- Breed name: American Staffordshire Terrier
- AKC list of the most popular dogs: 64
- FCI classification: Group III – Terriers
- Origin: USA
- Size: Medium size dog
- Average life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
The American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), usually known only as the Staffordshire Terrier, is one of the most popular breeds all over the world. The primary feature of Staffordshire Terrieris to satisfy its owner. If the owner nurtures all the good qualities of a Staffordshire Terrier, he will get an amazing dog, loyal, brave, fun, intelligent and sociable. It has been unfairly characterised in many cases as a “killing machine”, due to numerous stories and prejudices. Unfortunately, that breed has been abused by bad and irresponsible owners, who treat their complexes and frustrations through Staffordshire Terriers. If the owner wants him to be violent and cruel, the dog is easily trained to be like that.
ORIGIN
Staffordshire Terrier originated in the early 19th century, maybe even earlier, as a mixture of an old bull and a Boston terrier. The first dogs, bulls and older breeds of terriers became famous in Great Britain at the beginning of the 19th century, where bulldogs were used for bullfights. In time, there was a paring between an old terrier and a bulldog, and it became today’s American Staffordshire Terrier. At that time, dogs were especially popular among miners and workers in the Staffordshire area, after which the dog got its name. In 1835, bullfights were banned and replaced by dog fights, which were very popular in betting circles. There were many humane societies that tried to prevent those fights, but without success. Results came after interference of the law regulative and with the help of police intervention.
From 1935 to 1970, the number of Staffordshire Terrier rose from 350 to 2,000. Since 1936, they have been officially called the Staffordshire Terrier. At the beginning of that period, there was a large migration of workers with their families from Great Britain to America. Many of them also brought their dogs, Staffordshire Terrier. Regardless of the ban, there were dog fights in America as well. Many workers went to uninhabited areas, where the attitude towards Staffordshire Terriers was different, they treated dogs like friends, and they were a great company for children. Only then did they achieve great popularity and success thanks to their qualities, due to their loyalty and reliability. Since 1972, they have been called American Staffordshire Terrier.
APPEARANCE
The American Staffordshire Terrier is larger, has a longe back, and is very muscular and square in shape. An adult male can be up to half a meter tall, and a female a few centimetres lower (three to five). Their weight ranges from 25 to 30 kg, depending on gender. Regardless of the build, they are very graceful dogs with beautiful patterns. The back must have clearly defined muscles, and the tail is thin, of medium size. The front legs are strong and spread so that the chest can develop, and the hind legs are very strong and muscular. The ears are relaxed and folded in half, but many owners crop them. If so, it is recommended to do it as soon as possible, because ear cropping is painful procedure for pets.
The coat is very short, which is usually in two colours: white, and the other colour is light or dark brown, dark brown, black, gray, etc.
CHARACTER
These dogs are very energetic, persistent, and intelligent, and they can spend a long time in the game. For that reason, they are very suitable for training, and can easily learn everything that is required of them. Training is a natural process for them, they can spend the whole day in the game repeating actions.
It is very interesting, considering the rumors about him, that Staffordshire Terriers proved to be an excellent therapeutic dog due to their balanced nature. They have an extraordinary relationship with their family and children. You should also know that they are very brave dogs and have a strong protective instinct. They will not hesitate to attack at any time, another dog or some other animal, if they feel that their owners, especially the children, to whom they are tied, are in danger.
Care should be taken to educate and socialise with other dogs in a timely manner, because otherwise they may show intolerance.
HEALTH AND CARE
As for diseases, they are very healthy. It can happen that they have eye diseases, because that is their weak point, so it’s common for them to go blind in older age. In addition to the eyes, they may have hip and heart problems.
Since their coat is very short, they don’t need much maintenance, because they don’t shed much.
Statistics:
- Energy level: Medium energy
- Playfulness level: Very playful
- Attitude towards other dogs: Distrustful
- Relationship to other pets: Distrustful
- Attitude towards strangers: Friendly
- Ease of training: Very easy
- Protection: Very protective
- Maintenance required: Minimal
- Cold tolerance: Medium tolerance
- Heat tolerance: Medium tolerance