Common Health Issues in Staffordshire Terriers

Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent, resilient, and incredibly affectionate. We always enjoy caring for these loyal dogs at our hospital and are dedicated to helping your Staffy stay healthy and full of life. Though they’re muscular and full of energy, Staffordshire Terriers can be predisposed to certain health conditions. Staying informed and taking preventive steps can make a big difference in their long-term health and happiness. 

Here are five health issues we commonly see in Staffordshire Terriers, and how we can work together to catch them early to keep your dog feeling their best: 

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

Staffordshire Terriers are naturally muscular and athletic, but their energetic nature and strong build can put extra strain on their joints and ligaments. One of the most common issues we see is cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, often triggered by sudden movements or vigorous activity. Although they’re not as genetically prone to hip or elbow dysplasia as some larger breeds, these conditions can still develop, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, and long-term arthritis. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your dog’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. While examining, we also assess their range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease. 
• Genetic testing – Since hip and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Staffie is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention. 
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside. 
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage pain, and improve your AmStaff’s quality of life. 
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life. 

2. Skin Allergies and Ear Infections

Although Staffies have short, smooth coats and are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, they’re surprisingly prone to skin issues, especially allergies like atopic dermatitis, which is triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, grass, dust mites, or even certain foods. Their immune systems can react strongly, leading to chronic itching and skin inflammation. Additionally, their narrow yet muscular ear canals can trap moisture and debris, increasing the risk of recurring ear infections. 

If your dog is scratching their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing at certain spots, or just seems uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up. Signs like redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss could indicate an underlying problem that needs attention. 

How we can help: 

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem. 
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your dog uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it. 
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us tailor your Staffie’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan. ● Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue. 
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections. 

3. Dental Disease 

Despite having strong jaws, Staffordshire Terriers are still vulnerable to dental issues, particularly as they get older. Their powerful bite and unique jaw structure can contribute to problems like tooth fractures, tartar buildup, and gum disease. If not addressed, these issues can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, and infections that may impact vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Because many dogs continue eating even when in discomfort, routine dental exams are crucial for catching problems early and keeping your dog healthy and pain-free. 

How we can help:

• Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth 
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the doctor determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment 
• Professional cleaning – Just like people, dogs need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your pets teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, protect their airway, and allow the vet to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the doctor identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam 
• Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits. 

4. Obesity 

Staffordshire Terriers are naturally active and athletic, but they can be prone to weight gain, especially when they’re overfed or not getting enough exercise. Their muscular, stocky build can sometimes mask excess weight, but carrying extra fat puts added stress on their joints, can worsen arthritis, and raises the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and a reduced lifespan. 

In some cases, weight gain may be a sign of an underlying condition such as hypothyroidism, which is fairly common in the breed. That’s why regular check-ups and weight monitoring are essential for keeping your Staffie in top shape. 

How we can help: 

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your dog’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention. 
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Amstaff is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your dog to an ideal weight safely. 
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Staffie receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments. 

5. Cancer

Cancer is unfortunately a common health concern in Staffordshire Terriers, particularly as they grow older. They may be at higher risk for certain types, including mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances for effective treatment and maintaining a good quality of life. 

Keep an eye out for warning signs such as new lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, low energy, changes in appetite, or abnormal bleeding—these may all indicate something more serious that should be checked by a veterinarian. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Exams – Regular nose-to-tail exams help us detect lumps, bumps, or abnormalities early. 
• Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays and ultrasounds can help us see what’s going on inside the body and guide further testing. 
• Biopsy & Cytology – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a sample to the lab for accurate diagnosis. 
• Bloodwork – Blood tests can help identify internal changes that may point to cancer or other underlying conditions. 
• Treatment Planning – If cancer is diagnosed, we’ll guide you through the next steps—whether it’s surgery, medication, or referral to a veterinary oncologist. 

We treat your Staffie with the same love and care as we do our own. These loyal, strong-hearted companions mean the world to us, and we’re dedicated to supporting their health, happiness, and well-being. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!