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 American Staffordshire Terrier Training and Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy and confident dog. Good tempered, extremely loyal and an affectionate family pet. It is good with children and adults and usually obedient. This dog wants nothing more then to please its master. It is a courageous and intelligent guard dog.
50 years of careful breeding has produced this friendly, trustworthy, dog who is especially good with children.
As with all dogs, American Staffordshire Terrier training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
Stocky and muscular body with a broad head and obvious cheek muscles.
Unaltered ears are preferred but may be cropped to upright. The unaltered tail looks short in proportion to the body.
The History Of The American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is also known as Am Staff. They were first seen in the USA during the 20th century.
They originated in Staffordshire, England during the 1800s by crossing bulldogs and various terriers. The breed was refined to its present appearance in America. It is difficult to disassociate the breed from its pit-fighting past.
It was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935 by the name Staffordshire Terrier. In 1972 it’s AKC name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in order to differentiate it from the smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier from England (which was not recognized until 1975).
Description Of The American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire is a muscular, stocky and yet agile dog. It is very strong for its size. It has a broad, powerful head with a short muzzle and strong jaws.
The ears are generally cropped, though is optional. Eyes are round and black and the teeth should form a scissors bite.
The average height at the shoulder is:
Dogs 17-19 inches Bitches 16-18 inches
They weigh in at around 57-67 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
The coat is short and stiff with a glossy sheen. Any color, solid, parti, or patched allowed. More than 80% are white, black and tan, and liver (not desirable).
The coat is easy to groom. Simply brush on a regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. A rub down with a piece of toweling or chamois will enhance the coat’s shine. This breed is an average shedder.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a American Staffordshire Terrier is around 9- 15 years.
Generally a healthy breed, some are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Staffordshire Terriers will be fine in an apartment if given sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do all right without a yard. This breed prefers warm climates.
American Staffordshire Terriers need regular exercise, but keep them leashed in public to avoid fights with other dogs.
More Information on the American Staffordshire Terrier
To get more information, check out the American Staffordshire Terrier website: www.amstaff.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check with: www.amstaff.org
Summary
Legislation prohibits ownership of this breed in some areas. They are not to be confused with the similar looking American Pit Bull which is a much more aggressive dog.
:: American Staffordshire Terrier Training ::
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