The American Staffordshire Terriers are robust, strong, muscular and agile. It is protective of its home and family. It knows the difference between time for protecting and time for relaxing. It must not be confused with two other breeds which are much related to it: the American Pitbull Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
They are good to children and to their owners. Although they may be aggressive with other dogs, so if it is going to live with other dogs of its same genre, they should be introduced since they are puppies (before sexual maturity) or work on the socializing process patiently.
ALLOWED COLOURS
History:
The American Staffordshire-Terrier origin is very complex. It comes from the cross of the Old English Bulldog breeds and Terrier dogs. The dog resulting of this crossing arrived in the United States in the XIX century, and in 1898, the first specimens of this breed were presented, as they had been recognized by the United Kennel Club. In its beginnings; this dog was used for dog and bull fighting, activities now considered illegal in most of the world. Currently, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not an aggressive dog anymore; instead, it is a good companion dog. The breeders focused on reducing the aggressiveness.
In 1936, the American Kennel Club had recognized a few lineages of this breed with the name of “Staffordshire Terrier”, and so the “Staffordshire Terrier Club“ was created in Illinois. As consequence, it was admitted as a member of AKC in 1940. In 1972, the “American” adjective is added, and the breed is recognized by the FCI.
Characteristics:
Height bitch: 43~46 cm / Height male: 46~48 cm
Weight bitch: 28~40 kg / Weight male: 28–40 kg
It is a muscular dog, agile and elegant. Its coat is short, thick, and lustrous, and it can be of any color. This breed gives the impression of being very strong thanks to its size and muscular appearance. The head must be broad on the front and end in two-third parts in the snout with a “spoon” configuration and a scissors bite. The legs must be adequately separated, in relation to the shoulders width, which must match with the same large as the one measured in the eighth rib. Likewise, the legs must not be so long, and the animal does not have to give the impression of having a great speed figure. The chest must be broad to allow the development of the pectoral muscles of the animal. Meanwhile, the tail must be short and placed on top of the hip. There should not be any angulation in the front legs, and it must be minimum in the back ones.
It is a powerful and complex breed. What this breed has to offer depends completely on its master. Their skills have no limits: unbeatable strength, unlimited desire to please; an animal ideal for activity and work. Also, at the same time, this dog can be a wonderful partner, an affable animal with family and friends, and has a great ability as a guardian.
Temperament:
This breed is naturally sociable and enjoys human company. They are protective, especially with children, and are not a threat to the kids at home, because they know when to stop while they are playing with them.
An American Staffordshire Terrier will not turn down other dog’s challenge, and if it feels threatened by other animal or individual, it will not doubt to fight back. It is recommended to take them out for a walk with their leash. It is important to keep in mind that in some countries it is compulsory to make them wear a muzzle in case they go out to public places. According to the Spanish legislation, it is one of the eight “potentially dangerous” breeds.
It is a breed which adapts easily to any kind of place, both urban as rural. In farms, they are capable of spurring on the cattle, and because of its Terrier nature, they will control the vermin population.
Maintenance:
As its coat is short, it will only need to be brushed once or twice a week with a soft bristle brush, because a metallic one could hurt its skin. It can be washed every month and a half or even every two months.
Their working and hunting dog genes make them a breed which can get bored easily if they are alone; that is why it is recommended to leave them with some toys to encourage its entertainment and avoiding any accidents happening at home.
They need regular and active exercise combined with games and any kind of stimulation. If they are well maintained physically, they can adapt living in reduced places, such as apartments.
Health:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very healthy dog, although some of them may be affected by a tendency of developing cataracts, heart diseases, and hip dysplasia.
It has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier
You can download the FCI (International Cinological Federation) standard at the following http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/286g03-en.pdf
on American Staffordshire TerrierI have had mine for 12 years. She is very loving, loyal. The best dog I have every had in...
on American Staffordshire TerrierI've had one for years, any one would be hard pressed to find a more loyal or loveing pet
on American Staffordshire TerrierHola, como estas? El Bull no pertenece al nombre de la raza. Si bien es un Terrier tipo Bull el...
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Duane Berry –
I’d like to buy a 🐶
Becky Jo –
I have had mine for 12 years. She is very loving, loyal. The best dog I have every had in 60+ years. She has saved my granddaughter from a neighbor’s dog trying to attach. So easy going, no licking, barking or messes..
Glen Allen –
I’ve had one for years, any one would be hard pressed to find a more loyal or loveing pet
Martin –
Hola, como estas? El Bull no pertenece al nombre de la raza. Si bien es un Terrier tipo Bull el nombre es América Staffordshire Terrier. El Staffordshire Bull Terrier es otra raza, emparentada si pero no la misma, inglesa.