American Staffordshire Terrier

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American Staffordshire Terrier

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Size: Large
Other Names: AmStaff, Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull
Country of Origin: United States
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a Medium of square build, giving the impression of great strength, agility, and grace for his size. He is stocky, with a deep and broad chest, and a strong, well–arched neck.

A strong, short-coated house dog who needs daily exercise and clear manners; can live in town if the walks are real and the household is steady.

Early Bulldog–Terrier crosses were brought to the US with the British and Irish settlers, especially after the Civil War, where they were mainly used as fighting dogs, but also as hunting dogs and farm and guard dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier is often trained for community service tasks such as pet therapy and Search and Rescue. In places that breed–specific legislation has been passed to ban or restrict the ownership of Pit Bulls and "Pit–Bull–Type" dogs, almost always bans the American Staffordshire Terrier as well. The American Staffordshire Terrier is an offspring and sister breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Special Note: Much confusion still remains in regards to the Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The name "Staffordshire Terrier" was adopted by some Pit Bull Terrier owners and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. Later, the word "American" was added to reduce confusion with its smaller British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Not all breeders, however, agreed with the standard adopted by the AKC, and continued to use the name American Pit Bull Terrier for their lines. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are considered to be the same breed in England, although they are considered separate breeds in the United States.

Height: 19–21 inches
Weight: 62–88 pounds
Color: Any solid, partial, or patched color; less–desirable colors are greater than 80% white, black and tan, and liver
Coat: Thick, shiny hair, short
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Litter size: 5–10 puppies

Temperament

The AmStaff is courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted. They are natural family dogs, as they are bred to be extremely friendly towards people. If properly introduced in his puppy years, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be good with children, and can get along with other dogs, cats, and any other animal.

Training

The American Staffordshire Terrier is highly responsive during training, and also learns quickly from his human's subtle behaviors. Positive reinforcement training should begin at 8 to 10 weeks of age. American Staffordshire Terriers can be aggressive if not socialized properly. It is a bad sign if an AmStaff displays overly protective and/or aggressive behavior, especially if accompanied by fearlessness.

Care and grooming

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a companion dog, and requires a very large amount of time for rough, or hard–working play, such as weight pulling and agility training. He likes to run with a proper harness, or pull a skateboard or roller blading kid.

Shedding

Low; the short coat leaves little hair around the house.

Health

American Staffordshire Terriers may be affected by hip dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease, and cerebellar ataxia in some lines. Responsible breeders test hips, heart, and for NCL/ataxia.

Crosses that include the American Staffordshire Terrier

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

Bullboxer Staff

Old Anglican Bulldogge

Olde Staff Bulldogge

Westie Staff

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