If you have decided on an American Staffordshire Terrier, you should be aware that it is a so-called list dog.
In some states, the It is even forbidden to keep this breed. So there can already be problems with the search for the right puppy.
Why the intelligent dog has such a bad reputation and for whom it is suitable, you can find out here.
American Staffordshire Terrier Wanted Poster
Size Male: 45 to 48 cm, Female: 43 to 46 cmWeightIs not fixedColorsSolid, spotted, multicoloredLife expectancy9 to 15 yearsOriginUSAcharacter/temperamentlively, courageous, attentive, willing to learnFCI groupterrier
Look
The American Staffordshire Terrier is characterized by a large and prominent head out of.
The eyes are set wide apart and set deep in the skull.
The ears can stand half erect or hang down like rose ears.
The weight of this breed is not fixed. However, it should fit the proportion of the dog.
A size between 43 and 46 cm is preferred for bitches and between 46 and 48 cm for males.
Its fur is smooth, short and shiny. As a result, the muscles and your athletic physique are clearly visible.
There are no breed-typical shades. Different markings can also occur.
However, the proportion of white should not be higher than 80 percent.
The standard also provides for a black nose sponge.
History & Origin of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known colloquially as “Amstaff”, originally comes from the English town of Stafford.
There he arose from the Crossbreed between bulldogs and terrierswhich were bred in Britain in the 19th century and used for dog fighting became.
The aim was to breed a true fighter: fearless and strong.
In the late 19th century, British immigrants brought this breed to the United States.
There, unlike in Great Britain, dog fighting was not banned.
But even in the USA there were breeders who no longer wanted to show the breed at dog fights but at exhibitions.
So it came to different breed names and a final one division of the race in American Staffordshire Terriers and the remaining attack dogs American Pit Bull Terriers.
In 1936, the American Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the standard for the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Nature & Character of the American Staffordshire Terrier
Despite its descent from earlier fighting dogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier is considered as balanced.
He has a rather calm temperament and a high tolerance level.
His bad reputation is strongly related to his lineage and powerful looks.
Because when it comes down to it, the American Staffordshire Terrier knows how to protect his family.
However, dealing with family members is very careful and friendly.
This breed tends to be neutral with strangers.
attitude & upbringing
Problems can already arise when purchasing the Amstaff. Because in most states, this breed is on the list of dogs that are considered dangerous.
Therewith is subject to strict regulations.
In addition, this breed may not be imported into Germany due to the Dog Movement and Import Restriction Act.
In Austria and Switzerland, too, the keeping of this breed is subject to various regulations. In Denmark, the Amstaff is even a forbidden breed.
However, the classification as a list or «fighting dog» is highly controversial.
In some countries it is even a very popular family dog.
The sensitive American Staffordshire Terrier needs good socialization and consistent training and leadership from a young age.
His handler should be respectful, patient and able to bond deeply with the dog.
If you take this to heart, you can expect an easy-to-train, impartial and child-friendly dog.
But if the Amstaff does not have a handler that he respects, he quickly shows himself to be dominant.
This breed is therefore rather unsuitable for beginners.
With an experienced handler with good empathy, this dog loves to please.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is lively and playful.
He prefers to be with his family, but will tolerate the absence of his humans for short periods of time. So you can leave him alone sometimes.
Also for dog sports, such as agility, or rescue services active dog to inspire.
Health & Care
Due to its short coat, the American Staffordshire Terrier needs not much maintenance. Occasional brushing is enough.
The breed is considered very healthy. This is due to the fact that during breeding less emphasis was placed on appearance than on nature and athleticism.
Kicking even in old age rarely relevant diseases on. Therefore, this breed also has a fairly high life expectancy.
The dog also shows up still fit and active in old age.
Diseases that can occur in this breed are cataracts or an underactive thyroid – but again this is not the rule.
So the Amstaff has an average Life expectancy of 12 years. Considering the size, this is old age.
The health of this breed can be supported with good and species-appropriate feeding and regular exercise.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier right for me?
If you are a strong and sensitive canine leader who is looking for an active dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is for you.
However, the Posture not allowed everywhere and in some states there is a Proof of competence or a holding permit requiredto get a dog of this breed from a breeder.
With a good and species-appropriate upbringing, this breed of dog is suitable as a companion and family dog.
The following criteria must be met:
- dog experience
- Consistent and loving parenting style
- Keeping permit (depending on where you live, dog handler’s license, certificate of expertise, etc.)
- Good family connection
- You don’t have to leave your dog alone for very long
- Individual housing (in some federal states)
Fun facts about the American Staffordshire Terrier
The Amstaff as a gang member
The Amstaff has also become famous as a gang member. Because in the children’s series «The Little Rascals» the dog named Pete was the boys’ playmate and minder.
He was also the first American Staffordshire Terrier to be registered by the American Kennel Club.
Attack dog or battle cuddler
In Germany, the American Staffordshire Terrier is on the «list» in many federal states and is classified as dangerous or particularly dangerous.
Very different in the UK. There Amstaffs are also called «Nanny Dog» and are among the most popular family dogs.
The situation is similar in the USA. There the American Staffordshire Terrier is because of its great patience, good-natured, playful temperament, and friendliness with children much appreciated by families.