American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
- Life expectancy is expected to be 12 to 14 years.
- America is the country of origin.
- Color: Multiple colors, solid or patched.
- Height: Males stand up to 19 inches tall, while females stand 18 inches tall.
- Attitude: Cautionary, caring, and wise.
- Males should weigh 50-70 pounds, while females should weigh 45-60 pounds.
About American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in the United States. The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is a smart, confident, and good-natured canine friend. Their bravery is legendary.
A well-socialized, ethically bred AmStaff is a loyal and trustworthy buddy to the end. AmStaffs are stocky, strong bull-type terriers with a shoulder height of 17 to 19 inches.
The dark, round eyes are set wide apart, the jaws are well defined, the cheekbones are prominent, and the head is broad. The AmStaff moves with grace and agility, with a bouncy gait that exudes the breed’s inherent confidence. The rigid, glossy coat is available in a variety of colors and designs.
AmStaffers describe their dogs as being hyper-aware of their surroundings, up for anything, and delightful ‘personality dogs’ in the house. Mental and physical obstacles are appealing to AmStaffs.
More About This Breed
- Characteristics
- History
- Personality
- Common Health Problems
- Feeding / Food / Diet
- Coat Color And Grooming
- Exercise
Characteristics
Male American Staffordshire Terriers stand between 17 and 19 inches tall on average, while females stand between 16 and 18 inches tall on average. An American Staffordshire Terrier’s average weight is between 40 and 60 pounds, while some might be heavier or lighter.
The American Staffordshire Terrier has a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to groom, and the breed does not have a “doggy odor,” which means bathing is only necessary as needed. They prefer to have a yard with a strong, high fence so they can run around and burn off energy.
History
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are both descended from the same lines. The first dog was created by crossing an old Bulldog with an old terrier breed, most likely the English Smooth Terrier.
The Bull and Terrier was the outcome, and it was later dubbed the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. In the late 1800s, they were brought to America and became known as the Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and even Yankee Terrier.
The Americans liked a somewhat larger dog than the English, and the two strains eventually split.
Personality
- American Staffordshire Terriers are typically docile and playful with their family, but they are also generally sociable toward strangers as long as their family is around.
- They are typically excellent with toddlers and kids.
- Because they are a protective breed, new dogs should be introduced slowly. They are obstinate, tenacious, and unafraid.
- Despite their rugged exterior, the most essential thing in this breed’s existence is their family’s affection. They also need to be socialized with humans and other animals at a young age.
- While the breed is naturally affectionate to people, if they aren’t socialized, they can be aggressive with other dogs.
- The American Staffordshire Terrier is a smart dog that is eager to please and responds well to training.
- They appreciate being busy, whether it’s jogging with you, doing nose work, running agility courses, or participating in other canine sports.
Health Concerns
Terrier is prone to a few fatal diseases and hence, they must be kept in check. For example, cerebellar ataxia is a progressive loss of muscular coordination that first appears between the ages of 3 and 5 years.
Ears should be checked on a regular basis, and the dog’s teeth should be washed frequently, as with all breeds.
The NBC recommends the following health tests: Cardiac examination, NCL DNA test, Hip evaluation, thyroid examination, and ophthalmologist examination.
Diet
The AmStaff should thrive on high-quality dog food, whether purchased or produced at home under the observation and consent of your veterinarian.
Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or old). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on their calorie intake and weight.
Treats can be a useful training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity. Notably, you must ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times.
Coat Color and Grooming
The AmStaff’s short, rigid coat is surprisingly easy to maintain. Every week, a quick once-over with a soft bristle brush should be enough to remove any debris or foreign matter.
A good brushing also distributes skin oils throughout the coat, which helps it stay healthy. If an AmStaff gets into something exceptionally filthy, a bath will almost certainly be required.
Otherwise, bathing might be postponed until it develops a “doggy” odor. The nails of the AmStaff, like those of all breeds, should be cut on a regular basis, since extremely long nails can be unpleasant and cause problems for the dog while walking and running.
Exercise Needs
The American Staffordshire Terrier, as an athletic, lively dog, demands a lot of exercises. However, leaving the dog in the yard all day is not a good idea:
Although he can run, the AmStaff is a people-oriented dog that flourishes when he is accepted into the family.
Long play sessions with his owner help him to improve his physical and mental health. Many AmStaffs also love participating in dog sports such as obedience, agility, and dock diving.
AmStaffs are even trained in and excel at search-and-rescue. A trainer who can meet the American Staffordshire Terrier’s physical demands while keeping them occupied and under control will have a loyal, affectionate, and obedient companion for life.