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.Know something we don't? Add it here
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.The American Staffordshire Terrier is loyal,smart, and makes a good compaion
Size
16 – 19 inchesWeight
57 – 67 poundsmost are 57-67lb, but a few reach 70-75lb
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.
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Ask a QuestionAmerican Staffordshire Terrier Q&A
Does anyone know if it would be ok to leave my 4mo old amstaff alone with another 4mo old german shepard pup by themselves or do you think they will be aggressive with each other when i am gone? They play well together while i am there but i don't know.
Both dogs have a history of aggresive behavior. Though your dogs are young, and sound to be well socialized. I would not recomend leaving them together while you are gone though they may be just fine. I firmly believe that if the dogs are raise correctly and well socailized that they could be left alone without any problems, but it is not recomended if there are other options. Also as the dogs grow up they may naturally become more agressive. I do not believe that either breed is more agressive than any other breed just that they have unfortunately had bad press due to bad ownership. Both breeds need a dominant owner, and to be well socialized from the time they are very young. I wish that the press would focus not on the dog but the ownership of the dog when problems arise.
I suggest putting them in seperate rooms of the house until you can leave the house, trusting them together. meanwhile socialize them together and make them play games together with you. Do not leave them unsupervised until they are more mature.
i have 2 female staffordshires that are aggresive towards eachother. catie we had for about 2 yrs before blue came to live with us. any suggestions to regain control?
I have a part Staffordshire Terrier and part Rhodesian Ridgeback female called Tess. She goes 80lbs now at 2 yrs old. We also have a Shortie Jack Russel [Brin] that is 10lbs. I would never leave them alone together while I'm not here . . . but a good way to control Tess was an electronic collar to train her. These collars can be used in a good way without harm to the dog. Works great. I only low shocked her once . . . [I tried it on myself and wasn't bad] . . . after that the beep warning works . . . never shocked her again.
They both want to be leader of the pack, as you have stepped down, but if you can make yourself the leader of the pack again by speaking to them in a firm voice, but no shouting, then you should be OK for a while.
I have a Pit Bull and a Rottie. To combat aggression I decided the pack order by feeding my Pitty first and made my Rottie watch him. After he was finished then she was allowed to eat. This established early on that not only was I pack leader, but my pitty was above my little rottie. My Pitty had a much more stable temperment to begin with and now my rottie is very submissive to everyone in the house because everyone knows their place in the pack. I use this method with everything, pitty gets treats, food, water, bathroom breaks, attention ect. all first and my rottie has just accepted her place. It has created harmony and everyone gets along.
Spay them if you have not yet. Two intact females do not usually tolerate each other very much. Are you sure they show aggression or they just play rough together? I have two female AmStaff and their playing goes rough sometimes, but then they just exchange kisses!
Is this breed okay to be around small children? I just got one that is about 8 weeks old.
I have had my Amstaff since she was 8weeks old and my daughter was 6mths they grew up togeter and now my dog is more protective of her that anyone in the family. It takes time and patients, but as my daughter got older she became the dominate owner at the age of 3. Its not impossible my dog knows who's in charge and that is most important.
A good way to train any breed of dog to be well behaved around kids is to act like a kid around them and reward them for good behavior. Without hurting the dog, tug it's ear, poke at it's teeth, grab its tail, etc and when the dog is good and doesn't react, then reward with a treat. If you start this with an 8 week old pup, I bet he would be great with kids. Another aspect to think of is the noise level, so maybe turn the TV up while doing this exercise. Don't badger the dog, just get him used to that behavior while making it a positive thing for him.
This breed is fantastic around children, as long as it knows that you are the leader of the pack. if you are not committed to training and still want a dog, I suggest you get a smaller breed such as King Charles Spaniel.
I recently purchased this breed, and I have two children 5 and 2. And he does okay, just some reinforcements which will come with any puppy. Another good breed, is a boxer. This is from personal experience also. I don't know how my amstaff will act as an adult because hes only 5 months, but is doing really well. but my boxer does really well with both of my kids.
This breed is ESPECIALLY excellent around children.
I have a 2 year old American Staffordshire Terrier.
How long does her menstruation cycle last? How often does it occur?
Every six months. Typically, it lasts three weeks, but there is individual variations of course.
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