American Staffordshire Terrier Articles | Dogs

By: John Adams

American Staffordshire Terrier - A Long History For A New Dog Breed

American Staffordshire terriers are one of the best types of dog breeds to own.

The typical American Staffordshire terrier is strong, stocky, and muscular, but very agile as well. The breed has strong jaws, a short muzzle, and a powerful, broad head.

In most Staffordshire's, the owner chooses to crop the ears, but this is not a requirement, and not true for all owners. They have black, round eyes and a shiny, short, but thick coat of hair. Typically, it is not common to see a mostly white American Staffordshire terrier.

The American Staffordshire terrier dog is similar to that of the American Pit Bull terrier, but has a larger body size in most all areas, such as weight, head, and bone structure.

When it comes to dog breeds, this dog is at the top of the list for owners.

It is good natured, affectionate, amusing, and above all loyal to its family and owners. The Staffordshire is almost always loving and gentle to people, as well as confident, stable, outgoing, and generally a happy dog.

Pleasing their master is a significant trait of the American Staffordshire terrier. They live to be obedient and keep their owners happy. They are also very smart and courageous, but also a lively guard dog at the same time.

This breed has been developed for the last fifty years and through a careful process, it has been formed into a great dog for children because it is both trustworthy and friendly.

However, care needs to be taken because the American Staffordshire terrier will become extremely protective over you and your property.

It does not like to feel that his family is being threatened and does not like being backed into a corner. It has a no holds barred policy and will fight, even if it means death, to protect himself and his family.

Though many people think this breed is an aggressive dog, it is generally not.

In some cases, one that has never been in a social environment will become aggressive, but this can be avoided by bringing the American Staffordshire terrier into a social environment at a young age.

When it comes to dog breeds, this is a relatively healthy dog. The American Staffordshire terrier is sometimes prone to instances of heart disease, cataracts, or hip dysplasia, but not often.

The owner of a American Staffordshire terrier needs to understand that this is a very active dog, though they do not need a lot of room, they do need a lot of exercise. Keeping the dog active will ensure a healthy dog.

The American Staffordshire terrier was developed in Staffordshire, England during the 19th century.

Between various terrier breeds, as well as the Bulldog, this dog breed was formed. It was initially bred to be combative, active, and muscular.

Once brought to America, breeder's fine tuned the breed giving it its powerful head and an increase in weight. This was typically for the dog to compete in dog fighting.

In the early 1900's dog fighting was made illegal and then breeders again fine tuned the breed to create a show dog and a fighting dog, two separate breeds of American Staffordshire terriers, but both great family pets, if they have an owner whole understands them.

Understanding your specific breed of dog promotes a better, happier dog and owner relationship.

Copyright John Adams.

There is much more to this powerful dog breed. Free advice here:

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Explained