Staffordshire Bull Terriers generally can trace their lineage to Birmingham in the UK, where the line was first developed, before further development took place in Staffordshire. From this breeding stock, progenitors went to the US and were later developed into the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The early Staffordshire Terriers were bred to be quick, agile fighters with powerful jaws. They fought in dog pits and were used in bull-baiting. This is how the early American Staffordshire Terrier took its other name: The Pit Bull.
GGiven their fearlessness and commitment to finishing the fight, these dogs developed something of a reputation. However, it’s important to note that American Staffordshire Terriers were also bred to be extremely loyal and relatively docile toward humans.
The animal’s jaws were selected for a powerful grip, which comes at the expense of a shallower nose. As a result, AmStaff’s have some trouble regulating their body temperature (through panting) and are best-suited to indoor living.
Female: 43-48 cm
Male: 43-48 cm
Female: 28-40 kg
Male: 28-40 kg
Loyal, devoted, attentive, courageous and tenacious
10-12 years
Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, heart disease
USA and UK (Birmingham)
Daily exercise, such as a long walk or jog is necessary for proper mental and emotional health.
Smooth
Black, sable, blue, fawn, brindle and brown
Given public misconceptions about the breed, it’s important that AmStaffs are well-socialised and trained to be obedient to a fault.
A well-bred American Staffordshire Terrier is an impressive specimen: muscular, agile, graceful and keenly aware of its surroundings. It’s a stocky breed with well-defined musculature and a sleek coat that’s easy to care for.
In the course of choosing the best American Staffordshire Terrier pet insurance and seeing to other considerations, it’s important to take the psychology of the breed into account. Despite public misconceptions, this is not an aggressive dog. Instead, it lives quite peaceably within its own boundaries and with those it considers part of the family.
But the bull-baiting temperament can be aroused when it feels threatened or even like it’s being challenged. With that in mind, it’s essential that the owner have a keen eye and is able to coax the dog into a calm and comfortable state if needed. In the right hands, an American Staffordshire Terrier is a lovely dog that could hardly conceive of doing harm to another.
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