Dog Breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier

Known by such diminutives as Staffy, Stafford, Amstaff, and American Staffy, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a cousin to the American Pit Bull Terrier and often treated with the same lack of respect. The American Staffordshire Terrier is descended from the Staffordshire Bullterrier which was brought from England to the United States in the 19th century. American breeders took the Bullterrier and increased its weight and gave it a more powerful head to make it more effective as a fighting dog. Because of these and other changes. the American Staffordshire Terrier was eventually recognized as a separate breed from its British cousin.

When dog fighting was finally banned in the United States in 1900, breeders went two distinctly different routes with their breeding program. Some created a show strain for competition and others created a non-show strain for other purposes. The non-show strain was labeled the American Pit Bull Terrier while the show strain retained the name American Staffordshire Terrier.

The Staffy is a relatively small dog, standing no more than 19 inches high, but he's heavy for his size and can weight up to 67 pounds. His smaller size may make you think he's easy to hand, but he's incredibly strong for his size. He's agile, muscular, stocky, and powerful. The eyes should be dark and round and set wide apart. Pink eyelids are a fault and not at all desirable.

The head should be broad and the jaws should be strong with the teeth meeting in a scissor bite. Ears should be set and may be cropped, but uncropped is both more common and preferred, especially with several countries having banned the procedure entirely. When ears are cropped, they should be rose or half prick. Tail should be undocked and taper to a point.

The coat should be thick, stiff, and glossy. This makes it easy to groom. A firm bristle brush once a week or so should do the trick. If you're having trouble getting your Staffy to shine, try a chamois cloth twice a week. The American Staffordshire Terrier is an average shedder. All coat colors and patterns are accepted, but some associations (such as the AKC) discourage dogs that are more than 80% white.

Intelligent and happy, this dog is a stable and confident breed. They outgoing, gentle, and loving with their family and are amusing for adults and children alike. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a sense of humor and is extremely loyal. With its strong desire to please, this powerful breed is almost always obedient.

Because this dog was partially bred for protection, they are incredibly protective of their owners, their owner's family, and their owner's property. They are a persistent fighter if provoked, and they have a high tolerance for pain, so care should be taken around strangers. This is not a breed to give up.

Some unsocialized Amstaffs can be dog or even people aggressive, so socialization at a young age is a must. An obedience class, one with plenty of other dogs and many people, is recommended for this breed so socialization occurs in a controlled setting. While this is important for all breeds, with more powerful breeds (such as the American Staffordshire Terrier) it is essential. This plus plenty of exercise will ensure a well adjusted canine companion.

Like many other purebred dogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier has its own set of health problems. They can have heart murmurs, skin allergies, tumors, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and cataracts. Ask a breeder about the frequency of these problems in their breeding lines.

One of the more serious problems the American Staffordshire Terrier may inherit is ataxia. This is a neurological condition consisting of a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. One of the symptoms can be a gait abnormality. Ask your breeder about guarantees that your pup will be free of this condition before purchase. There is a test available for ataxia, so don't be afraid to request one.

Used for agility, protection, police work, and other activities, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a fun and loving companion. If you're looking for a loyal and affectionate family pet, the American Staffordshire Terrier might be for you.