The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular dog breed that is popular for its strong and large size. Despite their ferocious appearance, they are loving and affectionate dogs, especially with their human family. This breed loves being with the humans they care most about, whether they are playing in the yard, cuddling up on the couch, or going out for a jog, they love being around with people who care for them. American Staffordshire Terriers likes to please; that is why they are highly trainable. But, taking care of an intelligent dog means that they need also needs mental stimulation along with physical exercise, or you’ll see them using their strong jaws and chewing anything they can find because they are bored. In this article, we are going to find out the American Staffordshire Terrier’s history, characteristics, and ways on how to take care of them.
History of American Staffordshire Terrier
The roots of the modern American Staffordshire Terrier can be traced back to England. This dog breed was a result of a mix between Bulldogs and Terrier breeds. The result of this mix earned them several names such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Half and Half, and Bull-And-Terrier Dog. As the years passed, breeders eventually settled with one name, and they decided to call it Staffordshire Bull Terriers. This is because these dogs were first taken care of by butchers in order to help them manage bulls. This dog breed also allows hunters to take down wild boars, and aside from that, they also help farmers with farm work while serving as ratters as well as family companions. Years later, people started to use them in the cruel sports of bear-baiting bull-baiting because of their courage, strength, as well as their muscular build. When these dangerous and evil sports eventually became illegal, Stafford Terriers were once again used in dogfighting rings, which unfortunately still continues in illegal events up until today. This misuse by humans is one of the reasons why these dogs have a reputation for being an aggressive breed. By 1850, several Stafford Terriers made their way to America, and this is where they were started to be called as Pit Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers. By the turn of the 20th century, the United Kennel Club recognized them as American Pit Bull Terriers.
On the other hand, the American Kennel Club recognized this dog breed as Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. Forty years after that, the American Kennel Club decided to change the breed’s name to American Staffordshire Terrier. This is because Americans were able to breed more of these dogs compared to the original Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier and they still have several things in common, even if they have been bred separately for over 50 years. Today, American Staffordshire Terriers are commonly used as watchdogs, K9 dogs helping with police work, or as family pets. They still, however, have that bad reputation for being aggressive dogs.
Characteristics of American Staffordshire Terrier
Height: 18-19 inches in male, 17-18 inches in female
Weight: 55-70 pounds in male, 40-55 pounds in female
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Male American Staffordshire Terriers can stand up 17 to 19 inches in height. In comparison, female American Staffordshire Terriers can be a bit smaller with an average height of 16 to 18 inches in height. Their average weight is between 40 and 60 pounds. Despite having the reputation of being an aggressive dog, this breed is still popular for being a family dog that loves to spend their time around humans. American Staffordshire Terriers are just happy when they spend time with their families, whether they are having a vigorous play session, or taking a long walk. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s muscular build and their reputation for being aggressive Pit Bulls that intimidate burglars keep them away. With that being said, several many American Staffordshire Terrier owners claim says that dogs from this breed are great judges of character and they can sense people’s intent, which is why they make excellent watchdog. Dogs from this breed can be intense dogs that will chew, dig, bark, and even pull when they are bored. Keep in mind that they are athletic and strong dogs which is why they can be quite difficult to take for walk, and they can have the tendency to pull their walker wherever they go. That’s why if you’re planning to have an American Staffordshire Terrier for a pet, you need to be a confident and assertive trainer that can handle them on a leash, as well as give them proper mental and physical stimulation. This breed might also need early socialization with humans and other animals. This is because they can be confrontational with other dogs when they are not used to socialize.
Taking Care of American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers are known for being prone to bad breath, which is why to need to brush their teeth at least once week or even more frequently in order to germs from growing. It would be best if you also trimmed their nails as needed. Still, this task can be a little bit difficult because American Staffordshire Terriers tend does not like to get their paws touched. This is why training them to be comfortable with touching and grooming while they are still puppies will help a lot. You should also have their ears checked for wax buildup and debris weekly and clean them up as needed in order to prevent ear infections as well as pest infestation.