American Staffordshire Terrier Dog

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong and powerful dog for its size. The breed has a stocky, muscular body that is agile and athletic.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog
General Description: The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong and powerful dog for its size. The breed has a stocky, muscular body that is agile and athletic. Their broad head features a short muzzle and a commanding set of jaws. Their erect ears are typically cropped. American Staffordshire Terriers have round black eyes, a tail that tapers to a point, and teeth that close in a scissors bite. The coat of this breed is thick, glossy, and short, and it exists in a variety of colors. The breed is classified by AKC as the “American Staffordshire Terrier”, and is referred to as the “American Pit Bull Terrier” by the UKC. Generally, American Staffordshire Terriers have larger heads and are heavier than American Pit Bull Terriers.

Character: American Staffordshire Terriers are gentle and good-natured towards people. They are happy, social, and excellent with children. The breed makes a great companion, as they are affectionate and protective over their families and owners. They constantly aim to please, and are highly obedient. American Staffordshire Terriers are natural guard dogs, and they are highly intelligent and courageous. Selective breeding has produced American Staffordshire Terriers that are trustworthy, stable, and especially good dogs with children. It’s important for owners to properly socialize this breed to prevent the onset of aggressive behavior. When sufficiently obedience trained, American Staffordshire Terriers will get along well with other animals and dogs. This breed requires an owner that is active, understanding, and patient.

Size: 16 – 19 inches

Weight: 57 – 67 pounds

General Health: The American Staffordshire Terrier is a comparatively healthy breed. Some known concerns include hip dysplasia, cataracts, and congenital heart disease. American Staffordshire Terriers typically live for 9 to 15 years. They average 5 to 10 puppies per litter.

History: American Staffordshire Terriers were developed in the nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire. The combative, active breed was constructed from the Bull and Terrier types of years past. It was brought to the United States, where the breed was given increased size and a more powerful head. American Staffordshire Terriers make very loving companions, but this breed (along with its cousins) has gotten a bad wave of press from the media. It’s important for people to be aware that many of the news stories (like attacks involving “Pit Bulls”) are performed by ill-bred, mixed dogs that are a different breed altogether. The American Pit Bull Terrier is an excellent companion dog and excels in many different canine talents and abilities. Few breeders are able to list characteristics (besides bloodline) that distinguish the American Staffordshire Terrier from the American Pit Bull Terrier. For this reason, many dogs of these breeds are dual registered as Amstaffs with the AKC and Pit Bulls with the UKC.

Maintenance: American Staffordshire Terriers have a short coat that is easy to groom and maintain. A regular brushing and dry shampoo are all that is necessary. Rubbing the coat of this breed with a cloth will add a glossy sheen. This breed is an average shedder.

Ideal Environment: American Staffordshire Terriers can live in a small household or apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is very active indoors and prefers warm temperature climates.

Please visit GreatDogSite.com for more American Staffordshire Terrier information.


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