A well trained American Staffordshire can be amazingly good natured and friendly despite its rather intimidating appearance. These are great companion dogs who are loyal to their owners and would protect them even with their life. They are friendly with strangers and might even be openly affectionate with them. These can be very willful and stubborn dogs that need a firm handler and are generally not tolerant of any other pets in the house. Surprisingly strong and muscular these dogs are also very agile and have great reflexes.
History and Health :
- History :
The American Stafford Terrier is supposed to have been created from the English Staffordshire bull terrier by increasing its weight through selective breeding by some American breeders. The Staffordshire bull terrier is a cross between a bull dog and a terrier. The breed got its separate identity and name in 1969.
- Health :
These muscular dogs can be prone to some ailments. It is important to make yourself well aware of these health problems at the very onset so that you can screen for them and treat them effectively. Heart murmur, tumors, skin allergies and thyroid problems are some of the common issues faced by this breed. Urinary Tract Infections are also a fairly common health issue seen amongst American Staffordshire Terriers.
Temperament and Personality :
- Temperament :
Well breed American Staffordshire Terriers are known for their pleasant dispositions. These are extremely friendly dogs that are good with kids, are very loyal to their owners and even strangers do not faze them. This is a breed that needs proper handling as they can be very stubborn. If they do not recognize their owners as their masters then they can easily go out of hand. Intolerance towards other pets is also paramount in this breed and unless restrained can even lead to fatal combat with other dogs.
- Activity Requirements :
This breed requires to be taken for long walks daily. They are very active indoors as well so you can adapt them for apartment staying. However, a well fenced backyard is generally a good idea with such an active dog as they can become rambunctious and destructive if not exercised enough.
- Trainability :
This is not an easy to train breed. They are very stubborn and independent and a passive owner will not be able to curb their rambunctious and often violent tendencies towards other pets especially dogs. Both obedience and respect training are important for this breed. Ensure that you always make them heel behind you on a walk as this makes them understand that you are the leader of the pack and they should be following any instructions given by you.
- Behavioral Traits :
There is an inherent violent streak in this dog for other animals. This is the reason that several people are trying to ban the breeding of this dog. However, if properly trained from childhood and exercised regularly they can be very amiable companions.
Appearance and Grooming :
- Appearance :
The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very stocky and muscular build. These are not racy or sleek dogs but have broad shoulders and a powerful head. Their eyes are low set and are generally dark in color and round in shape. Their ears might be cropped or not and are placed high up on their heads. The jaw is powerful and teeth have a scissor bite.
- Size and weight :
These medium sized dogs weigh between 57 to 67 pounds and stand 16 to 19 inches tall.
- Coat and Color :
They have a short coat which is very sleek and glossy. The dog comes in all colors, the coat can be patched, parti or solid. However, they discourage breeding of dogs that are more than 80% white.
- Grooming :
These are light shedders and are fairly easy to groom. All they need is a regular brushing of their coats; a wipe down with a chamois cloth would ensure long lasting glossiness to their coats. Wet or dry shampooing is also required at intermittent intervals.
- Body Type :
They have medium sized and muscular bodies.
Characteristics :
- Well bred American Staffordshire Terriers have a very pleasant nature
- They are very loyal and friendly companions
- They are generally violent towards other dogs and pets
- They are great jumpers and diggers
- They can be too rough in their playing when they are puppies
- They have a very strong and stubborn temperament
- These are very agile dogs with great reflexes
- They need to be exercised daily
- This dog breed is not the easiest to train
- Housebreaking this breed can be a challenge
- These can be kept as apartment dogs
Tasty Tidbits :
If not exercised regularly this breed can chew off your entire upholstery.
Care :
This dog breed is susceptible to several health problems. They need proper hygiene and regular exercising to keep them healthy. Human companionship is just as important for these dogs as they can easily become bored and aggressive if left alone for long durations.
Feeding :
This breed flourishes on homemade dog food that is made with quality ingredients and has no preservatives. Their natural diet would have been crops and meat had they been allowed to stay in their natural environment. Owners should try to replicate this in the food provided to the dogs. Soy, poultry, corn and brown rice are good for this breed.
Photos, Images, Pics, and Pictures of American Staffordshire Terrier :
Information and Facts of American Staffordshire Terrier :
1. Original name of this breed is American Staffordshire Terrier
2. It is also known by the name of Amstaff
3. This dog is of American origin
4. It is a muscular medium sized dog
5. It belongs to the terrier breed
6. It has an average life span of about 12 years
7. Males are generally 17 to 19 inches tall while females have a height of 16 to 18 inches
8. The dog weighs somewhere between 57 to 67 pounds
9. This dog can have coats in all colors, but should not be more than 80% white
10. These are extremely active dogs
11. They can be aggressive with other pets
12. The price of a puppy varies from $600 to $1000.
Also Read: Secure Your Finances: Discover the Benefits of EBT Card
