Dogs 101 – AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER – Top Dog Facts About the AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

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Dogs 101 – AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER – Top Dog Facts About the AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the Amstaff, is a medium-sized dog that shares its ancestry with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs were developed in England in the 19th century, first near Birmingham and then in the county of Staffordshire, by mixing the Bulldog with several terrier lines. The resulting Bull-and-Terrier Dog became most popular for use in the sport of dog fighting. This dog, which soon came to be known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, found its way to the US in the late 1800s. Americans bred for a slightly larger size, and with time the two strains diverged. By the mid-1930s, the American strain, known simply as the Staffordshire Terrier, had been identified as a separate breed. The name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972. One of the dogs identified in the pit bull family, it continues to be bred to play an aggressive role in the pit or as a guard dog by many owners, but it is actually a very docile and loving animal, which has also stayed popular as a family pet.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
– What is the only color for the nose permitted according to the AKC breed standard for the American Staffordshire Terrier?
o A: Brown
o B: Skin
o C: Black
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

The adult Amstaff has height in the range of 17 to 19 inches, with female individuals being slightly smaller than the male ones. The weight range for the breed is 57 to 67 pounds. The dog is muscular and stocky, giving the impression of great strength as well as agility. A low center of gravity, nimbleness on its feet and a strong jaw – all make it ideal for performing as a fighter in the pit. The skull is broad with very pronounced cheek muscles; the ears are set high and generally not cropped; round eyes are set wide apart; and the muzzle is of medium length. The tail is low set, short in comparison to size, tapering to a fine point and undocked. The coat is short, close, stiff and glossy, and can occur in a wide range of colors, solid, parti-colored or patched.

Grooming:Coat care is minimal for the Amstaff, requiring a do-over with a soft-bristle brush about once a week. A bath once a month should also help. Cleaning of ears, brushing of teeth and trimming of nails has to be regular.

Temperament:The Amstaff is a highly people-oriented dog that needs to feel useful and a part of the family. It is loyal to a fault and generally friendly with strangers. It is also typically good with children, and its clownish nature can easily win over young friends. It can be protective of its brood and get aggressive with other dogs.

Training:Though very trainable, American Staffordshires can begin to goof around or act stubborn during training sessions and would require a firm, but kind, hand. Their athleticism and intelligence make them well suited for trials such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. Their daily energy requirements can be metwith a good walk on leash or a vigorous game in the yard.

Health:Life expectancy for the Amstaff is 12 to 14 years. The breed is susceptible to skin allergies, urinary tract infections and autoimmune diseases. Some notable health issues seen are spondylosis, osteoarthritis, congenital heart disorder, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, thyroid dysfunction and cerebellar ataxia.

Confident and courageous, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a strongly built, athletic animal. Despite a violent image, it is actually a docile, fun-loving dog that loves nothing more than being around its family.

Find out if the American Staffordshire Terrierwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.

Music by Kevin McLeod – Royalty Free