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Height:
18 to 19 inches (male); 17 to 18 inches (female).
Size:
Medium.
Weight:
55 to 70 pounds (male); 40 to 55 pounds (female).
Availability:
May take some effort to find.
History:
The roots of the American Staffordshire Terrier can be
traced through early Mastiff warriors, to the original Bulldogs in England,
which were used in the bloody sport of bull baiting. As bear and bull
baiting declined in popularity, interest in dog fighting increased. Breeders
wanted to create more agile fighting dogs for this sport, so they crossed
their Bulldogs with game terriers to create what was then known as the
Bull and Terrier Dog, Half and Half, Pit Bull, or Pit Bullterrier. Actual
breeding records were closely kept secrets, so much of the Bull and Terrier's
early history is a mystery. The Bull and Terrier later became known as
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England.
When British settlers came to America, they brought their
dogs of various sorts with them, including Bull and Terrier types. These
energetic, intelligent animals helped out as general farm dogs, guardians,
stock dogs, and even as wild pig and bear hunters, in addition to continuing
their role as pit fighters. In the US, the breed has been called Pit Dog,
Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and Yankee Terrier, and American
Pit Bull Terrier. Over the years, the American breed became generally
larger and heavier than his British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
With their great spirit, energy, and affection for their family, the American
Staffordshire Terrier has been described as the "All American Dog."
In 1936, the American version was accepted into the AKC
under the name Staffordshire Terrier (though foundation stock for the
breed included American Pit Bull Terriers before the stud book was closed).
However, some American Pit Bull Terrier breeders were concerned that joining
the AKC would move the breed too much towards conformation showing, and
away from its working roots, so they remained outside the AKC and kept
the name American Pit Bull Terrier. At this point, the Staffordshire Terrier
and the American Pit Bull Terrier began more strongly to diverge. In 1972,
the Staffordshire Terrier was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier
to better distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier. There are still some dogs dual registered and even triple registered
in the AKC as American Staffordshire Terriers, and in the United Kennel
Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) as American
Pit Bull Terriers.
Today's American Staffordshire Terrier is primarily a show
dog and family companion. His working abilities and athleticism also help
him excel at many sports, including obedience, agility, and weight pulling.
Because of the breed's affection for people, some American Staffordshires
have become therapy dogs.
Description:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile
dog, extremely strong for his size. He has a broad, powerful head with
highly pronounced cheek muscles, and very strong jaws. The ears are generally
cropped, though this is optional. If the ears are not cropped, they should
be either rose or half prick, not pendulous. The eyes are round and dark,
set far apart. Pink eyelids are considered a fault in conformation. The
nose is black and the teeth should form a scissors bite. The chest is
broad, with straight forelegs, and the topline slopes slightly from the
withers to the rump. The relatively short tail tapers to a point and is
not docked. The short, sleek coat comes in many colors and color combinations,
though all white, more than 80% white, black-and-tan, and liver are discouraged.
Notes:
A strong, determined, intelligent breed, American Staffordshires like
to dig, and are also athletic climbers and jumpers, so they need a more
secure environment than some other breeds. Ask responsible breeders for
guidance about this. Be sure to check with city and county authorities
to see whether there are any regulations regarding ownership of this breed
in your area. Beware of hip dysplasia; buy only from OFA certified stock.
Can do well in most climates with adequate shelter. Be aware of possible
overexertion in hot weather and of chilling in cold weather. Some lines
may be prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, and tumors.
Ask breeders what types of health screening they do for their breeding
stock.
Personality:
Very courageous and tenacious. Loving, affectionate, and sensitive. Active and athletic. Devoted and intelligent, and wants to please his master, but can be willful. Requires a firm hand and an owner willing to invest time and energy in positive, patient obedience training. Very people-oriented, the American Staffordshire needs lots of interaction with and attention from his owner. Do not get this breed unless you want to spend lots of time with your dog. An unattended, bored AmStaff may find ways to entertain himself that the owner will not appreciate.
Does best in a one-dog household - if you own more than
one dog, never leave them together unsupervised. If you want to get two
dogs, the best combination is one male and one female. Though some AmStaffs
can be trained to get along with cats and other non-canine pets, they
do have a high prey drive, so great care is advised.
The AmStaff is a discriminating, intelligent watchdog who
is loyal and will protect his family. However, the AmStaff is generally
friendly with friendly strangers, so though they look tough, this is one
of the most often stolen breeds, and is not considered to be a particularly
good property guardian.
The pit fighting ancestors of the
AmStaff were specifically bred not to bite humans, so their masters could
safely handle them even in the midst of a dog fight. Therefore, though
American Staffordshire Terriers have a tendency to be dog-aggressive,
they are not generally aggressive towards people. Good with children,
the AmStaff has a very high tolerance of pain, which allows the dog to
tolerate more inadvertently rough handling from children than some other
breeds allow. (As with all breeds, children should
always be supervised with dogs and should be trained how to treat them
properly.)
Even though selective breeding since the 1930's has led
the breed away from its fighting heritage, older pups and adult American
Staffordshires can still be very dog-aggressive, and may go after another
dog, particularly if challenged. If this happens it does not bode well
for the other dog. Socialize very thoroughly when young to combat aggressive
tendencies and be sure to keep the dog completely under control when other
dogs are present. The best way to prevent aggression problems is to socialize
the dog well and keep the dog out of situations where confrontations are
likely. Try never to allow the dog to get into a fight.
Novice owners who are willing to learn to be in charge and to deal responsibly
with dog aggression issues in the breed can succeed with the AmStaff.
Behavior:
Children: Good with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Moderately easy to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: May be aggressive with same-sex dogs; Do not trust with non-canine
pets.
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog aggressive.
Noise: Average barking.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Almost no grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping of the coat needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Docking / Cropping: The ears are customarily cropped.
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise needed.
Jogging: A good jogging companion.
Indoors: Very active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Fairly long lifespan (about 12-15 years).
Talents:
Obedience, agility, watchdog, weight pulling, performing tricks, and Schutzhund.
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