<P> RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans said: "Staffies have had a terrible press, but this is not of their own making--in fact they're wonderful dogs . If people think that Staffies have problems, they're looking at the wrong end of the dog lead! When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions . Our experience suggests that problems occur when bad owners exploit the Staffie's desire to please by training them to show aggression ." </P> <P> The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is subject to breed - specific legislation in various countries, which ban members of the Bull and Terrier family . </P> <P> Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known to suffer from hereditary cataracts and L - 2 - hydroxyglutaric aciduria--a metabolic disorder resulting in behavioural changes and dementia - like symptoms--both of which are detectable by DNA tests . </P> <P> Distichiasis (commonly known as "double eyelash") and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous--a condition whereby the blood supply to the ocular lens fails to regress and fibrovascular tissue forms, causing hazy vision--both of which are checked by way of an ocular examination throughout the life of a breeding stud or brood - bitch to minimise the transfer and spread of these conditions . </P>

When is a staffordshire bull terrier fully grown