American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origin
In the nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire, crossing among the Bulldog and various terriers developed the muscular, active, combative Staffordshire Bullterrier. Brought to the United States, the breed was preferred by American breeders who increased its weight and gave it a more powerful head. Now recognized as a separate breed, the American Staffordshire is larger and heavier than his British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. After dog fighting was banned in the United States in 1900, two strains of these dogs were developed, a show strain and a fighting dog strain. The show strain was labelled the American Staffordshire.
Description
The American Staffordshire Terrier is extremely strong for its size. They are agile, very muscular and stocky with a broad, powerful head. Dogs of this breed can make good family dogs provided the family is always consistent towards it and can cope with a boisterous dog. Enthusiasts for these dogs claim that they are loving with children. This dog will protect house and home and accept cats and other household animals provided it has become acquainted with them when young. Some examples of the breed can be rather eager to fight with other dogs, though reputable breeders will not only breed a dog that meets breed conformity standards, but will be low in aggression, so research the breed stock of your chosen breeder.
| Size | Large |
| Colour | The American Staffordshire Terrier can come in many different colours, the most common colours are Tan & White, or Brindle. |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Weight/Height Range | Dogs should measure between 45.7 - 48.4cms and weigh between 25 - 30kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 43.2 - 45.7cms and weigh between 22 - 27kgs. |
| Ailments | All American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia and skin and stomach sensitivities, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers are also subject to bloat, as any deep chested large dog. They are also prone hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. |
Feeding & Ownership
The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements, they generally have a good appetite.
| Food Cost | $15 to $20 |
Personality
This breed is not recommended for an inactive owner, they need a firm, confident, owner who is consistent with their dogs training. This is a brave dog which is loyal to its family, tenacious, tough on itself, will make a good watchdog, is boisterous with tremendous stamina. Their demeanor can range from very dominant, to great big loveable sook.
| Intelligence | The American Staffordshire Terrier is an intelligent, happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. They are almost always obedient, and want nothing more then to please their family. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | Ensure your American Staffordshire Bull Terrier gets plenty of exercise. They like running alongside a cycle and playing ball games; they also enjoy retrieving things, Daily exercise is paramount. Without it the American Staffordshire Terrier will become hard to handle. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | High |
| Ease of Transportation | Medium |
| Level of Aggression | Medium High |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Low |
Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, and bathe once every two weeks in the warmer months and bathe once a month in the colder months. It is also recommended to rub them down with a piece of towelling or chamois as this will make their coat shine.
| Grooming Requirements | Once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Moderate |
Discover Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)