American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a descendant of the now-extinct Old English Bulldog. In the early 1800s, Bulldogs brought to the United States were crossbred with terriers, resulting in smaller and more agile dogs than the English Bulldog. This new breed became known as the Pit Bull Terrier.

Bull Terriers were originally bred for bull-baiting, a popular blood sport in which bulls were tortured for entertainment. However, when breed-specific legislation outlawed bull-baiting in England in 1835, Pit Bull Terriers were used for dog fighting instead. This cruel practice continued in America until it was finally outlawed in the late 1800s.

By this time, there were two distinct types of Pit Bull Terriers in America: those bred for fighting and those bred as companion animals. The fighting dogs were typically larger and more aggressive, while the companion animals were smaller and more gentle. It was from these companion animals that the American Staffordshire Terrier was eventually developed.

In 1936, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier as its distinct breed, separate from the Pit Bull Terrier. Today, these dogs are still sometimes used for dog fighting, but they are more commonly kept as loyal and loving family pets.

1. American Bulldog- Source: AKC
2. Bull terrier- Source: Britannica

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a loyal, loving, and friendly dog. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. 

American Staffordshire Terriers are fiercely loyal to their family and will do anything to protect them. This loyalty also extends to their toys and food. They can be possessive of their things and may become aggressive if another animal tries to take them away.

It is important to socialize American Staffordshire Terriers from a young age so that they learn to share and get along with other animals.

• American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament

American Staffordshire Terriers are known for being friendly and good-natured. They love people and enjoy being around them. They are also great with children. American Staffordshire Terriers are usually patient and tolerant of kids. 

They may not be the best choice for a family with very young children since they are large dogs with a lot of energy.

American Staffordshire Terriers are very intelligent dogs. They learn commands quickly and are easy to train. However, their intelligence can also be detrimental if they get bored or frustrated. They may become destructive or go around biting, chewing, or barking excessively without enough mental exercise or stimulation.

Keeping them engaged with obedience training, puzzle toys, or other activities that challenge their minds is important. As such, it's important to start training early so that your AmStaff knows who's boss! 

Be consistent with your commands and rewards, and don't give up if your dog doesn't seem to be getting it at first. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully train your American Staffordshire Terrier.

• Misconceptions about their temperament

Originally, they were bred for cruel dog fighting, but now they are bred as companions. Unfortunately, their past has given them a bad reputation. Many people think they are naturally aggressive, but this is not true.
In reality, AmStaffs are loving dogs. They are strong but gentle, and they love to show affection. Owners of American Staffordshire Terriers will tell you that they are loyal and friendly companions.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular, stocky dog breed, with a broad head and a short muzzle. They have a strong jaw with a slight underbite. 

The eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped and come in various colors, including brown, black, blue, and hazel. The ears are small and can be either cropped or left natural.

The body of the American Staffordshire Terrier is compact and muscular, with a deep chest. The legs are straight and sturdy with strong bones. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. It is usually docked to about half its original length.

• American Staffordshire Terrier Size

American Staffordshire Terriers fall into the medium-sized category, exuding strength and athleticism. Males typically stand between 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 16 to 18 inches. Their sturdy frame is well-proportioned, reflecting their agility and power.

• Coat color

The coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is short, smooth, and glossy. 

It can come in any color or combination of colors, including black, white, brindle, blue, red, fawn, silver, tan, and gray. They usually have white, black, or tan markings on the chest, feet, and face. Their coat care is easy and does not require much maintenance.

1. Tan American Staffordshire Terrier- Source: Pixabay
2. Black and white American Staffordshire Terrier- Source: Pixabay
3. Brown American Staffordshire Terrier- Source: Pixabay
4. Brindle American Staffordshire Terrier- Source: Pixabay

Let’s explore the key differences between male and female American Staffordshire Terriers so you can decide which gender is right for you.

• Size Difference

When it comes to American Staffordshire Terriers, males are typically larger than females. On average, males weigh between 65 and 85 pounds, while females weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. 

A female might be the way to go if you’re looking for a smaller dog. However, a male might be better if you don’t mind a little extra size (maybe even some extra drool).

• Temperament Difference

Males tend to be more protective of their home and family, often showing strong guarding instincts that make them effective protectors. 

However, they may also exhibit more aggression towards other dogs, especially if they perceive them as a threat to their family. 

On the other hand, females are typically more affectionate. They like to enjoy cuddling and showing overt displays of affection like kisses and snuggles. 

They also tend to be more compatible with other dogs, making them a better choice if you have other pets or plan to socialize with your dog frequently.

It's essential to provide a balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. You should go for high-quality dog food made to meet their nutritional requirements, taking into account factors such as age, weight, and activity level. 

Regularly adjust portion sizes to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding and maintain a healthy weight. 

Additionally, consider incorporating treats into their diet as rewards for good behavior, but be mindful of the calorie content to prevent excessive weight gain. Always provide access to fresh water to keep them hydrated and support their overall health. 

If you have any concerns about your dog's diet or nutritional needs, consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance and recommendations.

AmStaffs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and heart conditions. 

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common joint disorder affecting American Staffordshire Terriers, causing instability and degeneration in the hip joint. This can lead to pain, lameness, and decreased mobility, especially as they age. Treatment options include medication, weight management, and surgery in severe cases.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to urinary tract infections, which can cause symptoms like frequent urination, discomfort, and blood in the urine. Prompt veterinary attention is necessary to prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and lifestyle modifications.
• Skin Allergies: Skin allergies are prevalent in this breed, often triggered by environmental factors or food sensitivities. Symptoms include itching, redness, and skin infections. Management involves identifying and avoiding allergens, along with medications and proper grooming.
• Autoimmune Diseases: American Staffordshire Terriers may develop autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body's tissues. Conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia can lead to weakness and bleeding disorders.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate these risks.

Caring for American Staffordshire Terriers involves simple grooming routines due to their short coat. 

They shed heavily twice a year but only need brushing once a week to manage shedding and keep their coat shiny. 

Bathing is infrequent, usually only a few times a year, thanks to their minimal "doggy odor." Regular dental care, including weekly teeth brushing, is essential to combat bad breath. 

Nail trimming and ear checks are also necessary, though early training can help ease these tasks. Routine veterinary checkups ensure overall health and wellness, with additional at-home care following your vet's advice.

If you’reconsidering American Staffordshire Terrier adoption, several shelters and rescue groups  specialize in their care. Adopting these organizations not only saves a life but also opens up space for another dog in need.

StraffordshireTerrier.RescueMe.org

SBTCA.com

The average American Staffordshire Terrier price can range anywhere from $800 to $2500. When purchasing this terrier breed, it's crucial to find reputable organizations that breed the American Staffordshire while prioritizing the health and well-being of their dogs. 

Marketplace.AKC.org

Good Dog

• Kirby of Indiana was one of the first American Staffordshire Terriers to become an AKC Champion, showing how respected the breed is in the American Kennel Club.
• American Staffordshire Terriers, like Petey from Our Gang/The Little Rascals, have made a big impact in movies and TV, winning over audiences with their cute looks and charm on screen.

The American Staffordshire Terrier excels as a loyal family companion, a guardian, and a therapy dog. Their loving and devoted nature makes them excellent emotional support animals as well.

Staffordshire Terriers need active owners because they have lots of energy. They might be too strong-willed for people who are not active. Older adults over 60 might also find it hard to handle them. Households without small children should have this dog.