American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
Pic from American Staffordshire Terrier Rescue - works making a difference throughout the USA. Please do contact them if you are looking to adopt an Amstaff - https://staffordshireterrier.rescueme.org/
The Amstaff is recognized as a distinct breed and descends from the fighting pits of England and America. The breeds used to develop the Amstaff were the Bull Terrier, English White Terrier, the Black and Tam, the Bulldog, Mastiff, Pointer, Dalmatian, and the Staffordshire Bull terrier.
In 1936, Amstaffs were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers, belonging to the terrier and molosser groups. The name of the breed was revised January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier; breeders in the United States had developed a variety which was heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
Often confused with Pit Bull Terriers, the two breeds share an ancestral bloodline and were originally bred to fight, but the American Staffordshire line has become much more gentle in the last 100 years
Personality
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented dog who thrives when he is part of a family. They are intelligent,, loyal, feisty, courageous, and very strong. They are an active breed, always ready for fun, and they love to play outdoors. They are high energy and need regular exercise. They will enjoy obedience, tracking, agility and of course lots of long and interesting walks. They need an owner that will spend time and interact with them and establish leadership by using positive reinforcement methods.
They are very protective and socialization and obedience training really are required for this breed and they are known to have a mind of their own. They can be very rowdy, especially when young and as adolescents, and need this to be channelled into constructive areas and socialization and basic obedience as a must. A bored and frustrated Amstaff can wreck havoc. They are very protective but contrary to their appearance, they are often far to friendly to be guard dogs – but will protect their families.
As said before, early and continued socialization is necessary. They really suit an active lifestyle and you will have a perfect jogging buddy who will also look after you while out for a run.
They can be rowdy and overly exuberant, especially when they are young. They do best when they have a job to do. A bored Amstaff will destroy your house. They do well in obedience, agility, tracking, and conformation.
Do they get on well with kids and other dogs?
Amstaffs love their children and are patient, gentle, and tolerant. Of course, all children should always be supervised around any dog and children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. As they can be boisterous, they can knock small children over – kids and dogs should always be supervised.
Although they love their families their attitude to other dogs is not as good! This breed comes from fighting ancestry and will not tolerate being challenged. They will not back down and often are better as only dogs, especially if they have not had early and continued socialization. They can be reactive towards cats and other small pets. If they are to live with another dog, the opposite sex should always be chosen and they would not do well with other dominant types of dogs and would be better being introduced to other family dogs when they are pups. Although this breed can live happily with other dogs and pets, there is always the possibility that reactive behaviour can occur and a good chance that this will be serious. Same sex dogs should not be considered.
Where do I get my pup from?
Especially with a breed like this, it is essential that you obtain one from a reputable and responsible breeder. Irresponsible and commercial breeding has resulted in dogs that show excessive aggression all too often and have given this breed a bad name. Read the articles on the website in what to look for in a truly committed and responsible breeder and also what to loo
In 1936, Amstaffs were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers, belonging to the terrier and molosser groups. The name of the breed was revised January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier; breeders in the United States had developed a variety which was heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
Often confused with Pit Bull Terriers, the two breeds share an ancestral bloodline and were originally bred to fight, but the American Staffordshire line has become much more gentle in the last 100 years
Personality
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented dog who thrives when he is part of a family. They are intelligent,, loyal, feisty, courageous, and very strong. They are an active breed, always ready for fun, and they love to play outdoors. They are high energy and need regular exercise. They will enjoy obedience, tracking, agility and of course lots of long and interesting walks. They need an owner that will spend time and interact with them and establish leadership by using positive reinforcement methods.
They are very protective and socialization and obedience training really are required for this breed and they are known to have a mind of their own. They can be very rowdy, especially when young and as adolescents, and need this to be channelled into constructive areas and socialization and basic obedience as a must. A bored and frustrated Amstaff can wreck havoc. They are very protective but contrary to their appearance, they are often far to friendly to be guard dogs – but will protect their families.
As said before, early and continued socialization is necessary. They really suit an active lifestyle and you will have a perfect jogging buddy who will also look after you while out for a run.
They can be rowdy and overly exuberant, especially when they are young. They do best when they have a job to do. A bored Amstaff will destroy your house. They do well in obedience, agility, tracking, and conformation.
Do they get on well with kids and other dogs?
Amstaffs love their children and are patient, gentle, and tolerant. Of course, all children should always be supervised around any dog and children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. As they can be boisterous, they can knock small children over – kids and dogs should always be supervised.
Although they love their families their attitude to other dogs is not as good! This breed comes from fighting ancestry and will not tolerate being challenged. They will not back down and often are better as only dogs, especially if they have not had early and continued socialization. They can be reactive towards cats and other small pets. If they are to live with another dog, the opposite sex should always be chosen and they would not do well with other dominant types of dogs and would be better being introduced to other family dogs when they are pups. Although this breed can live happily with other dogs and pets, there is always the possibility that reactive behaviour can occur and a good chance that this will be serious. Same sex dogs should not be considered.
Where do I get my pup from?
Especially with a breed like this, it is essential that you obtain one from a reputable and responsible breeder. Irresponsible and commercial breeding has resulted in dogs that show excessive aggression all too often and have given this breed a bad name. Read the articles on the website in what to look for in a truly committed and responsible breeder and also what to loo
Training and Grooming
Training
This is a clever dog and not at all hard to train, however, they can be very indedpendant and strong willed. The owner needs to understand this breed and be totally in control, but only using positive reinforcement methods of training, as harsh discipline can lead to mistrust.There is a need to keep the House Rules in place and be totally consistant with daily interaction and training.
This breed loves to chew, so supply plenty of varied chew toys and rotate them – these dogs are super chewers!
Grooming
Although not heavy shedders, they do shed a fair amount and their hair seems drawn to couches, beds etc! A good daily brush will get rid of the excess hair.
Health
Some are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies (these can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma), tumors, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. Other orthopaedic diseases that can be found are luzating patella and osteochondritis. Tumours, especially mast cell tumours, can be areas of concern in the Amstaff. Eye diseases in this breed can be retirnal atrophy (PRA), cataracts and entropion. In cases where there is a lot of white on the head, inherited deafness can occur.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
About 9-15 years
Training
This is a clever dog and not at all hard to train, however, they can be very indedpendant and strong willed. The owner needs to understand this breed and be totally in control, but only using positive reinforcement methods of training, as harsh discipline can lead to mistrust.There is a need to keep the House Rules in place and be totally consistant with daily interaction and training.
This breed loves to chew, so supply plenty of varied chew toys and rotate them – these dogs are super chewers!
Grooming
Although not heavy shedders, they do shed a fair amount and their hair seems drawn to couches, beds etc! A good daily brush will get rid of the excess hair.
Health
Some are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies (these can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma), tumors, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. Other orthopaedic diseases that can be found are luzating patella and osteochondritis. Tumours, especially mast cell tumours, can be areas of concern in the Amstaff. Eye diseases in this breed can be retirnal atrophy (PRA), cataracts and entropion. In cases where there is a lot of white on the head, inherited deafness can occur.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life Expectancy
About 9-15 years
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’ts
Unteresting Facts
References
http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/history.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier
http://www.dogtemperament.com/american-staffordshire-terrier-temperament/
http://www.alldogsrhere.com/terrier/americanstaffordshireterrier.php
Do’s
- Do consider this breed if you want an only dog that adores its people
- Do socialize and keep socialization up to both people and other dogs
- Ensure that the breeder you choose is responsible and reputable and only the betterment of the breed is their main concern
- Take this dog to training and keep basic obedience exercises in place
- Supply sufficient exercise and stimulation
- Have the patience for training that this dog needs
- Have a garden that is well fenced
- Do be a responsible owner and ensure that your dog is not put in a situation where the less friendly side of its nature can be shown
- Ensure you get your pup from a reputable and responsible breeder
- All that is required to show you are a true champion of this breed
Don’ts
- Don’t leave this dog alone to get bored
- Don’t bring this dog into a home with varied pets
- Don't let this dog feel it is in charge
- Don’t get this breed if you cannot put in the time it requires
- Don’t ignore training and socialization, without it, this breed can be a great liability.
- Keep your Amstaff intact. Sterilization is responsible ownership, especially with a breed such as this.
- Don't consider if you are a first time, or inexperienced dog owner
Unteresting Facts
- The American Staffordshire Terrier was once considered an "all-American" dog. In fact, in World War I an AmStaff named Stubby earned the rank of sergeant and was the most decorated dog of the war.
- Coat: Any colour is acceptable, however red and beige with highlights, either with or without white highlights, is preferred. Less favoured are black and tan, liver, or any colour combination that is more than 80 percent white.
- American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred as fighting dogs
- They were trained to bait and attack tethered bulls and bears
- They were then trained to participate in dog fighting where dogs fought to the death
- Pete, or Petey, was a star in the Our Gang films and the Little Rascals series.
- Bud was the first dog to take a cross-country drive in the US. This occurred in 1903 with his owner Horatio Nelson Jackson and a bicycle mechanic, Sewall Crocker. “Bud soon became an enthusiast for motoring," Jackson bragged, especially after his masters put a pair of their goggles on him to keep the stinging, alkali dust out of his eyes.
- Jack Brutus was the official mascot of Company K, the First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War.
References
http://www.akc.org/breeds/american_staffordshire_terrier/history.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier
http://www.dogtemperament.com/american-staffordshire-terrier-temperament/
http://www.alldogsrhere.com/terrier/americanstaffordshireterrier.php