Breed Spotlight: American Staffordshire Terrier
Stocky,
muscular bull-type terriers standing 17-19 inches at the shoulder, American
Staffordshire Terriers have broad heads, pronounced cheekbones, well-defined
jaws, and dark, round eyes that are set wide apart.
The
Am Staff is a people-oriented dog breed that thrives when made part of the
family and given a job to do. These
confident, good-natured, smart dogs are great with children and other pets.
They’re also very trainable dogs that are agile and graceful, with a springy
gait that displays that confidence.
Behavior/Temperament
American
Staffordshire Terrier parents describe their dogs as “up for anything,” keenly
aware of their surroundings and lovable “personality dogs.” When acquiring an
Am Staff, potential owners should do research to find an experienced AKC
breeder. A responsibly bred Am Staff that is socialized from puppyhood and
trained with a firm but loving touch will prove a loyal, trustworthy friend that
is excellent with children.
These
natural clowns often make training comical. So it’s critical to keep the training
program fun and engaging. And since Am Staffs do have a stubborn-streak,
training requires patience and a firm but kind hand.
Care
Am
Staffs are good house dogs since they are generally fine with spending time
alone and are very clean with minimal shedding. The best way to groom an
American Staffordshire Terrier is by using a short soft-bristle brush to bring
out the best sheen in his coat. As with most dog breeds, these dogs need to be
bathed, have nails trimmed and should have teeth brushed on a regular basis. Ears
should be checked regularly for any debris that may cause an infection.
Health
The
Am Staff is a medium-sized dog breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The breed
displays some instances of mild hip dysplasia and some types of cardiac
disease. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions in their breeding
stock. Instances of skin
and coat allergies–which are attributed to immune system weaknesses–have also
been found.
The
breed has been afflicted with an inherited disease, Cerebellar Ataxia, which
causes a progressive decline in muscle or voluntary coordination (ataxia). This
neurological disease shows first signs of appearing usually between 3 to 5
years of age.
Affected
dogs typically show loss of balance, difficulty cornering and falling when
shaking its head. A screening test has been developed to identify those dogs
affected, as well as carriers of the gene that causes the
disease. Good breeders utilize this genetic testing on their breeding stock to
reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.
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| American Staffordshire puppies benefit from high quality dog food that provides a higher level of moisture and nutrients for a healthier immune system and skin. |
Because
the American Staffordshire Terrier is prone to weaker immune systems and
allergies, it is important to take extra care in his nutritional intake. This
dog breed should eat canned
food (whether alone, or as a supplement to dry kibble). The extra
moisture and nutrition from fresh meats will help keep the skin hydrated. We
recommend Evanger’s Hand Packed Chunky Chicken Casserole, as it provides a
complete meal, including fresh, hand packed chicken and vegetables in a dinner
that provides a high level of moisture for good hydration. Remember that fresh
ingredients from canned food provide higher bio-availability of nutrients,
meaning that the body is better able to absorb what is needed to keep your Am
Staff in optimal health!
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