The early history of the American Staffordshire Terrier was not recorded. Still, many experts feel the Am Staff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier share some of the same ancestors, especially the old English Bulldog and perhaps the white English Terrier.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs were used in the blood sports of bull and bear-baiting. The Am Staff and American Pit Bull Terrier separated into two different breeds many years ago when the UKC recognized the Pit Bull. The AKC recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog standing between 17 and 19 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 70 pounds. The head is blocky with muscular jaws, dark, round eyes, and either cropped or natural ears. The body is muscular, with a deep, wide chest, straight front legs, and a tapered, rather short, but not docked tail. The coat is short and maybe any color.
Grooming the American Staffordshire Terrier means brushing the dog with a soft bristle brush or curry comb twice a week. This is an active breed that needs vigorous daily exercise. However, they do not have a long-distance runner’s body build, so the exercise should be long, quick-paced walks, weight pulling exercise, carting training, or a game of catch and fetch.
The ancestry of American Staffordshire Terrier includes dogs who were bred to fight and sometimes to fight other dogs. Because of this, American Staffordshire Terriers often do not get along with other dogs, especially dogs of the same sex. Although early socialization can often temper this reaction, interactions with other dogs should always be closely supervised, and those who show aggression should no longer be allowed to socialize. To prevent potential problems, all exercise should be on a leash or within a fenced yard.
American Staffordshire Terriers are excellent watchdogs. They are also gentle and affectionate family dogs who are tolerant of children’s rough play. When raised with other pets, they can be gentle and patient. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid problems.
American Staffordshire Terrier at K9 Research Lab
One reply on “American Staffordshire Terrier”
It often surprises people to learn that this extremely muscular dog with the impressive, confident presence is so easygoing.
A well-bred American Staffordshire Terrier is a dependable, good-natured, loyal companion.
Athletic and agile, with finely tuned reflexes, he must have moderate daily exercise to maintain his splendid muscle tone.
Companionship is even more important, and extensive ongoing socialization is paramount. His attitude toward strangers varies from exuberant face kissing to polite reserve, and guarding instincts vary from high to nil, with some lines being much stronger tempered than others.
His attitude toward other canines, however, is another story. His dog fighting ancestry dictates a strong-willed, no-nonsense kind of dog who does not take kindly to being challenged by other assertive dogs. If confronted, he will readily engage. Though some individuals live peacefully in a house full of pets, there is always the risk that dormant animal prey instincts may suddenly flare into deadly combat.
Staffordshires can be stubborn, yet they respond well to confident owners who know how to establish and enforce rules of expected behavior.
Because of public/media prejudice, every American Staffordshire Terrier should be trained through at least basic obedience and always leashed outside of his yard. Every well-behaved Staffordshire seen on the street can help counteract anti-breed sentiment.