Poppy is  Hereditary Clear by birth of
Hereditary Cataract 
             has 2 copies of the normal gene and will neither develop Hereditary Cataract,
                         nor pass a copy of the  Hereditary Cataract gene to any of  her offspring.
 

 Hereditary Cataract in Staffordshire Bull Terriers

has been recognised as an inherited condition since the late 1970’s. Affected dogs develop cataracts in both eyes at an early age. The condition is not congenital, so the lenses are normal at birth but cataracts appear at a few weeks to months in age, progressing to total cataract (and resulting blindness) by 2 to 3 years of age.

The mutation, or change to the structure of the gene, probably occurred spontaneously in a single dog but once in the population has been inherited from generation to generation like any other gene. The disorder shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance: two copies of the defective gene (one inherited from each parent) have to be present for a dog to be affected by the disease. Individuals with one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene - called carriers - show no symptoms but can pass the defective gene onto their offspring. When two apparently healthy carriers are crossed, 25% (on average) of the offspring will be affected by the disease, 25% will be clear and the remaining 50% will themselves be carriers

The mutation responsible for the disease has recently been identified at the Animal Health Trust. Using the information from this research, we have developed a DNA test for the disease. This test not only diagnoses dogs affected with the disease but can also detect those dogs which are carriers, displaying no symptoms of the disease but able to produce affected pups. Under most circumstances, there will be a much greater number of carriers than affected animals in a population. It is important to eliminate such carriers from a breeding population since they represent a hidden reservoir of the disease that can produce affected dogs at any time.

Poppy is  Hereditary Clear by birth of
 L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria)
                      has 2 copies of the normal gene and will neither develop L-2-HGA, nor pass a copy of the 
          L-2-HGA gene to any of its offspring

L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria) in Staffordshire Bull Terriers is a neurometabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid in urine, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.

L-2-HGA affects the central nervous system, with clinical signs usually apparent between 6 months and one year (although they can appear later). Symptoms include epileptic seizures, "wobbly" gait, tremors, muscle stiffness as a result of exercise or excitement and altered behaviour.

The mutation, or change to the structure of the gene, probably occurred spontaneously in a single dog but once in the population has been inherited from generation to generation like any other gene. The disorder shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance: two copies of the defective gene (one inherited from each parent) have to be present for a dog to be affected by the disease. Individuals with one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene - called carriers - show no symptoms but can pass the defective gene onto their offspring. When two apparently healthy carriers are crossed, 25% (on average) of the offspring will be affected by the disease, 25% will be clear and the remaining 50% will themselves be carriers

The mutation responsible for the disease has recently been identified at the Animal Health Trust. Using the information from this research, we have developed a DNA test for the disease. This test not only diagnoses dogs affected with this disease but can also detect those dogs which are carriers, displaying no symptoms of the disease but able to produce affected pups. Carriers could not be detected by the tests previously available, which involved either a blood or urine test detecting elevated levels of L-2-hydroxyglutarate or magnetic resonance imaging. Under most circumstances, there will be a much greater number of carriers than affected animals in a population. It is important to eliminate such carriers from a breeding population since they represent a hidden reservoir of the disease that can produce affected dogs at any time.

Breeders will be sent results identifying their dog as belonging to one of three categories:

CLEAR: the dog has 2 copies of the normal gene and will neither develop L-2-HGA, nor pass a copy of the L-2-HGA gene to any of its offspring.

CARRIER: the dog has one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutant gene that causes L-2-HGA. It will not develop L-2-HGA but will pass on the L-2-HGA gene to 50% (on average) of its offspring.

AFFECTED: the dog has two copies of the L-2-HGA mutation and is affected with L-2-HGA. It will develop L-2-HGA at some stage during its lifetime, assuming it lives to an appropriate age.

Carriers can still be bred to clear dogs. On average, 50% of such a litter will be clear and 50% carriers; there can be no affecteds produced from such a mating. Pups which will be used for breeding can themselves be DNA tested to determine whether they are clear or carrier.
 

1. General Description of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

   The Staffordshire Bull Terrier,  Every part of the Staffordshire should convey power and athleticism. Strong for their size, these animals have a stocky muscular build and are surprisingly agile. A short muscular neck should be in proportion with the close-coupled well defined body. Forelegs are set wide apart to allow for a deep chest. The head is broad with a slightly foreshortened muzzle and strong jaws, and the eyes have a bold and energetic expression. Darker coloration of the eyes and nose is preferred in the breed standard. This terrier has rose or half pricked ears as well as a straight low set tail, neither of which should ever be cropped or docked. The coat is very short and smooth. Accepted colors are red, fawn, black, white, brindle, and blue or any one of these colors with white.

2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament

   The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is intelligent, energetic and courageous, and is renowned for being exceptionally good with children. Highly affectionate and loyal to their owners, Staffords are also welcoming to new people. Their intelligence and energy make these animals great candidates for obedience and agility work. Though most modern day Staffordshire Bull Terriers are far removed from their days as canine gladiators, it is still part of their genetic makeup. These terriers also tend to have a high prey drive towards small animals. Both of these tendencies can be kept in check through extensive socialization and consistent obedience training. Spaying or neutering will also help cut down aggression levels towards people and other animals. Affectionate, playful and gentle with children, the Sttaffie makes a great family pet.

3. Caring for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

   The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an active breed so regular exercise is a must. A long walk once a day is sufficient though of course they will welcome more. Due to their shortened muzzle Staffies can be susceptible to overheating so care must be taken on hot days. Young puppies must be given chew toys and trained not to chew on furniture and household objects as their strong jaws can be destructive. When it comes to grooming The Staffordshire is a low maintenance pet. A Staffordshire’s short coat will rarely need to be brushed and only occasionally needs to be washed. Because of the strong attachments these dogs form they should be allowed to live indoors with their people. One concern for potential owners of this breed is the negative media hysteria that has been focused on so called Pit Bulls in the last decade. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been lumped together with their American relatives, who tend to be a bit more dangerous, and in some areas these breeds have been banned. This is why it is so imperative for owners to properly train their dogs and help combat the negative stereotype.