| Recognized By |
ACR
,
AKC
,
ANKC
,
APBR
,
APRI
,
CKC
,
CKC
,
FCI
,
NKC
,
NZKC
|
| |
|
| AKA |
Stafford, Amstaff, Staffy, Staffie, Staff
|
| Category |
Mastiff, AKC Terrier
|
| Appearance |
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong looking dog for its size. American Staffordshire Terriers have a stocky and muscular build but remain very agile and graceful.
|
| Life Expectancy |
American Staffordshire Terriers have an average life expectancy of 9 to 15 years.
|
| Size |
A male American Staffordshire Terriers should be between 18 to 19 inches tall at the shoulders while a female should be between 17 to 18 inches tall. American Staffordshire Terriers weigh between 57 to 67 pounds.
|
| Characteristics |
American Staffordshire Terriers are very courageous and intelligent dogs. They make wonderful guard dogs. They can have a tendency to fight if provoked. American Staffordshire Terriers are highly protective of their owners and their property. They have a very high tolerance for pain and may be aggressive if not properly socialized. American Staffordshire Terriers are not for inexperience or passive owners. They need an owner who understands the dogs instinctive pack order.
|
| Temperament |
American Staffordshire Terriers are happy, good-natured, outgoing and confident dogs. They are very gentle and loving around people.
|
| Family Dog |
American Staffordshire Terriers make great family pets. They are very loyal and affectionate and very good with children.
|
| Head |
American Staffordshire Terriers have medium length, broad skull with pronounced cheek muscles.
|
| Nose |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's nose should be black.
|
| Eyes |
The eyes of the American Staffordshire Terriers are dark and round. They should be set low on the face and far apart from each other. The eyelids should be pink in color.
|
| Ears |
The American Staffordshire Terriers ears are set high on the head. The can be either cropped or uncropped. If the ears are left uncropped they should be short.
|
| Muzzle |
The American Staffordshire Terriers muzzle should be of medium length and rounded on the top.
|
| Teeth/Bite |
The jaws of an American Staffordshire Terrier are well defined. The lower jaw is strong and powerful. The lips should not appear loose. The upper and lower teeth meet tightly together with the upper teeth slightly outside lower teeth in the front forming a scissors bite.
|
| Neck |
The neck of the American Staffordshire Terrier is medium length, thick and slightly arched. It gradually tapers from shoulders to back of skull. The skin is tight and free from any wrinkles.
|
| Body |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's shoulders are strong and muscular. The back is fairly short and slightly sloping from the shoulders. The ribs are well-sprung and close together.
|
| Forequarters |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's front legs should be large, straight and spaced wide apart to accommodate the deep chest.
|
| Hindquarters |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's back legs are muscular and turn neither in nor out.
|
| Gait |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's gait should be springy without roll or pace.
|
| Feet |
The American Staffordshire Terrier's feet should be of moderate size. They are arched and compact.
|
| Tail |
The American Staffordshire Terriers tail is short when compared to the body size. It is set low and tapers to a fine point. It should not curl or be held over back and never be docked.
|
| Color |
American Staffordshire Terriers can have any color, solid, parti, or patched coat. However their coat should not consist of more than 80% white.
|
| Coat |
The coat of an American Staffordshire Terrier's is short and close with a stiff texture and glossy appearance.
|
| Shedding |
American Staffordshire Terriers are average shedders.
|
| Grooming |
American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom because of their smooth, short-haired coat. They should be brushed on a regular basis using a firm bristle brush. They can be bathed or cleaned with a dry shampoo when necessary. To make their coat shine rub it with a piece of toweling or chamois after cleaning.
|
| Training |
American Staffordshire Terriers are very obedient dogs. They want nothing more than to please their owners but may be difficult to housebreak.
|
| Weather |
American Staffordshire Terriers prefer warm climates.
|
| Exercise |
American Staffordshire Terriers need plenty of daily exercise and should be taken on long daily walks.
|
| Living Conditions |
American Staffordshire Terriers can be kept in an apartment if they are given ample time for daily exercise. They are active inside and can do okay without a yard.
|
| Health |
American Staffordshire Terriers are generally a very healthy breed. They may be prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease.
|
| Litter Size |
American Staffordshire Terriers have an average litter size of 5 to 10 Puppies.
|
| History |
American Staffordshire Terriers were first bred in the nineteenth century in the English region of Staffordshire. They are the ancestors of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which was developed by crossing the Bulldog and various other Terrier dogs. The Staffordshire Bullterrier was brought to the United States where the weight was increased and a more powerful was developed. The American Staffordshire Terriers is now recognized as a separate breed than his British cousin, the original Staffordshire Bull Terrier. In 1900 when dog fighting was banned in the United States this dog split into two separate strains, one for show and one for who remained true to the fighting dogs. The strain used for show was later called the American Staffordshire Terrier and the fighting strain was labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier. Today they are recognized as separate breeds. Today's American Staffordshire Terriers make great pets for experienced owners.
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