Features, history, care tips and information for owners The American Staffordshire Terrier, or often called Amstaff, is a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular body and a square head. Although known for their courage and very high energy levels, Amstaffs also have an affectionate and loyal nature. Contrary to appearances, this breed is gentle. They are quite strong and tend to be a bit stoic in the face of pain. Often referred to as a pit bull, its history dates back to the 1800s in England, where it was used in dog fighting.
American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Overview
GROUP: Terriers (AKC)
HEIGHT: 43 – 48 cm
WEIGHT: 22 – 36 kg
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FUR AND COLORS: The short coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, bluish, fawn, reddish, and brick. Combinations of these colors or white spots are also found.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 – 14 years
Characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed
| The level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | environment |
| Friendship with other animals | environment |
| The need for movement | Mare |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | Mare |
| Training | Mare |
| Intelligence | environment |
| Tendency to bark | environment |
| mute | environment |
History of the Amstaff dog
The American Staffordshire Terrier’s roots date back to 19th century England. The Bulldog and Terrier breeds of the time were mated to form a dog that possessed the desired attributes of both breeds. The result was an agile, energetic Terrier with the tenacity and confidence of bulldogs.
The breed was originally called Bull-and-Terrier, half-and-half, or pit dog. He eventually became better known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Unfortunately, dogs were often used in fights; although dog fighting had been banned in the UK in 1835, it continued and the ban was difficult to enforce.
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Bull-and-Terrier dogs arrived in the United States in the late 19th century, where they became known as Pit Bull Terriers and then American Bull Terriers. Although there is some dispute over the details, it is said that these dogs were not used much in dog fighting unlike their ancestors, but were more often used for general agricultural work, hunting and companionship.
Over time, this breed was developed into a taller breed with a larger build unlike its English counterparts. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1936 as the Staffordshire Terrier. The name was changed in 1972 to differentiate the shorter and smaller English version (the current Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Today these are totally different dog breeds.
Care of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed
The Amstaff’s very short, smooth coat requires little more than routine grooming. This breed tends to shed at a low to moderate rate. However, the loss tends to increase seasonally. Although some Amstaffs naturally shorten their nails as they go along, most still need regular nail trimming to keep their feet healthy. Bathe them as needed to keep their skin and coat clean and healthy.
The Amstaff is an athletic dog breed with a lot of energy, so routine exercise is very important. However, be careful not to overdo it in warmer climates as the breed can be sensitive to heat. Amstaff will excel at dog sports that challenge them mentally and physically.
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Regardless of the type of exercise, make sure it is done about twice a day or more. Without adequate play for all that energy, an Amstaff can become destructive, hyperactive, or develop other behavioral problems.
As with any dog breed, proper training is necessary. This is a dog breed that is quite intelligent, but can be stubborn and follow its own will if allowed. Therefore, obedience training is essential for handling an Amstaff. Training will build your dog’s confidence and provide structure to your relationship with him.
In general, the American Staffordshire Terrier is extremely affectionate, very friendly and full of energy. The breed can become a loving companion for many types of active families. However, keep in mind that the Amstaff has a strong prey drive and a history of dog fighting, so it should be supervised and introduced carefully when around other animals and small children.
However, with proper training and socialization, the breed can get along very well with children and even other pets. The American Staffordshire Terrier is known for forming a strong bond with its family; can become a loyal pet and lifelong friend.
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Common health problems
Just as personality traits and appearance can be associated with a dog breed, so too are some health problems. Responsible breeders take care to maintain the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some hereditary conditions can occur in Amstaff. Here are some conditions you need to know:
- Hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip joint
- Canine atopic dermatitis and other skin problems
- Hypothyroidism, a problem with the secretion of thyroid hormones, which can slow the dog’s metabolism
Diet and nutrition
In general, the Amstaff needs a high-protein, low-grain diet, which helps prevent diarrhea or bloating. Choose a food formulated for medium to large breed dogs. Always make sure they have fresh, clean water to drink. However, expect their dietary needs – including how much and how often you feed them – to change as they get older. Work with your veterinarian to find a personalized diet plan for your dog.
Read also: Energetic dogs for active people
Advantages
- Kind, playful and sociable
- Extremely loyal and an excellent watchdog
- Intelligent and easy to train
disadvantage
- He needs more intense socialization
- He can be aggressive with other dogs
- He needs a lot of exercise
American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pitbull
People often ask what the difference is between an Amstaff and a Pitbull. First of all, there is no Pitbull breed. There is, however, a breed called the American Pitbull Terrier. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. In general, the Amstaff is close to the same breed as the American Pitbull Terrier.
Today the main difference is in appearance. The Amstaff is partially bred for AKC conformation and conforms to a more stringent standard, especially when it comes to size. In contrast, the American Pitbull Terrier is more often kept as a pet and has greater variation in size (a range of 13 – 40 kg) and other physical traits.
Other dog breeds and additional information
Before deciding whether the Amstaff is the right dog for you, make sure you have all the information you need. Talk to Amstaff owners, reputable breeders and rescue groups to find out more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, also check out the ones below and compare the pros and cons.
There are so many potential dog breeds around the world – with a little field research, you’ll be able to find the right dog to bring home!
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