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Article Series: Dog Breeds, Breeders & Breeding
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Dog
Breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier (Terrier Group)
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an outstanding
watchdog and will protect its family at all costs. Equally
as efficient in being a fearless guardian, this terrier brings
to its owners love and attention. They are generally gentle
around children, but may be a bit too rough and dominant with
smaller kids.
When it comes to strangers approaching, the American Staffordshire
Terrier is bit reserved and may bark to ward off the unknown
person. The same goes for other dogs and strange pets. They
are true protectors at heart but can be friendly towards people
so long as its owner is around. When it comes to training,
this dog learns quickly but works best with an owner that has
a more dominant personality.
A Brief History Of The American Staffordshire Terrier
As its name suggests the American Staffordshire Terrier originated
from the United States, dating back to the 1800s. Although
there is some confusion over how the dog received its name,
this breed also shares the same bloodline as the Staffordshire
Bull Terrier. It all started when breeders crossed an older
Bulldog type with the English Smooth Terrier. The creation
was a dog referred to as the Bull and Terrier, which was later
changed to the Staffordshire bull Terrier.
These dogs' number one road to fame was the ability to fight
in the ring. Although illegal, these fights were very popular
among people for placing bets and it was how the Bull and Terrier
made its way to the United States, sometime during the late
1800s. They dominated the fighting pits and became known as
three different versions in the U.S. - Pit Bull Terrier, Yankee
Terrier, and the American Bull Terrier.
The Americans wanted a bigger version of the fighting dogs
so they crossed the strains and the breed was officially known
as the Staffordshire Terrier, recognized by the AKC in 1936.
In 1972 the dog's name was then changed to the American Staffordshire
Terrier.
Upkeep Requirements For The American Staffordshire Terrier
This breed must have plenty of daily exercise to keep up with
its high-energy levels. Their ancestors were bred specifically
to fight and this means that today's Stafford still needs to
expend enormous amounts of energy. Vigorous games outside and
several brisk walks on the leash is ideal. Jogging with your
Staffordshire is also a perfect activity.
These dogs can handle both moderately hot and cool temperatures
and should be able to spend plenty of time outside. The ideal
living arrangement is to have the American Staffordshire Terrier
able to access a large fenced-in yard while being able to go
inside the house whenever he pleases. Grooming requirements
call for a light brushing every few weeks to remove dead hair,
nothing more.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier
is between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns
that run common in the breed is PRA, cerebellar, and CHD. Minor
health issues include hypothyroidism, allergies, and cruciate
ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get
specifically tested for potential hip, elbow, thyroid, cardiac,
and eye problems.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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