Group: Terrier/Mastiff
Weight: 24-38 pounds, although this can vary widely between breeding lines. Some American Staffordshire Terriers can weigh up to 50 or 60 pounds.
Height: 14-16 inches
Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
Size of Litters: Average 5-10 puppies
History
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred in England in the nineteenth century for the purposes of bull and bear-baiting. When American breeders brought the dog to the U.S., they began selectively breeding for a larger head with more powerful jaws, thus creating the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This new breed was used often in dog fights until the activity was banned in the U.S. in 1900. Unfortunately, these dogs are sometimes still used for fighting illegally. The fighting strain of this breed is referred to as the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier is the show strain of the original breed and, in spite of its origins, is a steadfast, gentle pet when paired with the proper guardian.
Characteristics
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a heavy-boned, wide shouldered dog originally developed by crossing Bulldog and Terrier lines. This breed is almost instantly recognisable by its broad, powerful head, wide jaws and stocky frame. It is known for its fierce sense of loyalty toward its owner, strong muscularity and fearlessness. The American Staffordshire Terrier wants nothing more than to please its owner, is willingly obedient, but will likely defend its family to the death from imminent threat. Despite its intimidating background as a bull and bear-baiting dog, this breed makes an extremely loving and affectionate companion. The American Staffordshire Terrier, when properly socialised, is especially caring toward children.
Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is frequently the victim of breed profiling. Many people jump to conclusions about the breed and assume this dog to be vicious or aggressive toward people. When properly bred and socialised, however, the opposite usually holds true. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very loving dog, deeply devoted and affectionate toward its family. It possesses a cheerful, boisterous disposition and has a natural affinity toward children. Don’t be fooled by its appearance – the American Staffordshire Terrier can be a wonderful, faithful family member.
Care
The American Staffordshire Terrier sports a smooth, short coat which comes in a variety of colors ranging from fawn to the more exotic blue. This coat requires little maintenance, limited to regular brushing and bathing, although the coat can gleam beautifully when rubbed with a towel or chamois cloth. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s ears are frequently cropped as a puppy. For more detailed info, take a look at the American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming page.
Training
As with any physically powerful breed, training is mandatory with the American Staffordshire Terrier. Obedience training will reinforce the owner’s position as boss and ensure a peaceful household. Highly intelligent and more than willing to appease its master, this breed thrives at all types of training. So, the training experience should be fun and relatively trouble-free. This dog will also need a daily walk to remain calm and happy. Some American Staffordshire Terriers can develop dog-aggressive tendencies when not socialised properly. Care must be taken to ensure this dog has extensive socialisation as a youngster to avoid this problem. Some American Staffordshire Terriers participate in canine activities well suited to muscular breeds, such as weight-pulling.