40575-020-00092-w
- BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Disorders 2018
- Patellar luxation in dogs. doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S142545
- The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Canine
- Genetics and Epidemiology volume 3, Article number: 4 (2016)
- Anatomical characteristics and potential gene mutation sites of a familial recurrent patellar dislocation. doi: 10.1186/s12920-022-01330-9
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the UK: their disorder predispositions and protections. DOI:10.1186/s40575-020-00092-w
References
Nowadays there are many ways to get in touch with a reputable breeder. One way would be through your local Kennel Club and Breed Club, or by your own research or social media. Remember to carefully research such topics as health testing in SBT, find some insights on the chosen line and do not forget to consider parents temperament.
Average prices may vary depending on your location and chosen breeder, but usually they are somewhere between 1500 eur. and 2500 eur.
Reputable breeders always have pedigrees/passports for their puppies and do not charge for them extra. If the pedigree is absent or not offered, there must be a reason for it like lack of dog’s Kennel Club registration, individual restrictions from Kennel Club, not done tests or other requirements.
Reputable breeders always have pedigrees/passports for their puppies and do not charge for them extra. If the pedigree is absent or not offered, there must be a reason for it like lack of dog’s Kennel Club registration, individual restrictions from Kennel Club, not done tests or other requirements.
It is hard to be sure what character your future puppy will have when he matures. This can be influenced by many factors: genetics, lifestyle, socialization and training, individual experience with the world, and even health. But overall SBT can be described as high drive all-round dogs, bold, fearless, and passionate lovers, who know for sure how to enjoy this life and to get the most out of life, but may be selective or even aggressive when it comes to other animals and dogs. We looked deeper into it in our about breed section.
First of all, each dog is an individual with it’s own character and preferences, and not only genetics, but both training and life experience too can make a big impact on adult dog’s behaviour. However, when it comes to genetic part and statistics, Staffordshire bull terrier tend to be pretty good with kids (and normally counted as +1 eternal kid in the family), but selective with dogs and other animals. You can learn more about Staffordshire bull terrier temperament here, but best is to meet different breed representatives in life.
Staffordshire bull terrier is a relatively healthy breed with a low percentage of breed-specific genetic diseases currently present. However, other genetic diseases and not breed-specific conditions still need to be considered, and puppy buyers must carefully research the topic. We discussed more on health topic here.
A proper start is very much helpful when starting a new chapter with your puppy. You can learn some of the most essential steps on how to prepare your house, your family, and yourself here.
