Javascript DHTML Drop Down Menu Powered by dhtml-menu-builder.com
American
Staffordshire Terrier
Description: The American
Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff) is extremely strong for its size.
Agile, very muscular and stocky with a broad, powerful head. The
muzzle is medium in length, rounded on upper side to fall away
abruptly below the eyes. The eyes are dark and round, low down in
the skull and set far apart. Pink eyelids are considered a fault
according to the AKC standard. The jaw is very strong. The lips are
to be close and even, no looseness or dewlap. The ears are set high
on the head and can be cropped or uncropped. Uncropped is preferred
and should be short and held rose or half prick. The teeth should
form a scissors bite. Its coat is made up of thick, stiff, glossy
hair. All colors, solid, parti, or patched are permissible, but
according to AKC standard it is not encouraged for dogs to be more
than 80% white. The un-docked tail is short compared to the dogs
size and tapers to a point. Classed by AKC as "American
Staffordshire Terrier" and by UKC as "American Pit Bull Terrier."
The American Staffordshire Terrier, are generally of larger bone
structure, head size and weight than their cousins the American Pit
Bull Terrier.
Temperament: The American Staffordshire Terrier is an
intelligent, happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. Gentle and
loving towards people. Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and
affectionate family pet. It is good with children and adults. Almost
always obedient, this dog wants nothing more then to please its
master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that
is very full of life. Over the past 50 years, careful breeding has
produced this friendly, trustworthy, dog who is an especially good
dog for children. Courageous and a persistent fighter if provoked.
Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will
fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner
and threatens its loved ones. This breed has a very high tolerance
for pain. Some un-socialized Staffs may be dog aggressive. Socialize
very thoroughly when young to curve any dog aggressive tendencies.
This breed can be difficult to housebreak. It has given outstanding
results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed
as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, the Staff
makes a great family companion. This breed is not for the passive
owner who does not understand that all dogs have an instinct to have
a pack order. They need a firm, confident, consistent owner who
understands how to display the proper leadership. The objective in
training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a
natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we
humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack
cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and
all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That
is the only way your relationship can be a success.
Caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier: The American
Staffordshire Terrier needs a good deal of exercise, which can be
accomplished with a daily walk or game in the park. They are easy to
train, but take special care to discourage any aggressive tendencies
in your dog during puppyhood. The American Staffordshire Terrier can
live outside in temperate climates, but its proper mental
development virtually demands that it be allowed to live with its
family. Coat care is an afterthought, and involves a very occasional
brushing to remove dead hair. Known health issues in the breed
include canine hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy,
cerebellar ataxia, hypothyroidism and heart disease.