We are pleased to announce EMSBTC has a Puppy Co-Ordinator. Please contact Nicky Holden who will be happy to help and advise on health tests & any available pups. Email: nickayne.staffords@gmail.com
Before you consider a SBT puppy please read the attached by Lesley McFadyen
�
� BUYING A STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER PUPPY 🐾
Acknowledgement: This guidance is shared thanks to Lesley McFadyen and the East Anglian
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (EASBTC) for their ongoing work promoting responsible breeding, health
testing and puppy buyer education within the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed.
Do you want to buy a well-bred, typical, healthy Staffordshire Bull
Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder?
Please read the advice below and contact us for help and guidance. When looking for a reputable breeder,
you must ensure:
Royal Kennel Club Registration
The breeder registers their puppies with the Royal Kennel Club (RKC). This allows you to verify that the
puppies are purebred Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
DNA Health Testing
The breeder can provide evidence that both the sire and dam are DNA CLEAR for:
• L2-HGA (L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria), a hereditary disease that can cause seizures and
neurological problems.
• HC (Hereditary Cataract/HSF4-2), a hereditary eye condition that can lead to total blindness at a
young age.
Clinical Eye Testing
Both the sire and dam should have a recent (within the previous 12 months) UNAFFECTED clinical eye
test certificate for:
• PHPV
• PPSC
Both conditions are forms of cataract.
Puppy Eye Screening
The breeder should clinically screen the entire litter for PHPV before sale so that you know the clinical
status of your individual puppy.
PHPV is congenital, meaning it is present from birth and will not develop later in life.
THESE ARE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – ACCEPT NOTHING LESS
Additional Health Testing
Some breeders will also test for elbow dysplasia, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway
Syndrome) through the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS), patellae, hips, heart
health and coat colour before breeding.
The Royal Kennel Club currently recognises elbow scoring and BOAS respiratory grading as Best
Practice considerations for Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders. As these recommendations have
only recently been introduced, it may take time for them to become widely established within
breeding programs. Breeders who undertake these additional health assessments are
demonstrating a proactive approach to improving the long-term health and welfare of the breed
Lifetime Support
Reputable breeders will usually sell their puppies with a contract offering lifetime support. No
responsible breeder wants to see one of their puppies end up in rescue. If circumstances change
and you can no longer keep your dog, a reputable breeder will help find a suitable home and may
even take the dog back until a suitable placement can be found.
BUYER BEWARE!
Our breed faces a significant challenge from people breeding primarily for profit, without proper
regard for health, welfare, temperament, or the long-term future of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
If you have searched online, you may have noticed enormous variations in puppy prices.
Commercial breeders have inflated prices well beyond £2,500+ per puppy.
What should you expect to pay?
A well-bred, DNA-tested and clinically screened Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy from a reputable
breeder will typically cost around:
£1,500 – £2,200
Paying more is not a guarantee of quality. What matters most is that the breeder has completed
the necessary health testing.
Health testing is IMPERATIVE.
SBT puppy Guide Sept26. V2 PL
Page | 2
Why Health Testing Matters
Unscrupulous breeders often cut corners rather than spending relatively small amounts on
health testing before breeding. There is evidence that the number of dogs affected by L2-HGA is
increasing. This disease has a devastating impact not only on affected dogs but also on their
owners and families. No dog should be born to suffer from a condition that responsible health
testing can help prevent.
For more information, visit:
EASBTC Health Information
https://www.eastangliansbtclub.co.uk/health
Important Points to Remember
REPUTABLE breeders:
• Breed only from dogs that are DNA CLEAR for L2-HGA and HC.
• Use parents that are clinically tested and unaffected for PHPV/PPSC.
• Arrange clinical screening of the litter before puppies leave for new homes.
• Prioritise health, temperament and breed welfare.
There is no need to breed from CARRIER status dogs. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier gene pool is
diverse enough to support breeding from CLEAR dogs only. There is NEVER a reason to breed
from an UNTESTED dog. Doing so is irresponsible.
NO breeder can promise a puppy from a planned mating
Some breeders maintain waiting lists for male or female puppies. However, until puppies are
safely born and thriving, nobody can know:
• How many puppies will be born
• Whether there will be males or females available
• Which puppies will be suitable for particular homes
NO breeder can guarantee a puppy will be “show quality”
An experienced breeder may identify promising puppies, but no responsible breeder can
guarantee future show success.
SBT puppy Guide Sept26. V2 PL
Page | 3
NO breeder should sell a puppy without meeting you
As useful as photos and video calls can be, you should be prepared to travel and meet:
• The breeder
• The puppies
• The dam (mother)
before committing to a purchase.
Don’t be fooled by marketing
Researching pedigrees is important but be wary of advertisements boasting large numbers of
champions in a pedigree.
Also be aware:
There are currently NO blue Staffordshire Bull Terriers that have achieved UK Champion status
through UK show competition.
Champion titles gained in other countries may be awarded under different criteria.
UK Champion status remains one of the most respected achievements because of the depth
and quality of competition.
NEVER pay for a puppy before doing your homework
Never pay money upfront until:
You have met the breeder
You have seen the puppies
You have checked health testing documentation
You are completely satisfied the transaction is genuine
If in doubt, contact one of the UK Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Club Secretaries for advice.
The breed club network is generally close-knit and supportive and many experienced members
can help identify reputable breeders.
SBT puppy Guide Sept26. V2 PL
Page | 4
Advertising Isn’t Everything
Reputable breeders rarely need extensive advertising.
Be cautious of puppies advertised on:
• Pets4Homes
• Gumtree
• Social media marketplace-style groups
Likewise, inclusion on the Royal Kennel Club’s “Find a Puppy” register does not automatically
guarantee quality, health testing, or compliance with best breeding practices.
Need Advice?
Need Help Finding a Reputable Breeder?
Contact your nearest Breed Club Secretary for independent advice on:
• Buying a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy
• Health testing
• Responsible breeding
• Reputable breeders
• Breed education and events
Always try to seek breed club advice before purchasing a puppy.
SBT puppy Guide Sept26. V2 PL
Page | 5
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Clubs – United Kingdom
Any of the contacts below can help you so please feel free to get in touch:
Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland SBT Club
o Secretary: Hollie Carson
o Tel: 07590308443
o Email: hollie-92@hotmail.co.uk
North West England
• Morecambe Bay & Cumbria SBT Club
o Secretary: Gary Nicholson
o Email: mbcsbtcsec@gmail.com
• North West SBT Club
o Website: www.northwestsbtc.co.uk
o Secretary: Claire Crossman
o Tel: 07536 170086
o Email: crossmanclaire@yahoo.com
• Merseyside SBT Club
o Secretary: Kate Burrows
o Email: kb.merseysidesbtc@gmail.com
• Potteries SBT Club
o Secretary: Dave McKimm
o Tel: 07976 162086
o Email: psbtc_sec01@btinternet.com
Wales
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of South Wales
o Website: www.thesbtcsw.co.uk
o Secretary: Paula Lloyd
o Tel: 07764 627511
o Email: secretary@thesbtcsw.co.uk
South West England
• Western SBT Society
o Secretary: Lisa Emery
o Email: secretarywsbts@outlook.com
• Downlands SBT Club
o Website: www.dsbtc.co.uk
o Secretary: Vicki Mitchell
o Tel: 07585 955527
o Email: downlands1989@outlook.com
Scotland
• North of Scotland SBT Club
o Secretary: Julie Gray
o Email: julie@staffie.co.uk
• Scottish SBT Club
o Secretary: Garry Owen
o Email: tagstanestbt@gmail.com
North East England
• North Eastern SBT Club
o Secretary: Dawn Jamieson-Bramley
o Tel: 07718 480800
o Email: TyneviewSBT@yahoo.com
• Northern Counties SBT Club
o Website: www.northerncountiesstaffordshirebullterrierclub.co.uk
o Secretary: Bev Harrison
o Tel: 07974 843791
o Email: ncbtcsec@gmail.com
East Midlands
• Notts & Derby District SBT Club
o Secretary: Helen Reaney
o Tel: 07792 558272
o Email: rolenkasbtc@gmail.com
• East Midlands SBT Club
o Website: www.eastmidlandsbtclub.co.uk
o Secretary: Jay Rogers
o Email: emsbtc@gmail.com
Midlands
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (The Parent Club)
o Website: www.thesbtc.co.uk
o Secretary: Karon Jackson
o Tel: 01543 451900
o Email: jackabyte@hotmail.co.uk
East Anglia
• East Anglian SBT Club
o Website: www.eastangliansbtclub.co.uk
o Secretary: Lesley McFadyen
o Email: easbtclub@gmail.com
Southern England
• Southern Counties SBT Society
o Website: www.scsbts.com
o Secretary: Ken Meener
o Email: scsbts1937@gmail.com
End.
