If you ’re deliberate arrive an fighting and intelligent dog with minimum grooming needs , consider the American Staffordshire Terrier . This gymnastic cad is fuck for their persistency , friendliness , and passion of family .
Breed Origin and History
American Staffordshire Terriers were developed from a mix ofbulldogs and terriersbrought to the Americas from England in the 1800s . The dogs were first created to bait bulls and engage in dog competitiveness , as well as to serve as work tap farms and as oecumenical protection dog .
Over time , dog fighting light out of favor with the populace as more enlightened perception ofanimal welfareincreased , and stock breeder wanted their dogs to drop the negative perception . The stock was renamed the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936 and was accepted by the prestigiousAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC).The word " American " was tally to the breed name in 1972 .
The Pit Bull Breed “Group”
Many mass consider the American Staffordshire Terrier to be apit bull . In fact , " pit bull " is not a breed , but refers to a solicitation of breeds with similar ancestry and strong-arm characteristics . This includes the American Staffordshire Terrier , American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) , and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier . TheAmerican Bulldogis often considered part of the pit bull chemical group , although not everyone agree on this inclusion . The American Staffordshire Terrier and APBT havethe same origins , but each breed eventually was established with some differences from the other .
American Staffordshire Terriers dissent from the APBT in the following ways :
A issue of dog breeds have been bred to American Staffordshire Terriers to create newfangled cross - breed . Sometypical mixesinclude the American Bull Staffy ( crossed with an American Bulldog ) and the Frenchie Staff ( crossed with aFrench Bulldog ) .
Breed Characteristics
Socialization is critical with every breed , but is peculiarly significant with this stock due to their commitment and protective nature . Puppies should be expose to a variety of sights , smells , sounds , and experience . Even if you choose an adult amstaff , socialising is equally significant , but older dogs often take more time to acclimate to different surroundings .
General Appearance
The stock has astocky and muscular frameandrose - mold ears , although many breeders crop the ears . They add up in most colors , both solid and mixed , with bandage of clean . Thebrindle coat patternis also common in the breed .
Temperament
Being that the amstaff is considered part of the " orchestra pit bull " group , the breed suffer from the minus image of pit bulls in the medium . In fact , theAmerican Temperament Test Society test multiple individual dogs for 200 unlike breeds , and cad in the pit bull group screen higher than many other strain . They landed in the mid to high 80 percentile in 2017 , which is eminent than manyother popular breeds .
A well - bred American Staffordshire Terrier is fuck to be a friendly dog who loves people and is very intelligent and active . They run to love small fry and were once know as " nanny dogs " in their former story . They may have a tendency toward weenie - to - dog aggressiveness due to their terrier nature , but breeders have worked to select for cad without this behavioral trait . Many American Staffordshire Terriers go successfully with other wiener , cat , and minuscule pets .
Exercise
Because amstaffs are firm and athletic dogs , daily exerciseand walks are a must to keep this breed happy . dog that do n’t get enough practice session can become blase and destructive . Providing them with ampleappropriate chew itemswill also serve them exercise their strong jaw .
American Staffordshire Terriers excel at mostdog sports , includingagility , heel parkour , weight pull , andrally . They are extremely versatile , and one can find examples of the breed wreak as therapy dog-iron , service dogs , anddetection dogs .
Training
Early socializationis a must for this breed . Any American Staffordshire Terrier owner can confirm you will look trepidation from people uncomfortable with the breed due to negative stories in the media . It is necessary to keep your American Staffordshire Terrier well - socialized and comfortable with people and other creature . Likewise , training at least the fundamental of obedience will help you live harmoniously with this large , strong dog .
Health
aesculapian issuesthat are common to American Staffordshire Terriers let in :
Lifespan
American Staffordshire Terriers can live between 9 and 15 years , though most have an intermediate lifespan of 12 to 14 years .
Grooming
Amstaffs have a myopic coating that need brush once a week . Bathe these blackguard as need , but do n’t exaggerate it . Giving your dog-iron too many baths will strip natural oils from their pelage . Trim their nails as necessary , typically around every two weeks .
Famous Members of the Breed
Petey the lovable dogfrom the Little Rascals goggle box show who was one of the first APBTs to be agnise by the AKC as an American Staffordshire Terrier . This amstaff ’s real name was Pal , the Wonder Dog , and his trainer , Lieutenant Harry Lucenay , say he was one of the burnished dogs he ’d ever trained . Some sources report that Pal had a natural , partial ring around his correct heart , which was fill out and filled out by a constitution creative person on set . After Pal died , Lucenay used one of his materialization to roleplay the fibre on the show .
Purchasing or Adopting an American Staffordshire Terrier
If you want to find a purebred puppy , the AKC web site lean stock breeder withAKC - registered bedding material , and theStaffordshire Terrier Club of Americahas a stock breeder directory . postulation to meet the parents of the puppy prior to adopt . Are the grownup well - rounded ? Are they favorable ? What character of living situation are they in ?
American Staffordshire Terriers are wonderful dog that do well with owners who are :
Rescue Organizations
If you ’re search to deliver an American Staffordshire Terrier , you’re able to regain heel local to you usingPetfinderandPit Bull Rescue Central . Because they are a popular breed , many protection often have this stock at all age . you could also search breed - specific delivery organizations :
Is This the Right Breed For You?
If you ’re interested in bring in home an American Staffordshire Terrier , explore the breed cautiously and talk to knowledgeable breeders and rescue group to aid make an informed decision about the motive and benefits of this hefty and intelligent strain .
