American Staffordshire Terrier

When it comes to loyal and loving companions, the American Staffordshire Terrier stands out. Often affectionately called AmStaffs, these dogs are known for their strong build and friendly demeanor. While they have a reputation that sometimes raises eyebrows, anyone who has spent time with one knows they’re full of love and personality.

The breed, which has an interesting history involving both working dogs and family pets, originated in the United States. AmStaffs were originally bred for strength and agility and were employed for a variety of tasks, such as farm work and hunting. They have developed into beloved family members over time, demonstrating their capacity for both gentleness and strength.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is unique in that they are devoted to their owners. These dogs create strong relationships with their families and frequently serve as guardians. With the correct upbringing and training, they may make fantastic friends for both children and adults, adding excitement and happiness to any household.

You will learn about the playful and intelligent nature of American Staffordshire Terriers as you delve deeper into their world. There’s so much to love about these amazing dogs, whether you plan to add one to your family or you just want to learn more about them.

Breed	American Staffordshire Terrier
Size	Medium
Weight	40-70 lbs
Coat	Short, smooth
Temperament	Affectionate, loyal
Exercise Needs	High
Training	Responsive, eager to please
Life Span	12-16 years

Breed characteristics

* American Staffordshire Terrier breed characteristics based on expert evaluation and owner reviews from Usatik.ru. The statistics are meandering and might not correspond to the actions of a specific person. It is regrettable that it is impossible to consider every single unique feature of a specific pet.

Brief description of the breed

What is the actual country of origin?

What is the country of origin according to the FCI?

When the breed appeared?

How much lives?

How much male weighs?

How much bitch weighs?

What is the height (height at the withers) of the male?

What growth (height at the withers) bitches?

How much does a puppy cost to documents?

What is the price of a puppy without documents?

American Staffordshire Terriers are mythological and folkloric dogs. While some believe that this breed is incredibly aggressive, others maintain that these dogs are friendly and good for homes with small children. Amstafs do indeed descend from fighting dogs, but over two centuries have passed and the breed has undergone significant changes.

Video

American Staffordshire Terrier

• History of the origin of American Staffordshire Terriers
• American Staffordshire Terrier – breed description
• Popular colors of American Staffordshire Terriers
• Character and habits of American Staffordshire Terriers
• Interesting facts about American Staffordshire Terriers
• Pros and cons of American Staffordshire Terriers
• Breeding American Staffordshire Terriers
• Caring for American Staffordshire Terriers
• Diet of American Staffordshire Terriers
• Diseases and health problems
• American Staffordshire Terrier – price and how to buy correctly

History of the origin of American Staffordshire Terriers

People needed a fast, aggressive dog with a dead grip even in the distant Middle Ages, when hunting was more of a necessity than a source of entertainment. A dog like that ought to be able to sneak into animal burrows and take down big game like bears and wild boars. Due to their slowness and awkwardness, the mastiffs and bulldogs of that era were prone to injuries and eventually passed away.

From among mastiffs and bulldogs, only the leanest puppies were chosen for breeding. The ideal fighting dog’s development started in this way: its size shrank, its mobility grew, but its fighting prowess persisted. The bull and terrier breed was created by crossing bulldogs and terriers.

Pit bulls are the ancestors of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed. The pit bull breed was established in 1880. Because they possessed both fighting and guarding skills, along with their agility, pit bulls made excellent dogs for both roles. Pit bulls were first bred just for fighting. Then, their size and large jaws set them apart.

Fascinating fact: The American Kennel Club suggested changing the name of the Pit Bull breed to Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. More specifically, the breed was split into the Staffordshire Terrier and the Pit Bull Terrier. This led to the emergence of two distinct and still-evolving dog breed branches.

The Staffordshire Terrier breed gained notoriety as Yankee Terriers in 1972 when the word "American" was added to their name. The FCI formally recognized this breed in 1972.

American Staffordshire Terrier – breed description

The American Staffordshire Terrier is of decent height and has a robust frame. Males are typically 45–51 cm tall at the withers, while females are roughly 43–46 cm tall. Both sexes are capable of weighing up to 40 kg, though women typically weigh less.

Amstaffs are built like tanks, with well-defined muscles. Despite its average size, it has the appearance of a large dog that is also incredibly small. The Amstaff has a broad, deep chest, widely spaced legs, and a slightly retracted rear leg. With a broad transition from the forehead to the muzzle, the head is enormous.

The Amstaff has prominent ears that can stand erect or semi-erect. Cropping the Amstaff’s ears was customary in the past, but contemporary cynological practices discourage this. These dogs have deeply set, wide eyes. Despite their small size, they have noticeable superciliary arches. There are prominent cheekbones and no folds in the muzzle. The Amstaff has powerful, white teeth with a scissor-like bite.

Dogs of this breed have rounded nose bridges and black noses overall. The neck is cone-shaped, short, and extremely thick. The belly tucked in tight, the chest with distinct ribs. The tail is short and tapered toward the end, with a low set. It is not appropriate to accept a docked tail.

There are distinctive flaws in this breed of dog that the breed does not acknowledge. These include pale eyes or a pink nose, pink eyelids, an overly lengthy tail, too-drooping ears, or a jaw underbite.

Even with its immense size, the dog frequently has a smile on its face. This is because of the unusual shape of the jaw, which is characterized by its extreme width and the mouth’s corners being drawn back toward the cheekbones. When the dog breathes through its mouth, a smile appears on its face. In other situations, Amstaffs appear formidable and severe.

Popular colors of American Staffordshire Terriers

Amstaffs come in a range of colors, and nearly every variety can be identified by cynological relationships. Dogs with up to 80% of their body colored in black and white, as well as black and tan, sand, and brown, are the only colors that are considered undesirable.

The following are well-known and in demand:

• A completely black Staffordshire Terrier without spots with brown eyes;
• The blue color of the Amstaff is a gradient from light gray to dark gray. The nose is also gray, the eyes are not lighter than the body color, a combination with a white chest and paws is possible;
• The red color of the Amstaff is evenly distributed throughout the body;
• Red with a touch – the top coat is darker than the undercoat, the touch is also clearly visible on the tail and all over the body;
• The fawn color of the Amstaff is a combination of light red hair with a white or gray touch. The lips, nose and eyes should also be dark;
• The brindle color is one of the rarest, in which the red body is covered with black tiger stripes;
• Blue-brindle – the stripes on the red color of the dog are gray, the nose is black.

It’s important to remember that not every American Staffordshire Terrier descended from breeding parents will adhere to the color standards. Dogs, for instance, frequently have blue eyes from birth and occasionally have different-colored noses, but other than that, they perfectly fit the breed’s requirements.

On American Staffordshire Terriers, any color—even those not identified by cynological associations—looks incredibly noble. The short, sleek coat is to blame for all of this. This coat shimmers like gloss and shines in the sun with the right maintenance. The dog looks stunning because of the colors, which give off a silver or golden tint in the sunlight.

Character and habits of American Staffordshire Terriers

Despite what the public may think, Amstaffs are not vicious dogs that are willing to attack anyone and even their owners. When puppies were deliberately bred for dog fights in the previous century, this opinion regarding dogs was formed. The breed has evolved into a family companion rather than being bred for aggressive conflicts in the past. As a result, the Amstaff’s hostile traits have been eliminated.

Amstaffs are dependable, gregarious, and athletic dogs. They have no fear at all and are totally loyal to their owners. The breed gets along well with people and behaves docilely because, among fighting dogs, those who behaved aggressively toward people were immediately rejected.

Canines of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed are brave and serene. Even if they start to act aggressively toward them, they tolerate other dog breeds. With the right training, Amstafa won’t move his body without the owner’s consent.

Amstafs are also incredibly intelligent dogs. At first, they had to consider how to attack the wild animals that they were hunting. After the intelligence was put to use in a dog fight, we have a breed of canines that are intelligent and logical. They are fantastic companions and guards because they can make decisions on their own.

Amstafs have a strong bond with their owners. It can involve a single person or a family. Amstafa shouldn’t be resold as an adult because he will never get along with other people and will become aggressive in stressful situations because he doesn’t have any owners.

Amstaffs are excellent playmates for kids because they adore them and can even take on the role of nannies. A dog of this breed should go into a good home with knowledgeable owners because of the unique qualities of dogs, which call for skillful handling.

Interesting facts about American Staffordshire Terriers

The Staffordshire Terrier breed has a rich history spanning over two centuries, and its appeal continues to grow among various demographic groups. They were sought after as fighting dogs from the start and are still sought after as active people’s companions.

Several government rescue services use Staffordshire Terriers. For instance, following the terrorist attack at the Dubrovka Theater Center, Amstaff was able to locate the terrorists’ explosives. These dogs are very intelligent, highly skilled workers, and have a keen sense of smell.

Despite being energetic dogs, Amstaffs never pass up the chance to spend time with their owners. They can, for instance, spend a considerable amount of time sleeping with a person while moving very cautiously to avoid waking them. The American Staffordshire Terrier inspired the name of the Ukrainian apparel company Staff.

All breeds of puppies enjoy being mischievous and chewing on furniture, but Amstaff puppies are among the most energetic canines in the world. It’s important to know that if you purchase a puppy of this breed, it will probably chew on any accessible shoes and furniture. As a result, you should buy plenty of chewable toys for the puppy. This also holds true for adult Amstaffs, even though they are already capable of restraining their impulses.

English terriers, the ancestors of Amstaffs, were employed in small game hunting. Even now, Amstaffs still possess certain abilities and instincts. For instance, these dogs are very good at catching rats, and they enjoy doing it. Owners of Amstaff dogs report that their animals will sometimes bite, even squirrels or other small wild animals.

Pros and cons of American Staffordshire Terriers

Amstaffs come with a lot of benefits and drawbacks. These are intelligent but sophisticated dogs that need a unique owner who is skilled in their care.

The indisputable benefits can be attributed to the following factors:

• They are easy to train. It is easy for these dogs to learn a few tricks or simple commands;
• They are very brave, so they are suitable for guarding;
• They have good health and immunity;
• The dogs are incredibly smart, they can develop their own trajectories, and act flexibly depending on the situation;
• They are unpretentious in care and nutrition;
• They can be kept in an apartment – Amstaffs are not very large dogs;
• Amstaffs do not smell like many purebred dogs;
• They are very calm and reserved, which is why they rarely bark and make a minimum of noise. If the dog barks, then this is a reason to be wary;
• They are excellent at searching for objects, they have an excellent sense of smell.

The following are some drawbacks of the breed:

• They are not suitable for people who rarely run or walk outside a lot. Amstaffs require high activity;
• Unbalanced people should not have them – Amstaffs can harbor a grudge, stop obeying the owner;
• Amstaffs need proper training, proper upbringing, so they are not suitable for soft people and inexperienced breeders. It is better to use the services of trainers;
• Amstaffs can be irritable if they do not get what they need for a long time. Therefore, they should be given attention, regularly walked with them and in no case should you forget to feed them;
• Amstaffs can be stubborn, especially with people in relationships with whom dogs feel stronger;
• Serious physical exercise is required, otherwise the Amstaff can get sick.

Breeding American Staffordshire Terriers

Dogs are not yet permitted to mate with amstaffs, who reach sexual maturity at the age of approximately nine months. Dogs need to mature physically and psychologically, or put another way, they need to grow up. For this reason, females begin mating at the age of approximately 15 months, while males begin at one year. Cynological organizations control the number of matings in each nation.

There are two methods used in Amstaff mating. You can use the free mating method if the female expresses interest in the experienced male. Everything occurs organically, but the owners keep an eye on it. Additionally, manual mating requires the presence of specialists, veterinarians, or trainers. They facilitate dog mating. Females frequently require a muzzle, and when mounting, the male needs to be restrained by the collar.

The woman gains a lot of weight during the first three weeks of pregnancy, so you can gradually alter her maintenance schedule. Less frequent walks, more frequent feedings, and the administration of specialized food supplements are all worthwhile. It is imperative that you keep the dog away from chemicals as this may have an impact on the health of the puppies. It’s also forbidden for the dog to be around sick animals.

Making sure the bitch doesn’t put on too much weight is important because it puts a lot of strain on the heart. It is advisable to limit her intake of cereals. The bitch becomes lovable, lethargic, and immobile toward the end of the pregnancy, which is a sign that labor is about to start.

Usually, bitches give birth without assistance on their own. Because of their well-developed pelvic bones, Amstaffs are able to give birth to their offspring swiftly and painlessly. Still, it’s a good idea to have a veterinarian’s phone number handy in case something goes wrong.

A devoted and active breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier is renowned for its power and loving disposition. Due to misunderstandings regarding their temperament, these dogs are frequently misinterpreted as being affectionate and socially and training-oriented. This post will examine their background, character qualities, and maintenance requirements, emphasizing why the right homes would find them to be wonderful companions.

Caring for American Staffordshire Terriers

The first thing you should do when you get an Amstaff puppy is get him a place to sleep. The truth is that you shouldn’t let the puppy get used to the bed and couch because he will grow up quickly and the owners won’t like it. The dog should also have a special spot of his own in the house.

Fascinating fact: The Amstaff must receive all vaccinations, including those for rabies and distemper, even as young children. Annual vaccinations ought to be administered in a designated month.

Purchasing an Amstaff puppy requires you to acquire an ample supply of grooming equipment. For example, you should use a hard brush with natural bristles to groom the coat. Amstaffs have short coats that don’t need much maintenance, so one brush will do. Your puppy’s breeders can also advise you on subtle grooming issues. The brush massages the blood vessels more deeply in addition to eliminating dead hair.

Wet wipes or damp towels should be used to clean the coat on a regular basis. Carefully remove any clumps of hair. Bathing the Amstaff too frequently can cause dermatitis or skin irritation. It’s critical to use specific shampoos that prevent allergies and irritation.

Claw trimming is another crucial monthly task that requires the use of a specialized tool. In order to prevent an infection, it’s also critical to periodically clean the dog’s ears and brush its teeth with a special brush.

You should take good care of your Amstaff"s health. It is necessary to exclude the possibility of parasites in the dog: for this, Amstaffs should undergo regular treatment throughout their lives. This treatment includes flea and tick prevention.

The puppy is examined for pathologies and serious diseases at three months of age. A veterinary passport is required for the dog, which facilitates the tracking of vaccinations and new dog illnesses.

Diet of American Staffordshire Terriers

Amstaffs are powerful canines in need of a diet that will maintain their muscles. Since a healthy skeleton needs a lot of calcium, it’s critical to include certain vitamins and supplements in the dog’s diet to help keep him healthy.

Food breaks down quickly in American Staffordshire Terriers due to their intricate digestive systems; therefore, it’s important to walk your AmStaf as much as possible to prevent gastrointestinal issues.

Although some dog breeds can be fed homemade diets in addition to commercial feed, you should never restrict your Amstafa purchase to store-bought food. Amstafas must be fed a lot of meat that has a high energy content. Amstafas eats anything and everything with gusto and has good digestion. For instance, you can occasionally give them leftovers from the table, though many breeders vehemently object to this.

You can serve meat both raw and cooked. It is important to cut out fatty meats from the diet, like old beef and pork. Amstafas consume a wide variety of foods, including cereal; the key is to gauge the dog’s activity level and give it the appropriate amount. If the dog engages in physically demanding competitions, you can feed him rice and millet. Buckwheat and oat cereals are the better options.

Amstafas digest food more normally when they eat soups that contain chicken and vegetables. Give a full boiled egg with the shell twice a week; it’s high in calcium. You can give your pet non-tubular bones to chew on and crush bones to add as a calcium supplement to their food.

Fascinating fact: Amstafas voluntarily consume vegetables like cabbage, zucchini, and greens and adore cottage cheese and milk. It’s important to avoid smoked, sweet, and salty foods.

Diseases and health problems

Amstafas are generally in excellent health and do not often get sick. The illnesses that affect Amstafas are frequently a general canine occurrence. Dogs of this breed seldom get sick or never get sick when given the right care. Amstafas, for instance, are prone to leishmaniasis, rabies, and the plague.

The following illnesses are more prevalent in this breed:

• Hip dysplasia. This pathology is common in many large dog breeds. Because of this, problems with the limbs and musculoskeletal system arise. A congenital disease that is diagnosed in puppies;
• Urolithiasis is also common in American Staffordshire Terriers. Stones form in the bladder and kidneys, causing pain in the dog and preventing the flow of urine.

Recognizing that your Staffordshire Terrier is ill is not difficult. Even in extremely mild cold conditions, the dog’s nose will remain dry and warm in color. Amstaffs fight off viruses with their robust immunity, so they can handle colds on their own.

The following elements will also indicate the illness:

1. Lethargy, drowsiness. An active Amstaff does not want to go for a walk and sleeps a lot;
2. Loss of appetite. Usually, owners are alarmed when Amstaffs begin to eat less, since these dogs are usually very gluttonous;
3. Drinks too much or does not drink at all;
4. Reluctantly succumbs to affection, although these dogs are usually happy to spend time with the owner.

You should never treat Amstaffs by yourself. This breed of dog should only ever be trusted to experts.

Although there are differing views on the American Staffordshire Terrier breed, one thing is certain: they make devoted and caring pets. They are excellent family pets because of their loving personality, which allows them to build close relationships with both adults and kids. These dogs have the potential to be amiable and well-adjusted community members with the correct socialization and training.

It’s critical to comprehend their level of energy and exercise requirements. AmStaffs are energetic dogs that enjoy being physically active. To keep them happy and healthy, regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are necessary. Encouraging them to participate in obedience classes or agility training can also help them let off steam and improve your relationship.

American Staffordshire Terriers are tough on the outside, but they are soft on the inside. When training them, positive reinforcement is essential. The last thing you want for this breed is fear and anxiety, which is what harsh methods can cause. They can pick up a wide range of commands and skills if they are consistent and patient.

Bringing an energetic and loyal friend into your life is what adopting an American Staffordshire Terrier entails. Their mischievous antics and steadfast loyalty will definitely make your home happier. A lifetime of love and companionship can be yours with this breed if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

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