The following information is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not constitute pet medical advice. Clever Fur is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
The Staffordshire Terrier is a breed known for being solid for its size and very muscular; be that as it may, they’re additionally cherishing and loving with humans they live with. American Staffordshire Terriers appreciate just being with the people they care about, regardless of whether they’re out for a run, playing in the yard, or snuggling up on the lounge chair.
They are smart and anxious to please if you don’t mind which makes them profoundly teachable; in spite of the fact that, that insight implies they need mental stimulation. On the off chance that they don’t get it, they’ll put those solid jaws to use and start to chew things unnecessarily out of boredom.
American Staffordshire Terriers can likewise utilize their massive strength to pull canine walkers easily to any place they need to go in the event that they aren’t prepared appropriately. This implies they need a firm, sure trainer who would set boundaries for the dog without being excessively cruel.
Socialization is additionally important to enable the variety to beat its normal standoffish tendencies with regards to different animals. This variety loves having something important to take care of, and they do well in athletic competitions/events, police work, and even obedience training. With appropriate training, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be a faithful cuddler and family partner, just as a skillful working canine.
History of the Staffordshire Terrier
The ancestors of the modern Staffordshire Terrier come from England and were a blend among Bulldogs and Terrier breeds. Their mixed legacy gave them numerous names, including Bull-And-Terrier Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, and Half and Half.
Ultimately, they came to be known as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These canines were used by butchers to oversee bulls, trackers to cut down wild pigs, and ranchers to help with ranch work and go about as ratters and family members since they were so warm to people.
Afterward, they were used in the savage games of bull-baiting and bear-baiting because of their tirelessness, fearlessness, and solid form. At the point when these blood sports were ultimately prohibited, they were used in dog battling rings, which unfortunately proceeds in illicit occasions right up till this present time.
It is a result of their abuse by people that they carry a reputation of being an aggressive breed.
Around 1850, a considerable lot of these dogs advanced toward America. They began to get known as American Pit Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers, and Yankee Terriers. Around the turn of the twentieth century, they were recognized and accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as American Pit Bull Terriers.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the variety as Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. In 1976, the AKC changed the name to American Staffordshire Terrier, as Americans had reproduced a bigger canine than the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and these two breeds should have been recognized from each other all the more unmistakably.
A few breeders, be that as it may, preferred the name of American Pit Bull Terrier from the UKC and kept it. Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier actually share a lot practically speaking, however they have been bred independently for over 50 years.
There are not many differences between the breeds, however, American Staffordshire Terriers will in general be somewhat bigger than American Pit Bull Terriers and appear to have more easygoing characters. American Staffordshire Terriers are presently used as guard dogs, help with police work, and contend in weight pulling and agility competitions, just as being family pets.
They actually have an awful standing as aggressive dogs and are frequently remembered for Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) that boycotts them, and some insurance agencies will not cover families that have them. Check your nearby laws and insurance policy before you choose to receive an American Staffordshire Terrier and contact your officials in the event that you can’t help contradicting BSL.
Appearance and Size
Male American Staffordshire Terriers have an average height of about 17 to 19 inches, while females will in general be somewhat smaller at an average of 16 to 18 inches in height. The average weight for an American Staffordshire Terrier is somewhere in the range of 40 and 60 pounds, however some can weigh more than that.
The short, smooth coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier can come in an assortment of colors, including blue, white, black, and red. They can incorporate a blend of white and different colors or a blend of white and brindle. It is viewed as an issue by the AKC if more than 80% of the coat is white.
Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is commended as a family dog that loves to associate with people. American Staffordshire Terriers are never more joyful than when they’re investing energy with their families, regardless of whether its during a vivacious play meeting, a long walk, or simply cuddling up on the couch with family members.
Indeed, in spite of the fact that they have standing as being guard dogs, they are probably going to welcome outsiders with bunches of licks and fondness. It is generally their muscular form and uncalled for reputation as aggressive “Pit Bulls” that scare intruders and fends them off.
All things considered, numerous American Staffordshire Terrier owners guarantee that dogs of this breed are good at judging people’s character and know individuals’ purpose, and they can make brilliant guard dogs hence.
American Staffordshire Terriers are serious dogs that will pull, bite, burrow, and bark on the off chance that they get bored. As solid, athletic dogs, they can be hard to walk, and they’ll pull their walker any place they go in the event that they’re permitted to.
They need a firm, decisive coach who will have the option to deal with them on a rope, defined limits, and give them legitimate mental and physical stimulation. They likewise require early socialization with people and different animals. While the breed is normally friendly to individuals, they can be fierce with different dogs when they aren’t mingled.
American Staffordshire Terriers are insightful, anxious to it would be ideal if you and for the most do well in training. They appreciate having something important to take care of, regardless of whether that is going about as a running mate, accomplishing nose work, running agility courses, or acting in other dog games. A trainer who can fulfill the actual needs of the American Staffordshire Terrier and monitor them occupied and will have a given, friendly, and submissive ally forever.
Grooming
The hardened, shiny hair of the American Staffordshire Terrier sheds intensely two times per year as the season’s change and sheds slightly the remainder of the year. It ought to be brushed at any rate week by week, which will help catch a portion of the shedding fur and keep the coat shiny.
Bathing them is only necessary when needed, which shouldn’t be more than a few times in a year except if the dog gets dirty. By and large, this breed doesn’t have a very remarkable “doggy smell” and can abandon a shower for quite a while. Generally, American Staffordshire Terriers’ grooming needs are genuinely low.
American Staffordshire Terriers are known to get an awful breath, so their teeth need to be brushed at least one in a week, ideally, it could be more as often as possible, to keep awful breath germs from developing.
Their nails ought to be trimmed when needed, which can be troublesome as American Staffordshire Terriers keep an eye dislike to have their paws touched. Training them ahead of time to be alright with touches and grooming will help.
Their ears ought to be checked for wax development and garbage week by week and frequently to stay away from ear contamination or bug infestation. Stay aware of ordinary veterinary exams and follow your veterinarian’s guidance for extra at-home consideration.
Health and Nutrition
The American Staffordshire Terrier is commonly known as a healthy breed, however, they are inclined to a couple of medical conditions that you have to be keeping watch for. The breed is prone to skin hypersensitivity/allergies, urinary tract infections, and immune system infections.
They may likewise develop osteoarthritis or spondylosis sometime down the road. Other medical conditions that American Staffordshire Terriers may develop include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, demodectic mange, cerebellar ataxia, coronary illness, and luxating patella.
American Staffordshire Terriers should be given an eating schedule detailed for a mid-to-large size dog with moderate energy levels. You have to contact your veterinarian or expert nutritionist for guidance on what to take care of your American Staffordshire Terrier and what size parcels they require. Their necessities will change with age, so make certain to make changes from puppyhood to adulthood and mature age as suggested.
Training and Exercise
An athletic and energetic dog, for example, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) requires a ton of activity. Forgetting about the dog and leaving them in the yard all day isn’t the correct method, notwithstanding: Yes, he can go around, however, the AmStaff is a people-oriented dog who flourishes when he is made a piece of the family.
Long play meetings with his owner build up his physical and mental wellbeing. Likewise, numerous AmStaffs appreciate partaking in dog games, for example, obedience, agility, and dock jumping. AmStaffs are even prepared in search-and-protect and dominate at it.
Early socialization and pup instructional courses are suggested for all breeds, yet given the AmStaff’s solid will, physical strength, and richness, they are a need. The breed’s knowledge and want to please make training a fun, simple cycle.
All things being equal, certain practices, for example, biting and burrowing, might be difficult to resolve. It must be noticed that canine hostility can grow even in very much mingled AmStaffs; an AmStaff should never under any conditions be disregarded with different dogs.
Why should I get an American Staffordshire terrier?
American Staffordshire Terriers are known for being adoring family dogs, even with children. All things considered, they are most appropriate to homes with kids beyond six years old.
This breed is extremely strong and can play harsh, which may bring about wounds. Small children like to jab and nudge, so it is particularly critical to prepare them in the best way to deal with animals.
Indeed, even with appropriately trained dogs of any breed, playtime with youngsters ought to consistently be directed. American Staffordshire Terriers are not by and large attached to different dogs. They were initially reared to battle, and however numerous breeders have attempted to eliminate these inclinations throughout the long term, the breed can even now be standoffish.
Meeting different dogs openly can be an all in or all out circumstance with every individual dog. Also, American Staffordshire Terriers may see different pets like cats as prey. Early socialization and growing up with different creatures can lessen the American Staffordshire Terrier’s inclinations to not coexist well with different pets, yet they might be most appropriate to one pet family.
Where can I get an American Staffordshire?
If you want to get an American Staffordshire you should look at rescue centers around you that specialize in pit bull breeds or you can check for local shelters around you if you can see any available one for you to adopt.