Known mainly for its skills as watchdog, weight pulling, agility and guarding; the American Staffordshire shares many qualities of its British Cousin, the Staffordshire Bullterrier.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: USA
Used for: Terrier
Average Life Span: 9-15 years
Color: All colors including solid, parti and patched but shouldn’t b more than 80% white
Coat: Thick, stiff and has glossy hair
Average Height: 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Weight: 57-67 pounds
Group: Terrier
History and Domestication
Crossing among various Terriers and bulldogs lead to creation of the muscular, combative and active Staffordshire Bullterrier in England in the 19th century.
Later, it was brought to the US and the American breeders increased its weight and gave it a head which was more powerful.
The breed is now recognized as a separate breed and is heavier and muscular than its British Cousin.
The American Staffordshire Terrier was recognized by AKC in 1936.
Standard Physical Characteristics
Going by its size, the American Staffordshire Terrier or Am staff is extremely strong, muscular and agile. It is a broad and stocky dog with a powerful head and muscular body. It has muzzle of medium length which is rounded on the upper side. The eyes are low down in skull and set far apart and are dark and round. According to AKC standard, the eyelids shouldn’t be pink. It has a strong jaw and lips are close and even. The ears can be cropped and uncropped and are set high on the head.
Care, Grooming and Health
As the breed has a smooth and shorthaired coat, grooming and caring for it is very easy. It requires brushing on a regular basis with firm-bristled brush. Bathe and shampoo only when necessary. The breed sheds moderately.
Daily exercise is important for these dogs. Without it, it will difficult to control them. They need to be taken on long walks/ runs or jogs on an everyday basis. They also need to e taught to enter and exit gates only after their human leader. The breed is prone to skin allergies, heart murmurs, thyroid problems and hip dyslexia.
Living Conditions
If provided with enough exercise, these dogs will do okay with apartments. They are active indoors, so will need an average sized yard. The breed prefers living in warmer climates.
Temperament
This is an intelligent, outgoing, happy, stable and confident dog. It is an extremely loyal and affectionate family pet. it is also gentle, amusing and loving dog. The dog is good with children and adults. The dog is obedient most of the times as it loves to please its maser. The dog is full of life and makes an extremely courageous guard dog. If provoked, he proves to be a persistent fighter. The dog is highly protective of its owners and their property and will fight and enemy till death if its owner or his property is threatened. The breed is extremely difficult to housebreak.
