Turnspit Dog vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Both Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Turnspit Dog are originated from United Kingdom. Staffordshire Bull Terrier may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. Both Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Turnspit Dog are having almost same weight. Both Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Turnspit Dog has same life span. Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have more litter size than Turnspit Dog. Both Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
34 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 15 kg
24 - 34 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
1 - 4
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
bully, pit bull English Staffordshire Bull Terrier • Staffie • Staffy • Stafford • Staffordshire
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
black or blue, white, any shade of brindle or any shade of brindle with white, Red, or any one of these colours with white, fawn
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
Smooth, short and close
Shortish
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

staffordshire bull terrierThe Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first developed in the northern sections of Birmingham and in Staffordshire, England. The Staffie is a cross between a Black and Tan Terrie and the Bulldog, but had other breeds crossed in over time in order to create a bull-baiting dog and a fighting dog. In the Victorian age these sports were banned but dog fighting went underground and continues on some level today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was exceptional at these “sports” due to his build, power and jaw strength. Today’s Staffie is a descendent of those early Bull Terrier crosses. Together with the Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull, the Staffie also traces its roots back to those original English Bully dogs. All three breeds have the Bulldog in common.

After dog fighting and bull baiting were banned the Stafforshire Bull Terrier was further developed as a companion and pet. Still their reputation as fighting dogs cost them recognition in the official kennel clubs for some time. They finally made the UK registry in 1935, but it was not until 1974 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted them.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

Description

Description

staffordshire bull terrier puppy - descriptionThe Staffordshire is a muscular, stocky and unusually strong breed, small to medium size in height and build. They have broad, powerful chests, wide set, strong legs, strong shoulders, broad head with a fairly short muzzle. Their ears are not cropped but they are short and fold over. The coat is stiff, close and short and the tail is medium and carried low. Most Staffies are brown, but they can be red, brindle with white, fawn, black, white or blue.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

Characteristics

staffordshire bull terrier dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness The breed adores children but care should still be taken because they are so strong and their jaws are so powerful.

2.Special talents they adore children and they one of the most powerful jaws among canines.

3.Adaptability they need exercise and space, they are not apartment dogs.

4.Learning ability very smart, but very stubborn

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

Health Problems

The breed is basically healthy, but they do have some hereditary health issues.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia- can cause arthritis.

staffordshire bull terrier puppies - health problems• Patella luxation otherwise known as a slipped kneecap- can cause pain and some lameness.

• Skin allergies and even a tendency toward Mange which is chronic in some forms and fatal in others.

  • Heat issues and breathing issues due to their short, compressed faces.

• Like most active dogs their size, they are susceptible to bloat which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

Caring The Pet

staffordshire bull terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy Don’t over feed as he grows fast. Feed a high quality dog food for medium size puppies. Feed 1-2 and a quarter cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Don’t exercise right before or after eating due to potential for bloat. Feed 1-2 times a day a high quality medium breed dog food.

3.Points for Good Health immense strength and power.

4. Games and Exercises They are terriers after all and they dig. Need a fairly large yard with a strong fence. They love to play ball, frisbee and can excel at cart pulling.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Turnspit Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  27. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison