The American Staffordshire Terrier

Appearance

The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.

History

To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the Bulldog and the terrier.

The Bulldog of the 19th century, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the present day Bulldog. On January 1st 1972 the AKC officially named the American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in America had developed a type which is heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds. In mentioning the gameness of the Staffordshire, it is not the intention to tag him as a fighting machine, or to praise this characteristic. These points are discussed because they are necessary in giving the correct origin and history or the breed. The good qualities of the dogs are many, and it would be difficult for anyone to overstress them.

Temperament

These dogs should be courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted. Originally an all around farm dog, junter, and family companion, American Staffordshire Terriers should be highly stable around both children and other domesticated animals(such as livestock) Their absorption into the abusive practise of dog fighting lends many a propensity toward dog/animal aggression; however, their adaptability, inherent friendliness, handler devotion, and fearlessness makes this an easy issue to correct, even in dogs(usually not actual, registered American Staffordshire Terriers but dogs labelled as pit bulls ) that have been bred to fight.

Care / Grooming

Nothing out of the ordinary, trim nails occasionally, wash when required and brush coat occasionally. Healthy diet of good quality dog biscuits and fresh raw meat, always have water available.

Health

*Hereditary Ataxia(so far no cases have been made public in Australia)
*Cardiac Disease(get hearts checked by a proper heart specialist)
*Hip Displasia(get dogs xrayed and have xrays scored. Most amstaff people send the xrays off to Dr. Wyburn in WA)
*Hypothyroidism
*Elbows- which people usually get xrayed when they get hips done.
*Eyes-certifications good for one year

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