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American Staffordshire Terrier
Nickname: AmStaff
Breed origin: USA
Original purpose: First used as farm dogs and to bait bulls and bears, and later used in dogfighting.
AKC recognized: 1936
AKC group: Terrier
Size:
Height: males 18 to 19 inches;
females 17 to 18 inches
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Color: Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
General characteristics/temperament: The American Staffordshire Terrier is strong, courageous, intelligent, friendly, and loyal. They are people-oriented and thrive when made part of the family and given a job to do. They are friendly but will protect their family from any threat. Their short coat is low-maintenance, but regular exercise and training is necessary. Their athletic build and intelligence make them ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. American Staffordshire Terriers are exceptionally attentive and obedient dogs, intensely loyal to and affectionate with their families. They are especially gentle with children and the elderly. They are somewhat similar in looks and temperament to the American Pit Bull Terrier, but have not been bred to possess the gameness known in Pit Bulls, making them more tractable by nature. However, if they are provoked their strength and their jaw power can still make them potentially lethal fighters. As a result, early socialization and obedience training are a must for this breed. They should never be allowed to run loose or to be left alone in an unsecured yard, for their own protection. Unfortunately, these dogs are often targets for thieves who use them, illegally, for dog fights.
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Good with children? Yes
Protective? Yes
Intelligent? Yes
Good jogging partner? Yes
Suitable canine sports/activities: obedience, agility, tracking, conformation
Grooming requirement: The American Staffodshire Terrier's short, sleek coat requires minimum care.
Known health problems: Cerebellar ataxia,
Additional photos of American Staffordshire Terrier
Recommended books for further reading:
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Staffordshire Terrier Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Staffordshire Terrier Club of America Rescue
DogBreedMatch
