Staffordshire Terrier dog. American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): a devoted friend in the body of a fighting machine Stafford breed description
When talking about the Staffordshire Terrier, many people imagine a dog with a wide muzzle, a powerful chest and a kind look. Possessing an innate sense of dangerous situations and a natural instinct for protection, Amstaffs can become an excellent bodyguard for their owner. The price of such dogs depends on the pedigree of the parents, on which the victories of the Staffordshire Terrier in various competitions directly depend.
History of the breed
First mentions of service dog Amstaff appeared back in 1209. The breed was developed not in America, as is commonly believed, but in England. American Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Stafford, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull - these are all names of the same breed. This diversity is due to the fact that different times animal assigned various tasks.
Amstaffs were originally bred as fighting dogs. As gladiatorial combat began to die out, people found entertainment in fights between various animals. At first, mastiffs were used for these purposes. But since they are quite large animals, they were good targets for the horns and hooves of wild animals. In this regard, it was decided to reduce the size of the fighting dog, and dog breeders crossed a terrier and a bulldog. The result was a fast, nimble and cunning small dog.
IN modern form The Staffordshire Terrier was registered in 1936. And in 1976 they began to call him the American Staffordshire Terrier. Since then, neither the breed itself nor its name have changed.
Amstaff appearance
A very strong, large, muscular and well-built dog looks very elegant. It is different:
The Staffordshire Terrier's coat may have solid, spotted or particolor. Black and tan, liver and white color. The disadvantages of her appearance include an overly long tail, pink eyelids, a light brown nose and light eyes.
Personality of the Staffordshire Terrier
Brave, active, purposeful Amstaffs have a unique intelligence and combine a number of opposing qualities. They can be both sensitive and stubborn, complacent and unapologetic, strong and affectionate.
Fearless, Staffordshire Terriers strive for their own safety. And if they see that you are being unfair to them, they may be offended.
Breed trains well, but you can’t force her to do anything. It needs to be trained only with positive motivation, otherwise the dog may become bitter.
Amstaffs will never bark and howl for no reason. They are very playful and are ready to frolic with any family member anywhere. Already with early age the dog needs to be introduced to environment. Having completed all the necessary vaccinations, the puppy should be taken outside, walked with him in crowded places, taken on public transport, or carried in a car. This way he will quickly get used to it and will calmly react to strange situations and strangers. To avoid conflicts during walks, the puppy needs to be introduced to other dogs. It is best if they are peace-loving dogs.
It is important to teach the Amstaff the command “Give!”, while taking away a bone or toy from him. With such actions you will show that you are the leader of the pack, and you must be obeyed. Because the staffordshire terriers leaders, then in order to take the place of the leader, they should be shaken up.
Keeping an American Staffordshire Terrier
Amstaffs are indoor dogs that can only go for walks outside. Therefore, a pet must have its own place in an apartment or house where it will like to sleep. The puppy will most likely settle down on your bed. Many owners are only happy about this. But you need to remember that the dog is growing and over time it will become quite big. As a result, there is only enough space on the bed for her alone. Therefore, from day one, the American Staffordshire Terrier gotta know your place. And sleep on the bed only with the permission of the owner.
Since the dog has no undercoat and little hair, it can freeze even on warm days. The best housing option for her would be a furnished crate with soft bedding, which should be there already on the day the puppy crosses the threshold of your home.
Physical activity is very important for young and adult dogs. Puppies should be walked twice a day. American Staffordshire Terriers love outdoor games, so they need to be allowed to run around a little without a leash.
Some dogs of this breed love to swim, while others do not. Therefore, the latter need to be accustomed to water. To do this, go into the water and call your pet. If he follows you, then he should definitely be praised. Encouragement and praise play a role important role in raising a dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier: price, pedigree
Since the likelihood of future victories directly depends on the pedigree, the choice of a dog must be approached with all responsibility.
Those who want to purchase an Amstaff in order to earn gold medals at exhibitions must ask the breeder about the pedigree. It is best if it shows all the parents' awards, written reviews from judges and photographs from exhibitions. Any excuses should raise doubts. If everything is in order, then you can choose an affordable puppy that you like. And victories at exhibitions will depend entirely on the efforts of the owner.
But for those who just want to make a family friend, all of the above information will not be very interesting. However, for any Staffordshire Terrier puppy the price depends on the class:
- Pet class are purebred dogs with various appearance deviations from breed standards. This could be a defect in the jaw, an asymmetrical structure of the skull, or a different color. All this excludes the possibility of the dog participating in the exhibition, which means that the Amstaff of this class is suitable only as a “man’s friend”. If you do not plan to go to exhibitions and earn a lot of money from breeding the breed, then such a puppy is just for you. The price for a breed of this class ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 thousand rubles.
- The Brit class is acceptable for those who want to get a purebred dog without any developmental disabilities. Such puppies have good performance, but most likely they will not be able to take first place at the show. But in the future they will be suitable for breeding. The price for them ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 thousand rubles.
- Show class are American Staffordshire Terriers, distinguished by their distinct breed characteristics. Fighting dogs of this class are suitable for victories at exhibitions and for breeding. But their price is appropriate. A puppy can cost more than 20,000 rubles.
Criteria for choosing puppies
When choosing a puppy of any class, you need to pay attention to a mark that must be in the groin or ear. It is done on the dog’s 45th birthday. In addition, there must be puppies.
The American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed is known to the world, but not everyone has heard about the long and interesting story origin of the breed. Staffords were created through selection in England. Bulldog and terrier crosses were carried out to create an aggressive and courageous dog. The result exceeded imaginable and unimaginable expectations. The American Staffordshire Terrier was originally called a bull terrier, indicating its origins in the bulldog and terrier.
There are debates regarding the origin of the terrier; there are a number of contradictions in the history of the dog. The Stafford is a cross between the aggressiveness of a bulldog and the endurance and mobility of a terrier. What can we say, the dog turned out to be truly harsh and cruel.
A completely reasonable question arises: why did the British need such dangerous dog. The answer is extremely simple. In the 19th century, they actively gained popularity dog fighting, promising big income for the organizers. Gradually, betting moved to the USA, Mexico and even Canada. The Staffords showed fearlessness and tenacity in fights, shedding blood for the amusement of those around them. A truly monstrous sight.
The dogs did not stop fighting. Even serious wounds did not knock the dogs down and the dogs continued to fight like true fighters. This is a proud and strong breed, improved through selection many times. The names were constantly changing. The Staffordshire Terrier was previously called the Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and even the Brindle Bulldog. Name new breed did not affect the character of the breed - a living machine for endless battles and bloodshed. Keeping an animal at home was considered crazy, to say the least. Years passed, centuries changed. Staffords began to appear in private homes as staunch and hardy guards.
The pet received its modern name - American Staffordshire Terrier - only at the end of the 20th century. At the end of the 19th century, the breed was given its current appearance.
The role of the ancestors of the breed was played by the English terrier and bulldog, successfully crossed by American breeders. As a result of scientific work, the Pit Bull Terrier breed was born, which served as the further creation of the Staffordshire Terrier dog. Today it is customary to shorten the long name; the dogs are more often known as Stafs or Amstafs. Pets appeared on the territory of Russia recently - at the end of the 20th century.
Description of the breed
Before purchasing this difficult animal, you will need to study the characteristics of the breed in detail. The Stafford is a fighting dog with a complex and difficult to control temperament. You have the right to madly love and cherish the dog as a full-fledged member of the family, but he is an aggressive fighter, such are the genes.
To earn the dog’s complete trust and obedience, you need to re-read a bunch of books and thoroughly learn the psychology of the breed. They are complex and unruly, unyielding and extremely stubborn animals. The appearance speaks of extraordinary sporting potential. Raising a dog will become the basis for safe coexistence in the same territory. Stafford makes a true warrior:
- strong body,
- strong legs,
- short hair,
- pile of muscles.
Despite his dashing disposition, the Staffordshire Terrier recognizes hierarchy and follows the rules of the pack. The dog's owner and family members must demonstrate their own importance and remain an authority so that the dog never touches them. If it is not possible to achieve strict subordination, the dog is capable of showing monstrous aggression at any second, both against adults and children.
It is recommended to conduct regular training, exercises, and educational games so that the Amstaff becomes a family friend who is not capable of causing pain. If a person is ready for such a complex upbringing and a waste of nerves and energy, it is possible to purchase a puppy of the specified strong breed.
To the full description of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed, I would like to add that the breed is created for murder and bloodshed. There is no dog’s fault in the resulting cruelty and mercilessness. A proper upbringing and regular training can turn a growing villain into a truly sweet animal, ready to protect his family to the last drop of blood.
Breed characteristics:
- 44-46 cm height for females, 46-48 cm height for males;
- 25-30 kg weight;
- The head is large;
- The ears are semi-raised, erect, set high;
- The eyes are round, dark, rimmed, and set wide apart;
- Black nose;
- The back is sloping, short;
- The stomach is tucked;
- Oblique placement of the shoulder blades;
- Shoulders are muscular;
- The chest is wide and powerful;
- Limbs straight, widely spaced;
- Short pointed tail;
- Short coat, smooth, thick;
- Various colors, spotting is acceptable.
The Staffordshire Terrier dog breed has a contradictory character. On the one hand, genetic traits influenced the formation: courage and dedication, quick response and ruthlessness. The fighting past has not passed without a trace in the history of the dog; the fighting blood inherent in dogs continues to flow in the veins of staffs.
Staffordshire Terriers, on the other hand, are portrayed as intelligent dogs that are calm and level-headed. The dog is infinitely devoted to its owners and absolutely loves children. Staffordshire Terriers are often bred as nannies for naughty pranksters.
Dogs get along well with children and are ready to indulge their whims, make them happy and play from morning to night. The breed is distinguished by its mobility and energy; representatives get along comfortably with children and spend most of the day in active games.
Among other things, the Staffordshire Terrier breed is not endowed with a desire for dominance. Thanks to this, getting along with another pet is easier than ever. Dogs will not leave their owner and family in trouble, they will always support. If danger arises, they will stand up for the family and will not offend anyone. IN ordinary life staff radiates calm and regularity.
The dog has extraordinary sensitivity, it is not recommended to scold or punish the dog, you should not raise your voice without reason or show aggression. The upbringing and comfortable existence of staff is directly related to the manifestation of love and tenderness, trust and other positive emotions.
Thanks to their innate sense of smell, Staffordshire Terrier puppies and adult dogs always feel what is going on in the family. Dogs will not raise their voices and will not impose their presence during serious situations. They are not prone to barking without permission. At such moments, they will either try to support the owners, or will go to their place and lie quietly.
Caring for the American Staffordshire Terrier
When the Amstaff puppy crosses the threshold of the apartment, he will immediately begin a thorough inspection of the territory. On the first day, the owner must designate a place for the dog to sleep. Of course, basking with an affectionate puppy is nice and healthy, but the baby will quickly turn into a calf weighing 30 kg.
Proper care of the American Staffordshire Terrier will eliminate unwanted moments in the process of coexistence with the wonderful beast. As a puppy, the staff undergoes vaccination procedures against measles, distemper and rabies. Subsequently, vaccinations are given annually, in the prescribed month. There will be no difficulties in caring for the coat. A stiff brush is enough to make your pet's coat look healthy and well-groomed.
The Amstaff does not like nail trimming; it is recommended that the dog's owner entrust this task. The authority of the owner for the staff is undeniable, it will not touch even pain when trimming claws.
It’s easy to learn how to care for an American Staffordshire Terrier from breeders; nothing specific is expected.
Taking care of the healthy state of the staff is a complex of measures, including:
- Preventive actions;
- Therapeutic measures;
- Hygiene procedures;
- Optimal diet;
- Optimal walking mode.
Proper care of the Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to caring for your pet’s coat. The coat will need to be cleaned periodically wet wipe or a towel, regularly comb out dead hairs. The procedure promotes rapid hair renewal and provides the skin with the necessary massage.
It is important not to overdo it with bathing your pet; frequent procedures will undermine the health of the coat and skin. For mandatory bathing, special shampoos are used as a cosmetic product. The use of inappropriate products causes allergic reaction and dry skin.
You will need to shorten your pet's claws monthly using a special tool. Walking on an asphalt surface is good for the natural development of claws. It is important to pay attention to your teeth.
To provide healthy condition You are supposed to brush your teeth with a special brush. It is important to monitor the condition of the nose; if it is dry and cracked, the dog is unhealthy. Ears are kept clean and healthy.
What to feed
American Staffordshire Terrier puppies must be fed well in order for their muscles to grow properly. Let us denote the series important points what to feed the American Staffordshire Terrier:
- A massive and strong skeleton requires a high level of calcium in the blood; give the dog special vitamins sold at the pet store.
- The digestive system is not complicated, which contributes to the rapid digestion of food. It is not recommended to feed your dog high-calorie foods. This can lead to difficulty in bowel movements.
- A healthy American Staffordshire Terrier dog walks at least twice a day.
- Meat should prevail in the diet. You should not feed exclusively dry food. The dog willingly eats scraps from the owner's table.
It’s easy to find out from the sellers what to feed American Staffordshire Terrier puppies. It is better to purchase the appropriate book for a thorough study. However, there are no fundamental differences in the diet of Staffords. Dogs eat everything and do not experience any difficulties with the digestive tract.
The food of the staff is designed to correspond to the physical condition of the pet and support it. The diet of puppies is supposed to be balanced, taking into account the size of the animal and gender. The main component of the diet is meat, offered raw and boiled.
It is recommended to give your pet milk, cottage cheese and eggs. The last component is required when boiled. Boiled cereals are useful for food; it is not forbidden to prepare soups. Porridges and soups are complemented with vegetables. Offer to gnaw bones, with the exception of tubular ones, add meat and bone meal to food.
Character of the breed
Some researchers say that due to its rich fighting past, the Amstaff has practically lost the pack instinct characteristic of its relatives. Became an individual. The change led to the emergence of character traits: the ability to make independent decisions, the absence of the need to dominate, and to obey the general mood.
Amstaff owners talk about the dogs’ ability to think, understand words different from standard commands, and the mood in the house.
A smart dog is always happy to play with those who want to. Needs attention and love. Next to the person is fully consistent famous saying that with great power comes great responsibility. Despite the quick reaction and ability to instantly respond to stimuli, the American Staffordshire Terrier always thinks about everything, which is noticeable in his facial expressions. The dog will not bark in vain. In a tense situation, he will give a warning with an impressive roar.
The aggressiveness of the breed is directly proportional to the aggressiveness and level of intelligence of the owner. If a person gets a dog to sublimate his own unsatisfied ambitions in dominance and self-esteem, the dog will definitely adapt to the owner and will pose a threat to others. In families where the dog is surrounded by love and care, it grows up socialized and calm. Then it will be fully revealed best qualities, making the bag of muscles an affectionate pet.
Training
Training the American Staffordshire Terrier is considered to be the key to an easy-going character and well-developed muscles. Education should begin from the moment the puppy arrives at home. Trips to special training sites begin at seven months. The breed is easy to train. There is no need to stock up on nerves and patience; Stafford understands, if not the first time, then the second time.
An important aspect of education in the life of a staff is that the dog is historically aggressive and dangerous. Training the Staffordshire Terrier is primarily about socialization. Without this moment, the dog becomes uncontrollable. It is important to start training and education at the age of 1.5 months. From the age mentioned above to 6 months, the breed is extremely trainable. At the right approach and systematic training, it is possible to achieve excellent results and create an assistant and companion out of your pet.
The main point is that training, like upbringing, begins as early as possible, giving the puppy the dominant position of the owner. Taming a dog will take a significant amount of time; the puppy can be overly playful and uncontrollable. It is forbidden to hit the dog, causing retaliatory aggression. The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is distinguished by its excellent memory, which allows the dog to take revenge on the offender even years later.
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are sweet and kind creatures - only when proper education. It is supposed to nip in the bud any attacks of rage of the animal and indicate human authority, so that the dog does not risk showing grin and aggression in front of the owner.
Update: October 2017
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a proportionally built dog characterized by the following features:
- legendary fearlessness;
- readiness to protect and protect;
- lively mind and unique intellect;
- rich facial expressions;
- sensitivity to training;
- loyalty to the owner;
- love for everyone at home;
- desire for personal security;
- demanding socialization and training;
- high threshold of irritability;
- ease of maintenance in the apartment;
Stories about excessive aggressiveness relate mainly to breeding defects and problems with raising Amstaffs. Causeless ferocity is not characteristic of them. But an angry Staff Terrier is difficult to stop.
Breed characteristics
Is it difficult to care for an Amstaff? |
This is an easy breed to care for. Needs active walking and grooming during shedding. |
Is it true that this is a dangerous breed? |
A pet with a healthy psyche is not unmotivated. But an irresponsible person can turn it into a weapon. |
Is this a fighting breed? |
Since 1930, the breed has not officially participated in fighting. Today it is a reliable companion dog with a friendly character. |
What does the American Staffordshire Terrier have in common with the Pit Bull Terrier? |
Essentially, they are one breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier (A.S.T.) is a show version of the Pit Bull Terrier. |
They say that Amstaffs do not feel pain. This is true? |
Their pain threshold is different from other breeds. They feel pain, but less than others. |
Where is it better for a pet to live: in an apartment or in a house? |
Can live in a house or apartment. An outdoor enclosure or chain housing is not suitable for him. |
Is it possible to walk with an Amstaff without a leash? |
A leash is required in public places. In transport - a muzzle. Free walking is possible in closed areas. |
Duration of walking |
About 2 hours a day. |
Is it difficult to care for the coat? |
This is a short-haired breed. There is no particular hassle with wool. You need to brush it daily with a coarse bristle brush. |
How often should you bathe? |
As needed. This is done more often in summer, less often in winter. |
How many puppies are there in the litter? |
Usually 5–10. |
Can I buy for a child? |
It is active and strong dog large sizes. A small child may not be able to handle it. Starting from 10–12 years old, a child is able to engage with a pet. |
Is the breed suitable for guarding? |
This is one of the best bodyguards. He knows how to discern the intentions of strangers. |
What kind of work can they do? |
After a special training program they can work as rescuers, guides for the blind, and detectives. |
Can it be kept with other animals? |
If the animals grew up together, there will be no problems. To the emergence of new relatives adult dog needs to be taught. |
Lifespan |
12–15 years old. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Opinions about this breed are divided: some call the Staff a cruel killer, others - a gentle and devoted companion. These are truly extremely brave and determined animals. But modern breed The Staffordshire Terrier has an easy-going character rather than a hot-tempered one.
If his beloved owner needs protection, the dog will rush into battle without delay. People confuse this courage with uncontrolled cruelty. But courage and cruelty are two different things. The Staffordshire Terrier dog knows how to assess a situation on an intuitive level. A well-mannered dog gets into a fight only when there is a real threat. But if this happens, he cannot be stopped. Staffs never run for their lives.
Advantages of the breed
- Intelligence and intelligence - they are interesting to train.
- Fearlessness and courage - can quickly neutralize the emerging threat, even if the enemy is larger than them.
- Easy to care for – these are pets that are comfortable to keep.
- Excellent physical characteristics - the body consists of steel muscles covered with leather.
- No unpleasant odor - does not create discomfort in the house.
- Ability to get along with children - loves to tinker with both kids and teenagers.
- Hard work and endurance - pets can do difficult work.
- Obedience to the owner is a trait laid down at the genetic level.
- Good detective skills - during the tragedy in Nord-Ost, representatives of the breed were able to discover the location of terrorists with explosives.
- They rarely bark - they don’t raise their voices without a good reason; the dogs are not prone to mournful howls.
Disadvantages of the breed
- Amstaffs have a strong character and are not suitable for people with an unbalanced psyche.
- Unquestioning obedience - this advantage can become dangerous, because the dog does not distinguish between good and bad, it carries out commands without evaluating them from the point of view of morality.
- Bright expressed feeling self-esteem - from the first days in the house the pet must understand its place.
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Dog character, behavior
Amstaffs were born by crossing aggressive bulldogs and playful, hardy terriers. During the formation of the breed, fighting flourished, so the fighting qualities of dogs were valued. But as a result of selection work, Staff Terriers got rid of unjustified aggressiveness. Individuals with unstable psyches are rejected during breeding. Therefore, uncontrolled ferocity is not the norm for modern Amstaffs.
Dogs are characterized by the following traits:
- attentiveness - the animal likes to watch the owner’s facial expression and adjust its behavior to his mood;
- not a long adaptation to new family– unlike most breeds, they can change owners without much difficulty;
- sociability – love to be around people;
- balance and not fussiness – the psyche is stable;
- emotionality, playfulness - they prefer outdoor games, they are always full of energy.
- intellectuality - able to make decisions independently of a person, but act not spontaneously, but deliberately;
- courage and passion for fighting - if the animal is forced to attack, it can become very dangerous.
Courage, endurance, devotion and curiosity are the main traits characteristic of the Staffordshire Terrier dog. The characteristics of the breed are ambiguous. This is a friend and companion with a fighting past. The popularity of the breed in the 90s led to the fact that terriers with a fighting appearance and fearlessness began to be bred uncontrollably. Individuals appeared who lost control over themselves. All this is in the past. Whether the dog grows up to be aggressive or calm depends on the owner.
Behavior at home
This is a flexible breed; in its representatives one can trace the dependence of the character and behavioral characteristics on the demands of the owner. It should not be started by weak-willed people. Pets can be quite capricious and do not want to listen to the owner, who himself does not know what he wants. The dog will follow the commands of a confident leader for whom objections are not acceptable.
A description of the Staff Terrier breed would be incomplete without mentioning its love for children. He gets along great with them. But the child needs to be explained the rules of behavior. If the owners are involved in sports (cycling, skiing, trekking), the dog will be happy to join in these activities. Lack of attention from people is destructive for him.
Behavior on the street
Staffords love to fight. The dog will not rush at anyone he meets, but he can beat up too intrusive relatives. The pet needs to be taught the correct reaction to a conflict situation, otherwise fights with its own kind cannot be avoided. Poorly trained pets may not distinguish real danger from imaginary ones, which leads to troubles and sometimes tragedies.
Attitude towards strangers and protection of the owner
If animals are rivals for the Amstaff, then attacking a person is taboo for him. They do not know how to protect from birth, they need to be taught this. They have a phenomenal ability to see danger. They can protect the house, property, work as bodyguards, detectives, and are able to find traces of blood, regardless of their statute of limitations.
Caring for a Stafford
Caring for representatives of the breed is quite simple. It includes: hygiene procedures, games, walks, catering and treatment and preventive measures. As for training, this is the owner’s choice. But you can’t do without solid upbringing.
Nail care
The appearance of the claws is monitored regularly. They should not exceed the permissible length, otherwise the dog will experience discomfort. The claws are shortened monthly using a nail clipper or a large file. If the dog doesn't walk much and doesn't wear down its nails naturally, you will have to trim your claws more often.
Eye hygiene
Even a healthy animal may have discharge in the corners of its eyes. They are removed with a cloth or piece of bandage. From strong wind, drafts and dust, the eyes can become inflamed. Irritation is relieved by instillation eye drops or water infusion medicinal chamomile.
Grooming
Daily brushing of the coat with a special brush with medium-hard bristles is an excellent massage and a way to remove dead hair. It is better to do this after a walk. The pet is accustomed to the procedure from puppyhood, otherwise its reaction to incomprehensible actions can be unpredictable.
Bathing
Bathe your pet as needed, no more than once a month. They use special shampoos; cosmetics are not suitable for people. In winter, wool can be cleaned with snow. During the hot period, you are allowed to swim in open reservoirs. Staffies quickly get used to the water and bathing them is easy.
Paw hygiene
After every walk you need to wash your paws. The weather and time of year don't matter. In the city, pets can get their paws dirty with fuel oil, paint, or bitumen. You can remove such contaminants by washing your paws with soap or a special shampoo. If it doesn’t help, take a solvent and remove the dirt with a cotton swab. Then rinse the paws clean water and dry with a towel.
Ear care
Clean your ears weekly. Do this before swimming. A few drops of a special liquid are injected into the ear canal and the base of the ear is massaged. Dirt and wax are removed with ear sticks. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the eardrum. After all, this is fraught with complete hearing loss.
Tendency to diseases, prevention
A healthy amstaff is active, he has wet nose, clear eyes and excellent appetite. The pet does not have bad smell, his intestines and bladder are emptied regularly. A sick dog eats poorly, does not play, does not want to go out for walks, and behaves differently than usual. Unreasonable changes in an animal’s behavior are a reason to visit a veterinary clinic.
Characteristic diseases
American Staffordshire Terriers are susceptible to the following diseases:
- hip dysplasia;
- arthritis and arthrosis;
- obesity;
- bloating;
- retinal atrophy;
- cataract;
- inversion of the eyelid (entropion);
- hyperplasticity of the vitreous body;
- cutaneous histiocytoma;
- solar dermatitis;
- mast cell tumor;
- mastocytoma - skin cancer.
Vaccinations
Before preventive vaccination, puppies and adult dogs are dewormed. For vaccinations, the use of monovalent vaccines (against one type of disease) or polyvalent (complex) preparations is allowed.
Vaccination must be carried out annually. They protect the animal from dangerous diseases such as canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirosis, and rabies. Complex vaccinations often include vaccines against adenovirus, corona virus and parainfluenza.
What to feed?
The breed is very active, but is prone to overeating, so a balanced approach should be taken when planning a diet. If you take a puppy into your home, ask the nursery what it ate. During the first days of your stay in your new home, the menu should be identical. Later, the animal can be switched to another food.
Feeding mode
How many times to feed the Amstaff depends on the age of the pet:
- up to 2 months it is recommended to feed 6 times a day after walks;
- at 2–4 months – 5 times a day;
- at 5–11 months – 4 times a day;
- per year - 3 times;
- at 1.5 years - 2 meals a day.
Ready-made rations
Ready-made food saves owners time, but not money. A high-quality dry diet cannot be cheap. You cannot buy advertised food in supermarkets and markets. For Amstaffs, diets of at least “Premium” class are suitable. They can be found in specialized stores.
For a 20 kg dog the nutritional value feed should be 1324 kcal. During physical activity, the norm is increased by 10–15%. For dogs that perform physical work, you need to choose diets with increased protein and fat content.
If you want to switch your puppy to dry food, start with soft canned food. Gradually add crushed dry food and water to the bowl. By the age of 5 months, the Staffordshire Terrier should be completely switched to dry food. This will simplify the process of changing teeth.
Dry and natural food should not be given during the same feeding. This is fraught with problems from the gastrointestinal tract. Each type of food requires different enzymes to digest. Mixed feeding is an extra burden on the body.
Amstaff puppy natural diet
For kids, it is important to have a routine and have free access to water. If the puppy does not eat the entire portion at once, the remaining food is removed. For normal development, a puppy needs animal proteins - meat. Its share is at least 30% in the diet.
- The basis of the diet is lean beef, veal, chicken or rabbit.
- 1–2 times a week, meat can be replaced with boneless sea fish.
- Useful offal: tripe, liver, heart, lungs, brain. They are either boiled or cut into pieces and scalded with boiling water.
- Dairy products include kefir, yogurt, and cottage cheese. They can be mixed with the yolk of a chicken egg.
- Vegetables are grated and seasoned vegetable oil. Puppies eat carrots, beets, celery, cucumbers, and zucchini well.
You should not give your puppy pork, legumes, large oatmeal, chicken or fish bones, smoked meats and sweets. As a reward during classes, you can use crackers or pieces of dried meat.
Feeding an adult Amstaff with natural food
The main share in a dog's diet is meat and offal. You can diversify the menu with porridges: buckwheat, rice, wheat, cereals. To replenish the body with vitamins, give vegetable salads with vegetable oil. It is better to avoid fresh milk - the product is poorly absorbed by adult animals. It is better to replace it with kefir or yogurt.
The Amstaff is fed twice a day after walks. In summer, during extreme heat, food can be given once a day, in the evening. Regardless of the season, vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary. It is better to select them together with a veterinarian.
Training and education
Education should be carried out by a person with a strong character. It is important to establish contact with your pet at the very beginning. Staffordshire Terrier puppies understand well what is required of them, but they are stubborn and do not always follow the command the first time. You can't indulge kids. The educational process begins at 2 months. A 6-month-old puppy must follow basic commands and adhere to the rules of behavior in the house and on the street.
Obedience training
The best methods for amstaff are encouragement and rigor within reasonable limits. Coercion is used carefully, and it is recommended to avoid physical punishment altogether, otherwise the dog may become angry with the owner. If the pet refuses to comply with the command, it needs to be shaken thoroughly. Excessive aggressiveness is stopped immediately. Instead of screaming, it is better to look the dog straight in the eyes until submission appears in the animal’s gaze.
Socialization is important for the Amstaff. When walking, you need to look for a company of peace-loving dogs. The moment when these socialization skills are formed cannot be missed. After 1.5 years, dogs are less amenable to training.
Parenting mistakes
For inexperienced dog owners, raising a Staffordshire Terrier can be challenging. It is important to understand that every dog has its own character. But there is general recommendations. You can't change the rules of the game. If today the Amstaff cannot sleep on the sofa, then in a month he should not be allowed there under any pretext.
In the understanding of the American Staffordshire, the leader cannot yield. If the owner allows him to break the rules, in his eyes this means that the leader is weakening, and there is no need to listen to him.
Can't be encouraged aggressive behavior pet. If a Stafford growls at a drunk on the bench, he cannot be praised for such behavior. Otherwise, the dog will understand that aggression is the norm and the owner likes it. And next time there may be a grandmother or a child on the bench.
Training courses
You can practice on your own or on the site. The following course options are suitable for Stafford students:
- general course;
- dog in the city;
- bodyguard dog.
Most Amstaff owners limit themselves to teaching basic commands: “Fu”, “Stop”, “Forward”, “Place”. This is enough for walks within the city and in nature without incident.
Choosing and caring for a puppy
Puppies must leave the breeder at the age of 2 months. When choosing a companion dog, you are guided by your own preferences. Before you buy a future show star or breeder, you need to carefully study the standards of the Staffordshire Terrier breed. Colors may vary. The most common are: black, blue, fawn, red (red), brindle.
When examining a puppy, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- activity and appearance of the puppy;
- conditions of detention in the nursery;
- compliance of color with the standard;
- appearance and achievements of parents.
Features of education
You need to prepare for the arrival of a baby in the house: purchase bowls for food and water, lint-free bedding, and toys. The breeder must provide the new owners with instructions for the care and nutrition of the baby, as well as give some of the puppy’s usual food.
At first, the puppy will be bored. He needs to spend as much time as possible with people. But you shouldn't take him to bed to calm him down. He must have his own place. Remove wires, shoes and other objects that he might mistake for toys away from him.
Education of cleanliness
The primary task is to accustom the baby to cleanliness. The puppy is taken out for walks as often as possible, and after he has done his business, he is praised. Babies cannot control urination. There is no point in scolding them for puddles on the floor. Only a six-month-old amstaff can withstand 5 hours of daytime and 8 hours at night.
American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) breed standards
The breed standard was adopted in 1936 by the American Kennel Club. The international organization FCI approved the document on May 26, 1971 without any changes (FCI N 286). From that time on, the word “American” appeared in the name.
| FCI classification | Group 3 – Terriers, section 3 – Bulldog type terriers. |
| Usage | Companion dog. |
| Appearance | Gives the impression of a large, muscular dog. The stockiness is clearly visible in his appearance. |
| Temperament, behavior | The dog is agile, active, courageous, purposeful, with excellent intellectual abilities. |
| Head |
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| Frame |
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| Limbs |
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| Movements | Moves energetically, without ambling. |
| Wool | Short, shiny, hard to the touch. |
| Color | Any (one-color, two-color (particolor), spotted). A predominance of white color, as well as liver and black and tan colors, are not desirable. |
| Height | Height at withers:
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| Flaws |
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Historical reference
Poisoning dogs were popular in the 1870s. They entertained the nobility by performing in fighting rings. IN early XIX centuries in the United States, attempts were made to improve the quality of killer dogs. The result was an active dog capable of defeating a bull in a fight. The fighters were called ul-and-terriers, pit dogs, pit bull terriers. Over time, dog fighting was banned. Since 1930 the breed has been removed from the list fighting dogs. In 1971, she received the name American Staffordshire Terrier.
Dogs have been one of our favorite pets for a long time. The owner of any dog wants to raise his pet into smart dog, who will take part in exhibitions and carry out all commands. Any purebred dog, including the Staffordshire Terrier, require constant care. A fighting breed dog requires attention and constant communication. Also, the owners of such animals must have training skills in order to raise a worthy protector for themselves.
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Breed characteristics
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed developed in the nineteenth century in Staffordshire. The animal reached the United States several decades later, where they decided to slightly increase the breed. It was at this time that battles in which animals took part were relevant. There is an opinion that an Amstaff, which was bred for fighting, cannot be made into a kind and domestic animal, but this is wrong.
However, practice says the opposite, and with the right approach, a four-legged friend can be raised to be kind. After all, the protective instinct is inherent in this breed by nature. A special feature of the Amstaff is that they have good intuition.
What do staff dogs look like?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular and strong breed in appearance.
Amstaff has the following features:
- deep chest;
- spread paws;
- strong jaws;
- big head.
American Staffordshire Terrier - breed standard
Descriptions of the breed include the fact that their representatives have a low pain threshold, so during a fight or injury they do not feel pain. The animal weighs no more than thirty kilograms, and reaches no more than half a meter in height. The color can be varied, but white Amstaffs are very rare.
Colors
As mentioned above, representatives of this breed can be different colors. The most popular Amstaff colors include the following shades:
 | Black |
 | Blue-gray |
 | brindle |
 | Ginger |
 | Pale yellow |
An animal can have these colors. But their color may also be different, that is, all shades of the colors mentioned above. In addition, the animal can be spotted or monochromatic.
A lot also depends on the color of the pet, including its character and preferences. Therefore, when choosing an Amstaff, you need to pay attention not only to the behavior of the animal, but also to its color.
Character
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that is distinguished by the following qualities:
- devotion;
- courage;
- courage;
- sociability;
- hard work;
- mobility.
Dogs are devoted to their owners, love children and treat them carefully. You should not be afraid that the Amstaff can harm the child - this breed is very smart and it understands that the child is weaker than it is and therefore does not use force when playing with it.
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If we remember how the animals underwent selective selection, we can again be convinced that this breed is not only smart, but also strong, since the selection was based on the results of fights. Those animals that showed weakness during this competition or lost their “clothes” were excluded from breeding. First of all, those dogs that could not distinguish a person from an animal during the fight were removed.
Today, these breeds are characterized as balanced animals from which unexpected behavior should not be expected, for example, they cannot suddenly attack a person.
They can show aggression towards other dogs, their opponents, especially if they try to irritate the Amstaff. If by chance the dog manages to notice his relatives arguing on the street, he will pass by. But if animals try to attack him, the American Staffordshire Terrier will become angry and can become very dangerous.
The character of the animal is predictable and completely justified. If the Amstaff attacks a person, he must be euthanized, since this is not typical for an animal. Since the dog is very dangerous when attacking, it can tear not only a person’s clothes, but also damage his body.
You should not think that this is an aggressive animal; on the contrary, they are very kind. The American Staffordshire Terrier is easy to train and, with the right approach, follows all the exercises and commands of its owner. Animals very quickly become attached to new owners, since several years ago, dogs were actively sold, they had to constantly see new owners in their environment.
Due to its versatile nature, the animal can be a guard on farmland or serve in military units. Sometimes amstaffs are brought in specifically in nursing homes so that with their presence they can heal the sick and prevent them from getting bored. They can also help care for sick people, bring them clothes, walk with them and fight melancholy.
The Staffordshire Terrier is a very intelligent animal that has been domesticated by humans. But in some cases, a dog can show aggression, defending itself and its owner.
How long do they live?
Today, the life expectancy of dogs is 13 years, which is 79 years in human years. Compared to the last century, the life expectancy of animals has increased significantly. According to statistics, females live longer than males; this can be influenced by various factors. Based on reviews, you can understand that brindle females are very kind and affectionate. Please note that Amstaffs are not food eaters by nature - they are difficult to buy for treats.
Much depends on what the owner feeds his pet. With a balanced and proper diet, the animal will live longer. Also increases lifespan and permanent physical exercise, care and proper care. If the owner feeds his animal, junk food, the color of his clothes may fade, and the dog will begin to shed.
Choosing a puppy
To raise an intelligent and devoted comrade, the owner will have to invest a lot of time and effort into him. American Staffordshire Terrier puppies are very cute and beautiful, and many people find it difficult to decide on the color of the animal. Before choosing a pet, you need to determine for what purpose you want to have an animal. First you need to study the reviews and descriptions of the animals.
In order to exhibit an animal at exhibitions, you need to study the criteria by which they are accepted for such events. If you want to breed animals of this breed, then before purchasing you need to thoroughly study its pedigree. His parents must take part in exhibitions and take pride of place if you want to make money from breeding animals.
To exhibit a puppy at exhibitions, you need to prepare it: buy beautiful clothes, constantly look after him and feed him only healthy products. But also completely little puppy It is not recommended to take, it is better to opt for a grown animal. In order for the animal to be trainable, you need to choose puppies no older than two months. You should also get young puppies if there are small children in the house, so that they quickly get used to their new owners.
If you need a dog as a protector, but you don’t have time to train, then you need to take big dog, already trained in all techniques. But you need to understand that the animal has already formed a character, which will be very difficult to change.
When buying a puppy, sellers must tell you how to properly care for it, what to feed it, and what training commands it can respond to. If you haven't been told about this, then you need to ask yourself. You also need to find out how often you should clean your dog’s “clothes”.
Features of care and maintenance at home
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an animal that is a pleasure to care for. Due to its short coat, it requires infrequent grooming. To prevent the animal from shedding, you need to “dress” it, that is, regularly comb the fur with coarse bristles. As for bathing, you shouldn’t do it often, only when necessary.
The dog spends a lot of time sleeping, so it needs to have a place in the house where it can rest. Once a week you need to clean the animal’s ears and examine its eyes. You need to trim your nails a couple of times a month.
After training, the animal can become a real assistant to its owners; the American Staffordshire Terrier can fetch slippers, clothes, carry out commands, feed its relatives and other animals living in the house.
Nutrition
Particular attention should be paid to the animal’s nutrition, so before purchasing, you need to find out what to feed the dog. The American Staffordshire Terrier is different good appetite, and therefore there should be no problems with this. Until the age of three months, the puppy should be fed 6 times a day, at 4 months it should be fed four times a day, after six months, the animal can be fed three times, and after nine months, twice a day.
The main food product of the animal is raw beef. Even in battles, the reward for victory was a piece of beef. Fish should be given to dogs no more than twice a week, and the portion should be twice the size of the meat portion. The animal also loves grated vegetables with vegetable oil; these products help preserve the color of clothes and prevent the animal from shedding. Depending on the condition of your pet’s body, you can use food enriched with vitamins in the diet. This should be done only after consultation with a specialist, since an excess of vitamins is more harmful than a deficiency.
Photo gallery
Video “Staffordshire Terrier. The most interesting things about the breed"
The video shows a description of the animal according to the owners.
The American Staff will become an intelligent and very devoted dog to its owner if you make every effort to raise it in childhood.
You need to start learning it literally from the first month of life.
Then the puppy will be obedient and caring. Terriers can also be trained for professional fighting.
If in the family Small child, you don’t have to worry, because the Amstaff’s behavior with children is distinguished by caution and understanding.
The dog knows very well that the child is much weaker and will succumb to the baby; it gets along well not only with children, but also with other pets.
Owners can recognize health problems by the following signs:
- Amstaff's nose is warm and completely dry, the pupils of the eyes are dull;
- poor sleep and loss of appetite;
- unpresentable appearance of dog hair, loss of shine;
- frequent urge to urinate, even breathing and wet mucous membranes.
Puppies need care and proper care. To prevent your dog from getting sick, you need to bathe it on time, walk it, and brush its teeth, ears and nose.
If you are thinking about buying a puppy of this breed, you need to know what types of terriers are available and what are their differences.
Breed varieties
Show-class staff belong to high-breed dogs and have clearly defined qualities described in the breed standard.
This puppy is worth buying if you are serious about preparing for exhibitions, competitions, or want to open a kennel of American Staffordshire Terriers.
Breeding class - such dogs are also called breeding dogs, these are typical representatives of the Amstafa breed, which do not have strong deviations from the breed standard, and are suitable for exhibition and breeding.
Pet class. Such a pet may have defects. This could be an asymmetrical skull, dental irregularities, an unusual color for a Staffordshire Terrier, or an atypical tail shape.
Such defects do not have negative consequences for the health of puppies, but they are not suitable for breeding.
The Amstaff puppy looks like a chubby round puppy with a bare belly.
He is very active, enjoys chewing on slippers and loves to misbehave in the house in every possible way.
For this reason, from the first days of acquaintance, you need to educate him and accustom him to order.
To prevent your dog from dragging your socks, T-shirts and other items around the room, make sure you have a sufficient arsenal of toys. They should be made of a variety of materials.
There are whole myths and legends about Staffordshire Terriers. It depends only on the owners how this pet will grow up.
If you abandon your dog and do not pay enough attention to its upbringing, the older dog may become angry and show aggression.
To achieve obedience and correct behavior from a four-legged animal, follow some rules.
Namely:
The educational process should begin at the age of no later than 1.5-6 months. Even as a baby, a terrier must understand what behavior is acceptable and what is not.
Then you won’t have any difficulties when the dog grows up and his character develops.
Introduce your four-legged friend to the environment from the very first days, always praise for correctly executed commands and punish for misbehavior and incorrect behavior.
But you cannot punish a dog by shouting or using physical force.
Provide your pet with a well-chosen and balanced menu. You can consult your veterinarian on this issue.
The diet must contain water, dietary supplements, minerals and vitamins of groups A, B, C, D, E, K.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies are smaller than American Staffordshire Terriers, but both breeds have bold personality traits.
Such dogs are good protectors and loyal friends for the whole family. The terrier is distinguished by intellectual abilities and the ability to restrain emotions even under the most unexpected circumstances.
Teeth
Many owners, due to their inexperience, begin to play the game “tug of war” with terrier puppies.
This game is very useful and interesting for pets, but at the age of up to 4 months, it can be dangerous for the baby.
The essence of the game is to take away a rope or piece of fabric from each other. For this activity, buy a rope at a specialty store.
Why might this be dangerous for the puppy? She can form malocclusion, and when all the teeth are fully formed, you can play with a rope or string without fear.
When all the teeth are replaced with new ones, they need care. The dog is not able to provide the necessary care for its oral cavity on its own.
You will need a dog toothpaste, which should be periodically applied to the puppy's teeth with your fingers or a brush.
Never use human toothpaste, it is very foamy and causes stomach upset in animals.
Feeding
Staffordshire Terrier puppies need to get used to certain things during childhood.
In the first months of life, they are fed up to 5-6 times a day, but in small portions so that the baby does not overeat.
If you find leftover food after eating, hide it until next time. Don't let your dog eat at random.
Your pet should have only water freely available at all times, because he spends a lot of energy reserves and strength on games and pampering.
As they grow older, the number of meals is reduced, but the volumes increase. Upon reaching 4 months, the dog eats three meals a day, and an adult dog needs two meals.
Treatment
Your home must have a first aid kit containing everything your pet needs in case emergency assistance is needed.
Puppies are like children and strive to climb absolutely everywhere, they can chew through wires, dump something heavy on themselves, and so on.
The first aid kit should contain iodine, bandages, medications for treating the animal after injury, painkillers and other medications.
Your veterinarian can advise you on a more extensive list that you should stock up on.
Where is it generally customary to buy and sell these animals? First of all, we need to talk about nurseries.
By choosing an American Staffordshire Terrier kennel, you can find a healthy and beautiful dog of this breed.
But be prepared for the corresponding prices; check immediately how much a puppy costs in a particular nursery.
In such places often best puppies they leave the litter, and offer the rest for sale, at a steep price.
On the Internet you can find out how much such a puppy costs from private sellers. In this case, you need to try to protect yourself by asking the sellers to show not only the staff, but also his parents.
This method is good because it will be convenient to pick up the puppy in your city. But despite the prices, nurseries are safer places for such purchases.
If you decide to become a Stafford breeder yourself, know that it is troublesome, but can bring good income.
These puppies have always been appreciated, how much does a staff cost?
The price varies between 50-1000 dollars, depending on the pedigree, documents and place of purchase.
Once you get such a dog, you won’t want another one; the Stafford is a wonderful companion, a guard and just a funny dog!
Photo gallery
Despite the widespread opinion about the aggressiveness of this breed, it should be said that with proper care and education, your pet will pleasantly surprise others with its friendliness and calmness.