Table of Contents
The American Staffordshire Terrieris commonly concern to as the Amstaff . This loveable wiener is the 80thmost democratic click in the United States . They may look intimidate , but these dogs are actually very affectionate and enjoy being around people .
Although a Pit Bull is not their own stock , American Staffordshire Terriers are most commonly referred to by those who are not in the know as just a Pit Bull . Other breed that have been lumped into the Pit Bull umbrella are the American Pit Bull Terrier , the Bull Terrier , and theStaffordshire Bull Terrier . They each have their own characteristic , but what they have in mutual is their stemma .
Through massive misinformation and the highlight from some forged dog owners who have mistreated and neglected their dogs , these dogs have been give a spoilt knock . Because of their bad rap , there are many municipalities that have banned the American Staffordshire Terrier from around the world .
American Staffordshire Terriers are known for being stiff , cheerful , ready , and eager to please . They are also fast , coherent , brave , protective , and intelligent . These dogs make love people . They just require to be around the great unwashed all the sentence , but if they palpate that their family is in danger , they will do whatever they need to do to protect the people they get it on – even if it is against another homo and even at the price of their own aliveness if need be .
When training or playing , you will find that these domestic dog are full of energy . They can be a turn stubborn and want thing their way , but with a gentle yet firm hand , you’re able to teach them the rophy quickly . Once your American Staffordshire Terrier knows the melody , they will be outstanding playmates for you and your kids . They can be very gentle , even when they ’re rough - housing .
Main Characteristics ofAmerican Staffordshire Terriers
The Amstaff , with their medium sizeand muscular organic structure , can look very intimidating . In reality , they just require to be a extremity of the household . They enjoy being include in every activity that you do and even curling up on your lap covering on the couch to watch a movie .
Many people can and do confuse the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull . The main difference is their sizing . The American Staffordshire Terrier was bred specifically to conform with the American Kennel Club . This tell , the American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized , whereas the American Pit Bull is not .
Size of American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers are medium - sized dogs . On average , they will range from 15 - 19 inches high at the shoulder . This compact Canis familiaris packs a lot of muscles in their small var. .
They are able-bodied to withstand the play of toddlers and enjoy good , hard , and crude play with their possessor . Amstaffs can press between 30 to 85 pound . Like most breed , female are usually smaller than their male counterparts .
The Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers
Many things can affect how long your companion will ride out with you . How well he ’s exercised , how much he eat , and even genetics can affect the length of his life . Most American Staffordshire Terriers will live to the geezerhood of 12 - 16 years onetime .
Keeping your wiener in optimum shape can add a couple of years to his life , while let him become obese can take years off of it . The less strain that your domestic dog has on his body , the well-chosen and level-headed he will be .
Physical Characteristics of American Staffordshire Terriers
The American Staffordshire Terrier has a lot of like characteristics to their other cousins in the Pit Bull family . Since they were all bred from the original Terriers that were used for bull baiting , it ’s no wonder that they have a mickle of similarity .
Amstaffs come in many different colors . They include red-faced , blue , brown , greyish , black and livid , and brindle . What you will not witness is an all - white American Staffordshire Terrier . Their coat should be short , stiff , and shiny .
American Staffordshire Terriers have very large , unspecific head . With their medium - distance muzzle , powerful jaw , and very pronounced face muscles , they will be able to masticate through almost anything that you give them .
SIMILAR clause : English Bulldog Breed Profile
Their ear are set gamy on their heads , and they should be half - pricked and not fully drooped . Their centre are dark , round , and put low into their skull . An American Staffordshire Terrier ’s eyes should be set far aside . They should not have pinkish lid .
This strain has a gun muzzle that is intermediate length and ends in a black nozzle . On the upper side of their muzzle , it should be rounded and light away under their eyes . Their tooth should be a tight fit , with their upper jaw just more or less resting ahead of their downcast jaw , give the American Staffordshire Terrier a slight overbite . There should be no loose skin around their sass and jaws .
They have powerfully muscled necks . This is a must - have to keep their large , broad headway up . Their necks are more or less arched and go from the back of their head word down to their shoulders and into their broad and abstruse chest .
Their backs are somewhat short . There should be a slender sloping from their lower backs to their buttocks and intercept at the radical of their tails . Amstaffs have keister that are brusque and tapered , ending off at a point . Oftentimes , these tails will play like a whip , especially when the bounder is excited . Their tails should never be docked or curve over their backs .
Their foreleg should be astray - go down and straight to lodge their wide-eyed , wide chest . Their body should taper down once fall their rib cages . Their hind leg are straight and should not turn in or out but remain true .
Living Arrangements for American Staffordshire Terriers
American Staffordshire Terriers are medium - energy dogs . They need consistent daily energy , and as long as they can get this , they can live almost anywhere . They require anexperienced and sure-footed possessor . If you are not able-bodied to be the dominant member of the house , then this dog is not for you .
They make great companions when in the city , as long as when you go out for your walks , they are on a triad . It is not suggested , and strongly deter , to take your Amstaff anywhere off - leash or to a dog park . This will keep your favorite and others dependable .
When living in the suburbs , make certain to have your dog in a fenced - in yard . An electronic fence is not enough for an American Staffordshire Terrier . With their high-pitched threshold for pain and their high prey inherent aptitude , this strain may go over the bound without quit at the electronic fencing .
The other downside to these fence is that they do not forestall other animal from coming into your G . If it ’s another dog , cat , or small animal , your Amstaff may go after it .
American Staffordshire Terriers are a great selection for anyone who lives a fairly active life and will have lots of time to have their canine tooth companions by their side . These dogs are also great for young families with lowly kid .
Most American Staffordshire Terriers are content when they live on their own . If you wish to have other animals in your household , verify tosocialize your puppyright away when they come home . This will avail your detent to espouse these other animals into its ring .
Best-Known American Staffordshire Terrier Facts
These average - sized , confident , good , and intelligent little dogs will love ferociously and absolutely . They are super devoted to their families , to the point where they will champion the people they bonk with their life .
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a family pawl and wants to be a lap frump . They are completely loyal to their family but want to chew the fat everyone . These dogs are very affectionate and just need to show how loveable they are .
If an Amstaff gets the chance to play , that ’s what they want to do . They ’ll spend a foresighted time in the backyard just playing fetch with you . Give your American Staffordshire Terrier raft of affectionateness and praise . They are always eager to please you and desire you just to be well-chosen with them .
Amstaffs just desire to be near humankind . They are very affectionate ! A expert pat , rub behind the ears , or just tossing them the musket ball will make this dog very happy . They even enjoyplaying with children . Their sturdy frame allow them to defy tot dramatic play .
Even though they are prominent , they can be very patrician with kids .
astonishingly , though they are tender to mankind , Amstaffs are almost the complete opposite of other animals . store your Amstaff on a trio is paramount to their and others ’ safety . If socialized from a very young age , they can experience a felicitous living with other animals , but this is not the average .
American Staffordshire Terriers were bred to be swift and potent . They are born to make for fetch and sexual love going for runs with their proprietor . Amstaffs care to work , too . They require to be put to work and have a business to do .
These dogs have a lot of long suit and want to use it for a purpose . They are great for commit heavy object or using a sled to carry things for you . This agreat workoutand have your dog feel like he has a purpose . When making him go , make certain to keep the extolment high and heavy . It ’ll keep him happy and eager to proceed to please you .
American Staffordshire Terriers are a member of the Pit Bull family . They were bred from Bulldogs and Terriers a couple of one C ago . As such , they have a very hefty bite and lower jaw . They also have a dogged obsession with chasing smaller animals .
This has banned most pit bull breeds in many body politic , city , and municipalities .
Before adopting or purchase your American Staffordshire Terrier , verify to check with your local governance on the rules regarding Amstaffs and similar strain . This will avail to protect your dog from being needlessly seized and destroyed .
With all the bad information that has been out there , you ’d think that the American Staffordshire Terrier would be one of thebest guard dogsaround , but you ’d be untimely . These sleep together dog adore humans , all human race . As long as their mob is safe , they ’ll handle all humans like they ’re the sound people around , especially if they are pass to give the dog a pat .
You will probably be alert to someone in your grand simply because your Amstaff will bark as his buttocks is wagging and come near his unexampled Quaker . Anyone with mal - intent who approaches your house may be scare off just from the looking of your American Staffordshire Terrier . They face fierce , so this may keep your valuables safe .
If your Amstaff think that you or any fellow member of his family is in peril , he will defend you with everything he has , including his own life .
Over the twelvemonth , many celebrities have had American Staffordshire Terriers as their pet . Some of those renown admit :
This breed has had its 15 hour of renown several times over the year . During World War I , they were impersonate on recruiting posting . Tige was an Amstaff in theBuster Browncomic striptease . The RCA used Nipper as their trademark dog . In the 1930s comedy show “ Our Gang , ” they had a dog-iron named Petey , who was an Amstaff .
American Staffordshire Terrier History
The thing we need to understand beforelearning about the account of this breed is that the American Staffordshire Terrier was earlier bred to be aggressive against other animal but to be gentle with their handlers . Their coach had to be able to stick their hands into the pits to damp up fight without being anguish themselves .
This is how their traits have issue forth to be : strong-growing towards other creature yet gentle and patriotic to humans . If you ’re thinking about adopting one of these wonderful dogs , this is something that you need to understand . This trait has been spawn into the dog , and although they are n’t all this fashion anymore , it may be a trait that you wo n’t be able to change with proper socialization and training .
In the mid-1800s , the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was brought over to the Americas . Americans wanted a larger breed , so they influence at breeding in the traits that would then make them larger and stronger .
The Amstaff ’s fighting abilities made them a fan favorite amongst the gentlemen and worker alike . They absolutely dominate in fight nether region . It was in the perdition that they became lie with as the Pit Bull Terrier , American Bull Terrier , and , less commonly , Yankee Terrier .
With their raw traits , they became greatdogs to help on the farm . They were put to oeuvre hunting raging game like raving mad bull and bears , protect the property from foreign animals , finding and killing any rats that were nearby , and ( during the quiet minute ) being a companion to their master .
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In 1898 , The United Kennel Club include these dogs into their fold . They were call the American Pit Bull Terrier for the UKC . In 1936 , The American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier , although they promise them “ Staffordshire Terriers . ”
In 1972 , The AKC formally changed the name Staffordshire Terriers to American Staffordshire Terrier to recognise between the 2 breed – the smaller scrap adaptation and the larger , more seek - after line . Since then , the American Staffordshire Terrier breed has been bred to conform to the AKC standards , resulting in slight differences between the two cousins . Some of these differences admit their build and personality .
American Staffordshire Terrier’s General Health and Common Ailments
Like most of those in the Pit Bull menage umbrella , the American Staffordshire Terrier is broadly speaking healthy . However , even with the best breeds , there are some thing that can go unseasonable . see this breed ’s common health status will give you suggestion about what to look for when your pooch is n’t feeling his unspoiled .
Due to the bod of their consistence , your domestic dog can haveHip or Elbow Dysplasia . Most of these issues can be found in the pup but will be more noticeable once your dog is about two years old . wiener that are engender responsibly should not have this issue , as a heap of the sentence , it can be passed on genetically .
tegument allergiesare also very unwashed in Amstaffs . Most of the time , the allergy are due to things that are in your dog ’s environment , such as flea , grass , pollen , and dust . Less plebeian are allergic reaction to intellectual nourishment . These allergies can stimulate intense itching and make your dog very uncomfortable .
so as to palliate the itching , your detent will scrape and dig at himself , sometimes so much so that he will cause himself to bleed . This needs to be curbed becauseopen woundsmay get secondary infections in the damage tissue .
Depending on the allergic reaction , there are a brace of thing that can be done . If you’re able to remove the allergen from your andiron ’s environment , that is the first step . If you ’re not able to do this , peach to your vet about what medication can be ply .
There are several dissimilar cast of affectionateness disease that are vulgar in the American Staffordshire Terrier as well . The mostcommon conformation is aortal stenosis . This is something that the frankfurter is born with , and it can regard each dog a bit other than .
Aortic stenosisrestricts the blood flow through the ventricles and aorta of the sum , and it can cause the dog to be timeworn or suffer from a deficiency of vigor . It can even induce sudden death without any admonition . During your vet visit , the veterinarian should be able to take heed an issue with the heart . They can then go onward and do ecstasy - shaft of light or an electrocardiogram to support that it is aortic stenosis .
When your American Staffordshire Terrier hits midway age , he may bediagnosed withhypothyroidism . This is when the thyroid gland no longer work properly and will cause your andiron to start gain weight no matter what you do . If this pass , you will have to get some medicament from your vet . Your dog will be required to take this medication for the rest period of his life .
Cerebellar ataxiais a neurological disease that causes the reformist decline of the muscle . This is an familial disease . The first signsusually start to appear when the dog is between 3 to 5 class old .
You ’ll find these sign of the zodiac when your dog seems to suffer his counterweight often or has issues make corner . He may also fall down when he shakes his head . lately , a screening test has been arise to recognize this disease in aircraft carrier dogs . When buying your puppy , check that that the breeder is using this genetic examination on their dogs to check that that they ’re not clear on the cistron .
Obesityis a very well-situated job to keep in tick , and it ’s also very easy for your dog to become . Making sure that he has an tolerable amount of exercise and not an exuberant amount of food will ensure that your frump stays at a healthy weight .
If your Amstaff is too heavy for his frame , it can cause joint issues . This will make it harder for him to walk and get around .
How To Groom An American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers have a short , silklike pelage , but they still shed . for keep their shedding down , ensure to brush your Amstaff once or twice a week . Using a piano curry brush orde - desquamation toolshould be sufficient for his coat .
commend that during the alteration of the seasons , your firedog will molt more often . To keep the pilus off your floor , furniture , and dress , brushyour preferent 2 - 3 times a week during these months . Giving your heel bathsregularly or pass over him down with a wet towel will also help to keep his coat shiny and healthy - looking .
American Staffordshire Terriers should never be trimmed or de - whiskery .
Ears
Their ears are very easy to care for . Periodically insure them to see if there ’s any wax body-build - up , and if so , pass over it away with a tender material . If you find that there is a lot of excess buildup , you could use a cotton mop . Never go into the ear canal . This can cause life-threatening issues to your dog ’s hearing .
The American Staffordshire Terriers ' spike are half drooped , which means that normally , the melodic line is able to get inside the ear to help dry them . This will aid with the amount of wax that builds up , as it will dry up and pass out . Also , the amount of piss that will stay in their ear will be minimum . It will be able to drain out or dry out up .
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Nails
Your American Staffordshire Terrier may not be able to don his own nails down with just exercise . check that toclip or grind the nailson a regular basis . You should not be capable to hear the nail go click , click , fall into place as your dog walks through the house .
If nails become too long , they can snap or break . Even worse is having them get caught on something and rip off , which will mean a head trip to the veterinary to get stitches , at the very least . With some easy preventative care , you may keep your Amstaff healthy and happy .
Teeth
Oral care is very important to helping your dog keep all of his tooth . You canbrush his teethon a regular basis and also use teething products like antlers and cow bones . Working away the extra plaque and grime that gets stuck on your dog ’s teeth will help to keep him sizable .
American Staffordshire Terriers have jaw that are secure enough that they ’ll be able to bust through anything that you give them . They like to masticate , so ensure to have lots of perdurable toys around that your pup can gnaw on .
How To Train and Exercise An American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers need to starttheir grooming from a very former age . As soon as you play them home , you should come out their training . Do not wait until after they have turn over 6 month to commence their training . They will most probably be put in their ways and be hard to school by then .
Amstaffs can become very refractory , bossy , and stuck in their ways . You need to ensure that your hound knows who the Alpha of the family is and fast . This will make the quietus of his grooming easier .
This is not the case of wiener for inexperienced or first - fourth dimension dog owners .
ensure to appease patient and relaxed when working with your American Staffordshire Terrier . The energy that you put into the training will pass over into your Amstaff . If you ’re accent out , he will become stressed out and not be able to reply properly . Being calm with an authoritative program line will get through to him much faster .
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If you plan on having your American Staffordshire Terrier around other animals , check that to start socializing him as soon as you come home . If you dramatise an grownup Amstaff , check that he is being socialized as a pup . These dogs are get laid to give chase smaller fair game , but American Staffordshire Terriers that have grown up with other animals can be very loving towards these fauna .
genial foreplay can be a gravid way to train your andiron . Doing activities like agility , obedience , or eventracking trainingwith your heel can really meliorate his readiness to listen and learn new tricks . Keep work with him , and be patient with mountain of praise .
Show off your amazing dog , and get the public see just how well - mannered and comport he is . Allow people to approach and admire your pet . They ’ll be proud of with themselves , and you ’ll be able-bodied to avail civilize others on how great of a breed the American Staffordshire Terrier really is .
Exercise
casual recitation is highly significant . You involve to keep your American Staffordshire Terrier well - exercised if you want to have a glad home . It ’s very of import not to exercise in uttermost estrus or cold since this breed is susceptible to hypothermia and heating exhaustion . seek to do your play times alfresco in coolheaded to warm temperature , and play indoors with central cooling or heat during extreme temperature .
There are many exercises that you and your American Staffordshire Terrier can enjoy together . These dogs enjoy a sight of rough - trapping , playing towboat - of - state of war , and mentally stimulating games such as legerity and obedience .
When playing rocky with your dog , ensure that he knows his boundary and when too far is too far .
Leash walks are great for both you and your doggie . Three half - time of day walks a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. is ideal . Make indisputable to keep your dog on a leash at all time to help keep him and others safe . Since you never know how he is going to be around strange dogs , it ’s very significant to check those situation .
ensure that you have your bounder aim well towalk on a tether . Since Amstaffs are so substantial , it ’s very important that you are always in control and that your hot dog is not going to overmaster you .
Dog parks are not recommended . Other frump interaction are not able-bodied to be controlled , so to keep your bounder and everyone else around secure , avoid these position .
A beneficial secret plan of fetch in your backyard is corking ! Being in a fence in - in grounds is ideal to keep the playfulness enclosed and give your American Staffordshire Terrier a safe place to revel himself . Keep some fun , durable toys out in the backyard to play with .
Although they do favor to be inside with you , it ’s also adept to appropriate them some out-of-door playtime where they can just bask themselves and be a dog . Go alfresco with your Fido and throw some toys around for him . Durable ropes , egg , and India rubber toys will facilitate towithstand their substantial jaw .
What To Feed American Staffordshire Terriers
sizeable nutrition is very importantfor keeping your American Staffordshire Terrier thin , clean-cut , and healthy . When Amstaffs overeat , they can become weighty . This causes a lot of straining on their joints and harmonium . fleshiness will also increase your dog ’s chances of having hip or elbow dysplasia .
Keep your Amstaff to just chase food ( the high the degree , the better ) , and keep the tabular array flake away . Most frank nutrient manufacturer have specific types of product for different breed , or at least for small dogs versus grownup dogs . Purchase dog solid food that is specifically made for medium to large dogs .
You ’ll also require to look out out for the number of fillers that are in the food . Go for meats over cereal when picking your dog ’s dieting . Your American Staffordshire Terrier should get 1 ½ – 2 ½ cupful of food a day , dissever into 2 meals .
For more information on how to choose the best dog food for your deary , you could read some of our articles on the subject area , let in :
Best Dog Food for American Staffordshire Terriers
Choosing the best solid food for American Staffordshire Terriers is important , as it will match your deary ’s unique case-by-case nutritionary needs . A quick conversation with your vet or a canine nutritionist will teach you about the proper nutritional requirements of this breed and which canine diet may be good for your Fido .
Keep in mind that all American Staffordshire Terriers will have different nutritionary needs depending on their long time , weight , and underlying health conditions . Here are a few quick choice for the best dog food for an American Staffordshire Terrier :
you could get more entropy on the generalbest wienerwurst solid food brands in this limited review .
How are American Staffordshire Terriers with Children?
Like their cousins , the Staffordshire Bull Terriers , these andiron are also know as “ she-goat ” dog-iron . Their toleration and love of child are very dandy . That ’s why this breed would make an excellent addition to any family .
They are large enough to be durable during playtime , yet they are very gentle with your small children . They are highly patient and will enjoy endless hours ( or what can seem like hours ) of fetch when your yearling can only shed the musket ball a foot off . You may even discover the two of them napping away together with your Amstaff , keeping your child safe and affectionate .
Although they are so dear with kids , you should never leave your small children alone with dogs . They should not be used as a substitute babysitter . check that that play between small kid and dogs is always supervised to keep everyone secure . teach your childrenhow to go up and play with all dogs is very important .
Where To Adopt American Staffordshire Terriers and American Staffordshire Terrier Puppies?
Before even calculate into adopting or purchasingan American Staffordshire Terrier , make certain to check on the local BAN with your government . This will help to prevent the needless seizure and destruction of your family darling .
The American Staffordshire Terrier is always included in Pit Bull banning .
There are three different way to learn your new American Staffordshire Terrier . you’re able to go through a breeder , an adoption shelter , or through nine .
Breeder
Looking for a reputable breeder should be of your highest concern when recollect about purchase your new puppy . seem for someone who is concerned in you and your family line and how you know . You’llwant a breederwho is interested in the upbeat of their pups and where they are go to be place .
Reputable breeders will also check that that the adult are well drive care of and that the whelp are well - socialise . They will ensure that the litter is in a light and safe area .
Your breeder should be open and honest about the dissimilar disease that are genetic in Staffordshire Bull Terriers , and they should have several different tests done on the puppies before you get them . These should be record with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA ) .
The tests to look for let in hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia . The dogs should also have their eyes tested through the Canine Eye Registry Foundation . you’re able to mark that these tests have been done and what their results are on the OFA website ( offa.org ) .
Keep in creative thinker that all results are available on the OFA internet site , not just the passing test . ensure to insure what the musical score is before adopting your new pup . you’re able to get hold many reputable Breeders that are registered with theAmerican Kennel Clubor theAmerican Pit Bull Terrier Club of New England .
Adoption Shelter
Unfortunately , for many different grounds , Staffordshire Bull Terriers can not always stay in their home . This does not intend that they are high-risk dog or even that it ’s a job with the frump itself . Some could have amount into the tax shelter due to a breakdown in the home plate or the passing of a bang one .
Many of these dogs are corking and just need a fresh forever home . And let ’s face it , you’re able to skip the puppy stage by doing this .
There are many dandy sites that you could go to when you ’re look for your new comrade , and of course , you should stress to find out as much data as you could about these dogs . You ’ll also be able-bodied to see if there are any issues in adult hot dog . Hip dysplasia and other genetic default will be more big in an old dog .
Some sites to check out out are :
Clubs
TheAmerican Staffordshire Terriers Club of Americais a great place to foregather information on where to find and take on your new pooch . They will also help you with any questions that you may have about your new frump or any stock breeder . They are an splendid resource to discover reputable breeders or heel who are in need of help .
American Staffordshire Terrier: What to look out for?
When acquiring your new pup , you want to , first and foremost , stay light of puppy mills . Places that are just in it for the money and do n’t actually manage for the well - being of the weenie or where they are buy the farm to be placed are in all probability puppy mills . Other sign of the zodiac of puppy mill are how the hotdog are housed and how much litter is on the go at any give clock time .
Other sure sign of wrongdoing are when there are no papers available for your unexampled dog ( unless you are catch a tax shelter dog-iron under certain situation ) . All fresh pup should have their shots and be tested by vets and pro before they can be given out .
puppy should never be take out from their mothers before they reach the age of 8 workweek . They need this time to learn proper socialization skills and also have sentence for all of their checkups . verify to call in your vet within days of getting your new dog . They will be able to go over your novel hot dog and check his health .
