American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Information: Profile, History, Care & Review

American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular, giving the impression not only of great strength for their size but also of grace and agility. Their gait is springy. Their low center of gravity helps them to easily stay their feet. However, they’re also quite nimble. The coat is short, close, and glossy.

They are intelligent and desirous to please, which makes them highly trainable, though that intelligence means they have mental stimulation. Alternatively, they’ll put those strong jaws to use and chew anything they will find out of boredom. American Staffordshire Terriers also can use their strength to pull dog walkers together with ease wherever they need to go if they aren’t trained properly. This suggests they have a strong, confident trainer who will set boundaries without being overly harsh.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Information:

Breed Name	American Staffordshire Terrier
Other Names	Amstaff, Stafford, Staffy
Breed Group	Terrier (AKC:1936)
Type	Purebred
Size	Medium
Weight	57-67 pounds (25-30 kg)
Height	Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm)
Area of Origin	United States
Life Range	12-14 years
Colors	Black Blue Brown White
Level of Energy	Average
Bark Tendency	Low
Exercise	Daily
Overall Grooming	Low Maintenance

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog History:

The American Staffordshire terrier derived from crossing Bulldogs with an older Terrier line. They’re closely associated with the American Pit Bull Terrier, from whom they were bred apart within the 1960s. The American breed was reared largely for illegal dogfighting (the ‘Pit’ in Pit Bull likely derives from fighting pits) within us and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1936.

American Staffordshire Terriers became popular with ranchers and farmers for protection, companionship, and catching hogs and cattle. Despite its media reputation for ferociousness, the American American Staffordshire terrier is an affectionate dog that has risen to popularity as a pet. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s natural aggression is directed toward other dogs, not humans, and even this will be overcome with training. They often function search dogs or police dogs. Popsicle, a drug-sniffing American American Staffordshire terrier, became famous for sniffing out and locating one among the most important cocaine busts within the history of the FDA.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Photos:

The Am Staff is a robust, healthy breed, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for these health conditions like canine hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and skin and coat allergies. A genetic test has recently been developed for cerebellar ataxia, which causes a progressive decline in muscle coordination, first appearing between ages 3 and 5 years; now, by identifying dogs with the mutation, breeders can avoid producing it in their bloodlines. Like all breeds, the ears should be checked regularly, and also the dog’s teeth should be brushed often.

Nutrition For American Staffordshire Terrier Dog:

The AmStaff should have the best on a portion of high-quality pet food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared, together with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are susceptible to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats are often an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which aren’t. Ask your vet if you’ve got any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean water should be available at all times.

How to Take Care of American Staffordshire Terrier Dog:

American Staffordshire Terriers are known to urge bad breath, so their teeth should be brushed a minimum of weekly, preferably even more frequently, to stop bad breath germs from growing. Their nails should be trimmed as required, which may be difficult as American Staffordshire Terriers tend to not wish to have their paws touched. Training them early to be comfortable with touching and grooming will help.

Their ears should be checked for wax buildup and debris weekly and cleaned as needed to avoid ear infection or pest infestation. Keep up with regular veterinary checkups and follow your veterinarian’s advice for additional at-home care.

American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming, Bathing & Coat:

American Staffordshire Terriers are a short flat coated breed that sheds throughout the year, even within the wintertime. Grooming is usually recommended for 4 – 8-week intervals to wash ears, clip nails, check anal glands and ensure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.

Bathing Care: If your American Staffordshire terrier has allergies or sensitive skin, we might suggest Tea Tree and Aloe Shampoo and follow it with the Tea Tree and Aloe Medicated Conditioner.

Eyes Care: Eyes should be alert and bright. Use Opti-Soothe Eye Wash during the bath to flush any foreign matter.

Ears Care: Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is suggested to make sure no ear problems, which may need vet attention to arise. Only clean as far as you’ll see, never further.

Paws Care: Paw Balm should be used weekly. Also, paw pads that are soft and pliable are less likely to dry and crack.

Coat Care: Use Aloe Hydrating Spray between baths to regulate flaking and dandruff, especially in dry conditions.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Exercise:

An athletic, energetic dog like the American Staffordshire terrier requires tons of exercise. Leaving the dog out in the yard all day isn’t the right approach, however: Yes, he can run around, but the AmStaff is a people-oriented dog who thrives when he’s made a part of the family. Long play sessions, together with his owner, develop his physical and psychological health. Additionally, many AmStaffs enjoy taking part in canine sports like obedience, agility, and dock diving. AmStaffs are even trained in search-and-rescue and excel at it.

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Personality:

Responsible breeders have focused on creating a dog with a sound, reliable temperament around humans. That breeding history is why many AmStaffs (as their friends call them) have incredibly trustworthy temperaments with their families. The average AmStaff is playful, gentle, and tolerant. Most well-socialized AmStaffs are good with children, but like any dog, AmStaffs and children should be supervised when together. Interaction with other animals, especially other dogs, should be closely monitored.

The AmStaff wasn’t meant to be a hop-to-it obedience whiz, and he isn’t. If you are trying to force him, he will always win. If you are trying to make it a game, he will always play, and you’ll both win. Despite its tough dog persona, the AmStaff may be a breed that likes to love.