Amstaffs come in many different colors. The Am Staff is quite powerful and tends to be stoic in the face of pain. It can even cause sudden death without any warning. This is how their traits have come to be, aggression towards other animals, yet being gentle and loyal to humans. The American Staffordshire Terrier is commonly referred to as the Amstaff. These were still fighting dogs. Training will boost your dog's confidence and provide structure. Talk to other American Staffordshire terrier owners, reputable American Staffordshire terrier breeders and American Staffordshire terrier rescue groups to learn more. They may look intimidating, but these dogs are actually very affectionate and enjoy being around people. This is not the type of dog for inexperienced or first-time dog owners. The American Staffordshire terrier is bred in part for AKC conformation and conforms to a stricter standard, particularly in size range. They are great to pull heavy objects or use a sled to carry things for you. They want to be put to work and have a job to do. They’ll be pleased with themselves, and you’ll be able to help educated others on how great of a breed the American Staffordshire Terrier really is. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the American Staffordshire terrier. Generally speaking, the American Staffordshire terrier is nearly the same breed as the American pit bull terrier. This loveable dog is the 80th most popular dog in the United States. Periodically check them to see if there’s any wax build up, and if so, wipe it away with a warm cloth. However, be aware that the Am Staff has a strong prey drive and a history of dog fighting, so it should be supervised and carefully introduced when meeting other animals and small children. Your breeder should be open and honest about the different diseases that are genetic in Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and they should have several different tests done on the puppies before you get them. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. American Staffordshire Terriers need to start their training from a very early age. Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disease that causes the progressive decline of the muscle. Regardless of the type of exercise, be sure it is provided about twice daily or more. Despite its brawn, it is quick and nimble. Make sure to stay patient and relaxed when working with your American Staffordshire Terrier. Depending on the allergy, there are a couple of things that can be done. These dogs enjoy a lot of rough-housing, playing tug-of-war, mentally stimulating games such as agility and obedience. American Staffordshire Terriers have jaws that are strong enough that they’ll be able to tear through anything that you give them. You can check that these tests have been done and what their results are on the OFA website (offa.org). The main difference is their size. American Staffordshire Terrier – Dog Breed Information, Facts & Lifespan American Staffordshire Terriers or Amstaffs are American dogs bred in the 1800s for use by farmers. The bulldogs and terriers of the time were crossed to create a dog that possessed desirable attributes of each breed. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Their backs are fairly short. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a lot of similar characteristics to their other cousins in the Pit Bull family. This is a fairly smart dog breed that can be stubborn, following its own will if permitted. Find American Staffordshire Terriers for Sale in St Louis on Oodle Classifieds. Remember that during the change of the seasons your dog will shed more often. The following are some conditions to be aware of: In general, American Staffordshire terriers need a high protein, low grain diet, which helps prevent diarrhea and bloat. Conversely, the American pit bull terrier is more often bred as a companion dog and has greater variances in size (a range of 30 to 90 pounds) and other physical traits. They require consistent daily energy and as long as they can get this, they can live almost anywhere. They are extremely devoted to their families, to the point where they will defend the people they love with their lives. The other downside to these fences is that they do not prevent other animals from coming into your yard. This will help to prevent the needless seizure and destruction of your family pet. American Staffordshire Terrier Size and Appearance. There are many great sites that you can go to when you're looking for your new companion, and of course, you should try to find out as much information as you can about these dogs. They are also loyal, tenacious, brave, protective, and intelligent. Review: Orbee-Tuff Snoop Treat Dispensing Dog Toy, Giveaway: Spruce Grab & Go Leash Bag ($30+ Value), Top 5 Best Dog Pill Pocket Treats, Pouches and Maskers, 5 Best Service Dog Vests and Harnesses for Working Dogs, 7 Best Dog Wheelchairs for Rehabilitation, How To Deal With Dog Aggression Without Training Collars, How To Clean A Dog's Ears 101: A Step-By-Step Video Guide, Hill's Ideal BalanceGrain Free Adult Dry Dog Food, Wellness TruFood Baked Blends Natural Grain Free Raw Dog Food, American Pit Bull Terrier Club of New England, American Staffordshire Terriers Club of America, Recipe: Chicken and Rice Homemade Dog Food, 5 Best Videos of Dogs Welcoming Soldiers Home, No More Emotional Support Animals on Planes. This does not mean that they are bad dogs or even that it’s a problem with the dog itself. Puppies should never be taken away from their mothers before they reach the age of 8 weeks. Three half-hour walks a day is ideal. Many people can and do confuse the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull. Make sure to visit your vet within days of getting your new dog. With the right home and master, this dog is friendly, good with children, and has a high … They are very affectionate! Your dog will be required to take this medication for the rest of his life. There are many exercises that you and your American Staffordshire Terrier can enjoy together. However, expect their diet needs—including the amount and frequency with which you feed them—to change as they age. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a natural born guardian! Like their cousins the Staffordshire Bull Terriers, these dogs are also known as “nanny” dogs. Their body should taper down once passed their rib cages. Since Amstaffs are so strong, it’s very important that you are always in control and your dog is not going to be overpowering you. On average, they will range from 15-19 inches high at the shoulder. There is, however, a breed called the American pit bull terrier. This breed has a muzzle that is medium length and ends in a black nose. You should not be able to hear the nails go click, click, click as your dog walks through the house. They just want to be around people all the time, but if they feel that their family is in danger they will do whatever they need to do to protect the people they love – even if it is against another human and even at the cost of their own lives if need be. Places that are just in it for the money and don’t actually care for the well-being of the dogs or where they are going to be placed are probably puppy mills. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Check your local animal shelter and rescue groups for American Staffordshire terriers in need of homes. They absolutely dominated in fighting pits. If you find that there is a lot of excess build up, you can use a cotton swab. With some easy preventative care, you can keep your Amstaff healthy and happy. They require an experienced and confident owner. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. When buying your puppy make sure that the breeder is using this genetic testing on their dogs to make sure that they’re not passing on the gene. In fact, the same dog can be registered with the American Kennel Club as an American Staffordshire Terrier and also with the United Kennel Club as an American Pit Bull Terrier! American Staffordshire Terriers are known for being strong, upbeat, and ready and eager to please. RECOMMENDED READ: How To Clean A Dog's Ears 101: A Step-By-Step Video Guide. SIMILAR ARTICLE: English Bulldog Breed Profile. The breed was originally called the bull-and-terrier Dog, half and half, or pit dog. They will also help you with any questions that you may have with your new dog or on any breeders. In fact, today’s Amstaffs are very different from their forefathers. American Staffordshire Terriers have a short slick coat, but they still shed. If it’s another dog, cat, or small animal, your Amstaff may go after it. Their ears are very easy to care for. When its Am Staff ancestors were first brought to the U.S. in the late 1800s, this dog breed was developed mainly for its unmatched ability in the dog fighting pits. Keep working with him and being patient with lots of praises. Although, even with the best breeds there are some things that can go wrong. These dogs are known to chase smaller prey, but American Staffordshire Terriers that have grown up with other animals can be very loving towards these creatures. In reality, they just want to be a member of the family. They were originally bred for baiting sports, which required fighting dogs and wild animals for entertainment. Select the area where you would like to locate Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders. When training or playing, you will find that these dogs are full of energy. It was in the pits that they became known as the Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and less commonly Yankee Terrier. American Staffordshire Terriers were bred to be swift and strong. You can brush his teeth on a regular basis and also use teething products like antlers and cow bones. Their sturdy frame allows them to be able to withstand toddler play. Eventually, it became known in England as the Staffordshire Bull terrier. Keep in mind that all American Staffordshire Terriers will have different nutritional needs depending on their age, weight and underlying health conditions. Other signs of puppy mills are how the dogs are housed and how many litters are on the go at any given time. See more ideas about american staffordshire terrier, staffordshire terrier, terrier. Look for someone who is interested in you and your family and how you live. Their tails should never be docked or curled over their backs. Their acceptance and love of children is very great. They include red, blue, brown, gray, black and white, and brindle. Skin allergies are also very common in Amstaffs. The RCA used Nipper as their trademark dog. Dogs that are bred responsibly should not have this issue, as a lot of the time it can be passed on genetically. Leash walks are great for both you and your pooch. Just like personality and appearance traits can be associated with a dog breed, certain health problems are inherited as well. You may even find the two of them napping away together with your Amstaff keeping your child safe and warm. If you’re not able to do this, talk to your vet about what medications can be provided. 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During your vet visits, the veterinarian should be able to hear an issue with the heart. Like most of those in the Pit Bull family umbrella, the American Staffordshire Terrier is generally healthy. These dogs have a lot of strength and want to use it for a purpose. They are able to withstand the play of toddlers and enjoy a good hard and rough play with their owners. Obesity will also increase your dog's chances of having hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure that play between small children and dogs is always supervised to keep everyone safe. This will help to protect your dog from being needlessly seized and destroyed. Since then the American Staffordshire Terrier breed has been bred to conform to the AKC standards resulting in slight differences between the two cousins. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1936 as the Staffordshire terrier. All new puppies should have their shots and be tested by vets and professionals before they can be given out. Your American Staffordshire Terrier may not be able to wear his own nails down with just exercise. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier, History of the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terriers vs. Recently, a screening test has been developed to recognize this disease in carrier dogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular breed known for being strong for its size; however, they’re also loving and affectionate with human family members. The American Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff, is a dog originally from the English region of Staffordshire. A number of nationwide rescue groups for Am Staffs provide online resources to find a dog, including: Before you decide if the American Staffordshire terrier is the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. This has made most Pit Bull breeds banned in many countries, cities, and municipalities. The most common form is aortic stenosis.