| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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American Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff: The Pitbull’s cousin
The American Staffordshire Terrier is universally known as the Amstaff and it is often mistaken for the Pitbull. This breed is officially recognized by the AKC and the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale, for worldwide pedigree dogs). The Amstaff is very popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa, as well in the US, where this breed originated in the 19th century.
The Amstaff’s pedigree is quite unique as its ancestors are now extinct: The Bull-and-Terrier Dog and the Blue Paul Terrier. As many of their cousins, the American Staffordshire Terrier was initially bred to be a fighting dog as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Through the years, breeders started to follow some rules for crossing the two breeds. The Pitbull was raised for fights and the American Staffordshire Terrier for aesthetic canon, its commonly known nickname is Amstaff.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier’s temperament is similar to the Pitbull’s, but a lot more peaceful. Despite their combative and strong character, they have a lot of self-control.
This breed loves to be surrounded by people and hates to be alone, their temperament could become aggressive with the wrong owner; but if the Amstaff is trained properly it will respect its assigned role in their family.
The Amstaff is highly sensitive and knows how to differentiate if a person has good or bad intentions; this is what makes it the best guardian dog.
The American Staffordshire Terrier needs plenty of exercise frequently, because their agile and strong body has to stay active. The ideal place to live would be the countryside or a house with a big backyard where they can run as much as they want. This breed can also adapt to live in an apartment but needs daily walks, playtime and activities.
The Amstaff loves game-based activities. They are actually great with frisbees, sticks and balls, where they can show off all their physical skills. Unlike their cousin the Pitbull, they love being surrounded by people and other dogs. Of course, this depends on how they were raised since puppyhood.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Skills
American Staffordshire Terriers descend from fighting dogs, from whom they developed their courageous and combative character. However, this characteristic changed throughout time and now the Amstaff is a brave dog but is not aggressive.
This is the reason this breed is ideal as a guardian dog. And as we said before, they have an “inner sensitivity” and are capable of predicting certain human actions or intentions. This makes them great companion dogs.
The American Staffordshire Terrier, just like the Pitbull, is devoted to the person who raise, train and spend more time with it as a puppy. But it also loves to play and show affection to its family.
American Staffordshire Terrier: Diseases
The American Staffordshire Terrier can frequently suffer some diseases and health problems. Some of them could be:
- Hereditary Ataxia: It is a degeneration of the nervous system that causes coordination problems.
- Heart diseases: It is recommended scheduling periodic visits to the vet to check its heart condition.
- Hip Dysplasia: It is a genetic condition in which the soft tissues (ligaments and joint capsule) that normally stabilize the hip joint become loose within the first few weeks of life. It produces limping and bone decalcification. It is a hereditary disease but can be controlled with a balanced diet and supplements.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Breeders
The Amstaff is raised with different purposes often crossbred with its “cousins”: X-Pert, Tacoma, Ruffian and Crusader. Although it could be a fantastic pet dog, it is also a marvelous animal for beauty pageants or exhibitions.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Ideal Owner
The American Staffordshire Terrier was developed to be a warfare dog; this characteristic makes it brave. It is important to raise them properly to shape their character and control their behavior.
Therefore, the ideal owner for this breed must have training experience, also recommended when raising Pitbull dogs. The owner must show leadership and make no mistakes.
The Amstaff needs a lot of physical activity, so you should not consider this breed as a pet if you do not have a lot of spare time.
The ideal owner must be active, responsible and non-indulgent, above all, he or she must train his dog to socialize properly.
Is the Amstaff Safe for Children?
They have a good relationship with children, especially if they are not treated violently or aggressively if they were socialized properly in its early puppyhood.
The American Staffordshire Terrier tends to bond strongly with its family, but responds better to the person who raised it.
Generally, The Amstaff is friendly with kids, always sweet, patient and loving; it will always be kind-hearted and will become their best playmate. The American Staffordshire Terrier deserves an incredible trustworthy dog badge.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Relationship with Other Dogs
The American Staffordshire Terrier tends to be dominant and establishes hierarchical ranks with other dogs. You can prevent them from becoming aggressive by training them at an early age, enhancing their playful and sociable side. The best thing you can do is raise them to look after other animals and puppies, this way their dominant character will be under control.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): A true Hero and a star
Before the First World War, an American Staffordshire Terrier gave birth to a dog named Stubby, who received more military medals than any other dog before him.
An American Staffordshire Terrier named Pete the Pup appeared in a series of short films called Our Gang or Little Rascals, a box office success of the 1930s.
Amstaffs have a bad reputation because of their temperament; in fact, they are banned in the UK and France, where they are classified as dangerous dogs.
Nowadays, there are four primary blood lines for this breed: X-Pert, Tacoma, Ruffian and Crusader.
American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff): Puppies For Sale, and Price
An American Staffordshire Terrier puppy can cost between 1000 to 1700 dollars, 900-1600 English pounds: the difference in price depends on the breed’s pedigree, and the breeding establishment.
It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it from the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new 4 legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Golden Retriever
- Doberman Pinscher (Dobermann)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Rough Collie
- Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
