Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog. It is extremely strong for its size. It has a broad, powerful head, short muzzle, and very strong jaws. The American Staffordshire Terrier is powerful, reliable, and very protective. With its own family it is devoted, gentle and loving. This dog is courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of its pushy yet sensitive character. Its natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled giving the American Staffordshire Terrier a bad rap. It should never be confused with the Pit Bull Terrier. Classed by AKC as "American Staffordshire Terrier" and by UKC as "American Pit Bull Terrier." The American Staffordshire Terrier, is generally of larger bone structure, head size and weight then its cousin the American Pit Bull Terrier

TEMPERAMENT

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family dog. It is good with children and adults. It is a courageous and persistent fighter if provoked. It needs firm, kind training to control this instinct; its basic temperament towards people is gentle and loving. It is almost always obedient; this dog wants nothing more then to please its master. It can be difficult to housebreak. This is not a dog for a timid owner; it needs a firm, consistent, but gentle hand. This breed is an intelligent, excellent watchdog and guard dog that is very full of life. This dog is highly protective of its owner and the owner's property; it will fight an enemy to the death. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. It is very important to socialize this dog very thoroughly when young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. This breed has a very high tolerance for pain. The American Staffordshire Terrier must have plenty of regular exercise, but keep it leashed in public to avoid fights with other dogs. This is not a breed for placate or overbearing personalities.

GROOMING

Smooth, short and dense. It is easy to groom. Brush on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat gleam. This breed is an average shedder.

HEALTH

Prone to hives caused by stress or insect bites, cerebellar ataxia - an undefined problem in the part of the brain that controls coordination, PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) - gradual deterioration of the retina beginning with night blindness and eventually total blindness, allergies, cancer, heart problems, socialization issues, training and hip dysplasia, thyroid problems

EXERCISE

A home with a fenced yard or kennel is essential. The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a breed for the placate or the overbearing personalities. American Staffordshire Terriers adapts well to both urban and country living. The best owner is an active, experienced family or individual.

TRAINING

Special training is needed because of their nature.Quick to learn but needs an assertive regiment.

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