The American Staffordshire terrier, famously nicknamed AmStaff, combines everything good from confidence to smartness, loyalty to friendliness. Their physical traits are as unique as their temperament, characterized by muscular, stocky built, well-defined jaws, and dark wide-set eyes. The straight, glossy coat enveloping their body, teamed with their agile, springy gait, adds to the dogs’ elegance.
Though the present-day AmStaff is a much mellower version than their bull and terrier assistance, their alertness and courageousness are something they inherited from their ancestors, who were out and out fighting dogs. No wonder they make for excellent guard dogs, displaying wariness and suspicion when dealing with strangers.
They even emerge as fierce protectors when defending and safeguarding their families from any threatening situation.
Because of their fighting lineage, aggression is inherent in them that could often compel these dogs to bite. With proper training right from their puppy days, once could help control the behavior of the otherwise amicable dog.
Some strains of the extinct English bull-and-terrier breed regarded as the AmStaff’s ancestors made their way to America
The United Kennel Club recognized these American dogs under the name of AmericanPit Bull Terrier
About 50 of the UKC-registered American Pitbull terriers gained recognition by the American Kennel Club as Staffordshire Terrier
Its popularity in the United States suffered a decline
Its name was revised to American Staffordshire Terrier by the American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club ranked it 85th of the popular purebreds
High on energy, the American Staffordshire needs quite a decent amount of exercise to stay fit and fine. Besides two to three short 15-minute walks, they would for sure enjoy a long run or a game of fetch.
They love interacting with their family, and when engaged in a play session with their kin, it would not just remain healthy physically, but even psychologically. AmStaffs love participating in dog sports like dock diving, obedience, and agility.
Make them wear a leash while taking them out, lest if their prey drive is triggered, they wouldn’t think twice before chasing anything on the move. Never leave them alone in your backyard or garden, as these dogs tend to dig when bored or disturbed. Moreover, have a fence installed in your yard, lest these escape artists could channelize their jumping and climbing ability and sneak away at the slightest available opportunity.
Their short, stiff, and glossy coat wouldn’t take too much of your time and energy to groom. All you need to do is a quick brushing once a week using a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris. Bathe only when your AmStaff gets smelly or messy, with a proper vet-approved shampoo. Do not miss out on the other grooming regime like brushing its teeth, cleaning its eyes and ears, and regularly trimming its nails.
This highly energetic breed would need high-quality dog food, homemade or readymade, containing all the essential nutrients from protein to carbohydrates to minerals. You can opt for the Blue Buffalo’s chicken and rice recipe or the Royal Canin’s chicken-flavored food when getting store-bought food.
High on intelligence, with a strong desire to please, training the AmStaffs would not be too difficult a task. Yet, maintain a firm and tactful approach throughout and implement a positive reinforcement technique to motivate your dog to grasp what you teach them well.
Some of their recurrent behavioral issues like digging, chasing, or even getting aggressive while exhibiting their strong-willed nature may not be eliminated. Yet, obedience training since their puppyhood could help keep a check on them to a certain extent.
Socialization training is also of utmost importance to help them understand the true intentions of a stranger eventually and not just bark at any unknown person visiting their home.
Another challenge could be teaching them to wear a leash, lest taking them out could be challenging. So, the sooner, the better.
They have a moderate bite force of about 235 PSI.
Differentiating one from the other could be a little difficult since both were regarded as a single breed for a considerable point in time. Yet, the two have been given separate breed statuses and differ in several aspects. The Pitbull appears heavier, more muscular, and taller than the AmStaffs, also with increased aggression.
They do not shed heavily because of their short and stiff coat.
On an average an American Staffordshire terrier cost around $2000.
Possibly not, and even if they do, they remain unrecognized by the American Kennel Club.
