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The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff or American Staffy, is a strong, muscular dog that was originally bred for fighting. However, they are now kept mainly as family pets. They are intelligent, loyal and loving dogs that make great companions.
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The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff or American Staffy, is a strong, muscular dog that was originally bred for fighting. However, they are now kept mainly as family pets. They are intelligent, loyal and loving dogs that make great companions.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Guide
About American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This is a breed for experienced dog owners looking for an athletic, loyal companion. The AmStaff is a confident and powerful dog, and their owner must be able to match them in terms of commitment and personality.
Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Weight
18 to 27 kg
Height
40 to 48 cm
Grooming
The American Staffordshire Terrier does not shed heavily, and their short coat does not require much in the way of maintenance.
Origins
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a direct descendant of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Staffy, which was brought to America in the late 1800s. The Staffy was originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting, two blood sports that were popular at the time. When these activities were outlawed in England in 1835, the breed’s popularity declined and it was eventually replaced by the Bull Terrier.
The Staffy was introduced to America in the late 1800s, where it quickly gained popularity as a working dog. American breeders began to select for different traits than their British counterparts, eventually creating a distinctly American breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1936 and by the American Kennel Club in 1974.
Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a popular companion dog and family pet. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and strength, and are often used as working dogs in law enforcement and security.
Key Characteristics Of American Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Are American Staffordshire Bull Terriers Family-Friendly?
Yes. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a loyal, loving, and protective companion. They are good with children and other pets if properly socialised from an early age. They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, they can be stubborn at times and require patience and consistency when training.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
American Staffordshire Bull Terriers may suffer from:
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
A condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location within the knee joint.
Nature / Temperament
Loyal, Brave, Intelligent, Quiet, Gentle
Suitable Environment
These dogs adapt well to both apartment and house living. They are generally calm and gentle indoors, but require a good amount of outdoor time to stave off boredom.
Other Considerations
- The AmStaff is not well suited to living outdoors full time.
- If you want your American Staffordshire Terrier to be friendly to other dogs, start socialising it very early.
- Like other terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers love to dig, and owners will need to strengthen the bottom of fences using concrete or chicken wire.
How can I take good care of my American Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
Nutrition
As with all dogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s diet should consist of high-quality protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, because of their high energy level and active lifestyle, they may require more calories than other breeds. Protein is essential for muscle development and repair, and it should make up the majority of your American Staffordshire Terrier’s diet.
Look for a food that lists meat or poultry as the first ingredient. Fat is also an important part of their diet, as it provides energy and helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny. The best sources of fat for dogs are chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil.
Carbohydrates are necessary for proper digestion and should make up about 10% of your dog’s diet. Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, rice, and oats are good choices for American Staffordshire Terriers. Avoid simple carbohydrates like sugar as they can cause weight gain and lead to health problems like diabetes.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your dog needs per day based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Grooming
The American Staffordshire Terrier should be brushed regularly with a stiff bristle brush to remove dead hair and keep the coat healthy.
Recommended Grooming Tips
They should be bathed only when necessary using a mild dog shampoo.
The AmStaff’s ears should be checked for wax buildup once a week and cleaned with a pet wipe or damp towel. Avoid rubbing inside the ear canal.
Their breath is known to get smelly, so brush your dog’s teeth a couple of times a week with a veterinarian-approved toothpaste.
Exercise
Amstaffs need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day, including a long walk or run. They also love to play fetch and tug-of-war, and they make great hiking and jogging partners. If you don’t have the time or energy to keep up with your Amstaff’s exercise needs, consider hiring a professional dog walker or signing up for doggy day care.
Because of their high prey drive, an AmStaff should never be let off-leash when not in an enclosed outdoor space. In addition to daily exercise, Amstaffs also need mental stimulation to stay happy and well-adjusted. Interactive dog toys, such as food puzzles and Kongs stuffed with treats, are a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged.
Training
Training classes are another great option for mentally stimulating your Amstaff – not only will they learn new tricks and commands, but they’ll also get to socialise with other dogs (which is important for this breed).
Obedience training is a must for the American Staffy. Start early so that your dog learns good behaviours before they become fully grown. You may also enrol your American Staffy puppy in obedience training classes. Ensure that the training methods are based on positive reinforcement.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Questions
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a larger, more muscular dog than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. While the AmStaff was originally derived from Staffordshire Bull Terriers, the breed has become distinct after generations of breeding.
No, American Staffordshire Terriers are not naturally aggressive dogs. However, they can be protective of their family and territory if not properly socialised and trained.
If you are looking for American Staffordshire Terrier puppies for sale, it’s always better to buy from reputable, ethical breeders. The best American Staffordshire Terrier dog breeders will produce puppies with an even temperament and few health problems.
The average cost of American Staffordshire Terrier puppies for sale will be between AUD $2000 and $3000.
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