OVERALL APPEARANCES; should portray that of a smooth-coated dog standing between 17-20 inches , radiating athletic propensities in hard condition; obvious muscular development is highly recommended.
WEIGHT; in hard condition, can vary from 30 - 50 lbs for males and 4 lbs less for females; according to a given specimen's height/weight ratio.
UNDUE EXAGGERATIONS in either of the above must be discouraged. Generally, Staffords have been medium-sized dogs and, as such, we aim to retain that status on historical levels, and as a tribute to old-timers of bygone days. Breed students are herein reminded ... when exaggerations are encouraged, where do they end ?
COLOUR; strong/deep colourations of brindle, black, brown, white, including black & tan, red, blue, and combinations of the same are ideal, weak dilutes are not -
HEAD; shall be short, deep thru' with broad skull and pronounced cheek muscles .. clear-cut stop and short-ish foreface - research indicates the near-ideal would be an equal distance from the stop, as a centre-piece, to the tip of the nose and back part of the head where the ears are set, with reasonably level mouth.
NECK; shall be muscular and not unduly short.
BODY; not unduly short; allowing for flexibility -
FRONT LEGS; straight, with well padded feet, showing no frailties at pasterns.
HIND LEGS; will be muscular, and let down at the hocks; being typical Terrier-like.
COAT; should be short, close to the skin and glisten when in condition.
EYES; preferably, dark
NOSE; black or dark, ideally ..
TAIL; to be of medium length, carried rather low, shaped like an old-fashioned pump handle.
