American Staffordshire Terrier | Friendly and Loyal to his own Family

American Staffordshire terrier, also recognized as Am-staff, is a medium-sized, short-coated dog breed in America. It is one breed from the pit-bull group. In the early 20^th century, the breed gained social stature and was registered by the Kennel Club of the USA in 1936, but should not be confused with Staffordshire bull terrier of the UK.

Height and Size

The preferred height of American Staffordshire terrier ranges between 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) at shoulders for males; and 43 to 46 cm (17 to 18 inches) for females.

Lifespan

The life expectancy is usually 12 years with good care.

Temperament

American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented dog that thrives when becomes a part of the family and given a task to do. The dog is friendly and loyal to his own family.

Breed-Specific Legislation

American Staffordshire Terrier has been subject to breed bans that target the Bull and Terrier family in response to incidents concerning pit bulls or related dog breeds. This legislation ranges from absolute bans on ownership to constraints and conditions of possession. The suitability and efficacy of breed-specific legislation in preventing dog-related mortalities and injuries is disputed.

Health

American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, muscular, well put-together dog, but agile and graceful, and strongly thrived to his surroundings. The dog is stocky, not long-legged or racy in the shape. The height and weight should be in proportion.

American Staffordshire Terrier puppies should not be accepted before the age 8 to 10 weeks. Their normal life is expected 12 years with good care. The breed is prone to skin allergies, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), and autoimmune disorders but ‘Spondylosis and Osteoarthritis’ are common in older dogs.

The important issues related to health and well-being include:

• Congenital Heart Disease 
• Elbow Dysplasia 
• Hip Dysplasia 
• Luxating Patella  
• Thyroid Dysfunction 
• Cerebellar Ataxia 

History

The Staffordshire terrier’s ancestors, the bull and terrier were initially bred in Birmingham during the 19^th century. The early lineages of this breed came from England where the Bulldog was bred; until the first part of 19^th century. Bulldogs visualized as late as 1870 look like the Staffordshire terrier’s ancestor, the modern American Staffordshire Terriers, to a greater degree than contemporary Bulldogs. Some writers contend it was the White English Terrier, Fox Terrier, or the Black and Tan Terrier that was crossed with Bulldog to produce the Staffordshire bull terrier. These three breeds have some common traits, the greatest changes being in color and spirit.

The cross of Terrier and Bulldog was recognized with the names; Bull-and-Terrier Dog and Pit Bull Terrier. Later, it was named ‘Staffordshire Bull Terrier’ in England which then became popular in America as early as the 1850s. It became a new breed and was documented by United Kennel Club on February 10, 1898, with the name ‘American Pit Bull Terrier’. In 1936, 50 registered ‘Pit Bulls’ of United Kennel Club were received at American Kennel Club for registration in Stud Book as “Staffordshire Terriers” with a new standard and purpose. The name of this breed was revised to ‘American Staffordshire Terrier’ on January 1, 1969, when breeders in the USA had produced a variety with heavier weight than Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The change of name was to differentiate them as a separate breed.

The popularity of this breed was declined in the USA after World War II. In 2013, the American Kennel Club ranked “American Staffordshire Terrier” as the 81^st famous purebred in the USA.

Color Differentiation

A male Amstaff. Color: Red & White

A male Amstaff. Color: fawn brindle

A male Amstaff. Color: Sable & White

A male Amstaff. Color: Dark Brindle

7 Years old bitch. Color: Red & White

A male Amstaff. Color: Black & White

Also see: Beautiful Pictures of American Staffordshire Terrier Puppies