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Immune system problems are not breed-specific for Staffordshire bull terriers and nowadays are quite often found in pet dogs of all breeds. Those problems include all sorts of allergies and atopic diagnoses, ranging from minor skin damages to major life quality problems. That should be a very worrying reason to pay special attention to why and how do these problems occur and how to prevent them. Dog breeders and owners should remember that overall a normal immunity consists of genetic immunity, artificial immunity (vaccinations), and individually gained immunity, which is formed by a dog's immune system’s “experience”. Allergies and atopic dermatitis originate from the immune system's dysfunctions particularly. To minimise these risks, make sure that the puppy's parents are able to digest different foods without issues, and that the puppy is already familiar with various sources of protein. The next part of the job is raising a puppy to help him to maintain & gain this functional immunity.
The issue with the immune system's health in the modern dog world is extremely acute but not enough discussed. Scientific studies still continue to discover more and more correlations of allergies with genetics, home care, behavior, and stress levels and how do they influence each other both in dogs and humans. We don't know everything we would like to yet, but these correlations are seen in practical cases, and complex holistic treatment gives quite good dynamics. There is still no exact recipe for how to completely avoid these issues, but some strategies are available, and work towards a healthier population of dogs should be encouraged by both breeders and owners.
The issue with the immune system's health in the modern dog world is extremely acute but not enough discussed. Scientific studies still continue to discover more and more correlations of allergies with genetics, home care, behavior, and stress levels and how do they influence each other both in dogs and humans. We don't know everything we would like to yet, but these correlations are seen in practical cases, and complex holistic treatment gives quite good dynamics. There is still no exact recipe for how to completely avoid these issues, but some strategies are available, and work towards a healthier population of dogs should be encouraged by both breeders and owners.
- The Immune System of Dogs. ByIan Rodney Tizard, BVMS, BSc, PhD, DSc (Hons), DACVM Reviewed/Revised Jun 2018
- Development of Dog Immune System: From in Uterus to Elderly. doi: 10.3390/vetsci6040083
- Effects of a whole food diet on immune function and inflammatory phenotype in healthy dogs: A randomized, open-labeled, cross-over clinical trial.
- Spencer-Segal, J.L. and Akil, H., 2019. Glucocorticoids and resilience. Hormones and behavior.
- Craig, J.M., 2016. Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs. Veterinary medicine and science.
- Harvey, N.D., Craigon, P.J., Shaw, S.C., Blott, S.C. and England, G.C., 2019. Behavioural Differences in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis Suggest Stress Could Be a Significant Problem Associated with Chronic Pruritus.
- Hilmersson, A., Sigmundsdóttir, G. and Vilde, B.S., 2020. The Juvenile Canine Intestinal Microbiota: Development from Birth to 12 Weeks of Age.
- Kelly, J.R., Kennedy, P.J., Cryan, J.F., Dinan, T.G., Clarke, G. and Hyland, N.P., 2015. Breaking down the barriers: the gut microbiome, intestinal permeability and stress-related psychiatric disorders. Knezevic, J., Starchl, C., Tmava Berisha, A. and Amrein, K., 2020. Thyroid-Gut-Axis: how does the microbiota influence thyroid function? Masson, S. and Gaultier, E., 2018. Retrospective study on hypersensitivity-hyperactivity syndrome in dogs: long-term outcome of high dose fluoxetine treatment and proposal of a clinical score.
- Miller, A.H., Haroon, E., Raison, C.L. and Felger, J.C., 2013. Cytokine targets in the brain: impact on neurotransmitters and neurocircuits. Depression and anxiety. Mori, A., Goto, A., Kibe, R., Oda, H., Kataoka, Y. and Sako, T., 2019. Comparison of the effects of four commercially available prescription diet regimens on the fecal microbiome in healthy dogs. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science.
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More about Staffordshire bull terrier
Is SBT the right match for you?
Despite all our love for SBT, we have to admit all breeds have their cons - it’s not avoidable. It remains to make sure that none of these cons are a red flag for your family and that you and your dog will become the right match.
Character of SBT
Each dog is an individual with its character and features, but breed representatives share many traits in common.
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 and social media. However, the most promoted litter might not always be the most tested or wellbred. Remember to carefully research such topics as health testing in SBT, learn the chosen line features and parents temperament.
Average prices may vary depending on your location and chosen breeder, but usually they are somewhere between 1500 eur. and 2000 eur.
Reputable breeders always have pedigrees for their puppies and do not charge for them more. For the breeder, ordering the pedigree costs about 20-30 eur. per puppy. If the pedigree is absent, 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 for their puppies and do not charge for them more. For the breeder, ordering the pedigree costs about 20-30 eur. per puppy. If the pedigree is absent, 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 much good with kids, but selective with dogs and other animals. You can learn more about Staffordshire bull terrier temperament here.
Staffordshire bull terrier is a relatively healthy breed with a low percentage of genetic DNA diseases currently present. However, DNA diseases and other not breed-specific conditions still need to be tested in pedigree, and puppy buyers must carefully research the topic. There are absolutely no responsible reasons not to health test dogs, especially in breeding. You can learn more 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.
