History of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed
American Staffordshire Terrier
The desire to see cruel and bloody scenes has been observed in humans since time immemorial. The medieval English were no exception, who loved to have fun by staging dog fights with bulls, bears and wild boars. Most often, bulldogs and mastiffs were used for these purposes. The problem was that the dogs of these breeds were very large and not agile enough, which is why they often died from the blows of the hooves or horns of angry opponents.
The desire to “modernize” the dogs’ fighting qualities forced the owners to engage in breeding work. Terriers turned out to be the best candidates for crossing with bulldogs: the dogs are active, agile and, most importantly, very smart. Thus, at the very beginning of the 19th century, bull terriers appeared that perfectly combined the best features of their predecessor breeds. After the ban on bullfighting, which the English Parliament passed in 1835, dog fighting came into fashion, and the successful “terrierization” of the breed made it possible to obtain a phenotype that was perfectly suited for this purpose. Variants of the name of the breed - Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier - were gradually transformed and consolidated in the single name of the English branch "Staffordshire Bull Terrier".
English migrants who rushed to America after the North's victory over the South in the Civil War brought a large number of animals to the continent. Brutal dog fighting, which by this time had already been prohibited on the islands of Foggy Albion, gained particular popularity in the New World. The main direction of breeding work remained the development and consolidation of the fighting qualities of dogs. The United Kennel Club, created at the very end of the 19th century in the state of Michigan, chose the development and improvement of the pit bull terrier breed as its main activity. The dogs bred here not only took part in battles, but were also successfully used to protect houses, farms, and hunt wolves.
American Staffordshire Terrier puppy
At the same time, the voices of those animal lovers who did not share the passion for dog fighting and paid more attention to exhibition work were heard louder and louder. They set about developing a standard and improving the appearance of the pit bull. As a result, a dog was obtained that looked very similar to a pit bull terrier, but was quite suitable for a “peaceful life.” They called it the Staffordshire Terrier, and it was under this name that the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. This led to the division of breeders into two camps. Some registered their pets exclusively as fighting American pit bulls, others gave preference to Staffordshire terriers and did not recognize pit bull terriers at all.
FCI officially registered Amstaffs in its registry under number 286 in May 1971. The following year, the American Kennel Club changed the name of the breed to “American Staffordshire Terrier,” emphasizing that the branches have certain differences - the “American” is on average 8 cm taller at the withers and 5 kg heavier than the “Englishman”.
The first Amstaffs came to Russia in the 80s of the last century and very quickly gained popularity. High demand led to the fact that unscrupulous breeders did not bother to control either the appearance of the resulting dogs or their mental stability. This is precisely the reason why Staffordshire Terriers began to be considered “killer dogs”. Such a bad reputation lies entirely on the conscience of the owners, who either through stupidity and inability, or deliberately raised aggressive and ferocious dogs. Today the trend has changed, Staffords confidently occupy the niche of companion dogs.
Origin
There are perhaps few dog breeds that have had to go through as many facets of human cruelty as the Staffordshire Terrier. Legends say that these animals were bred for only one purpose - to participate in battles and kill their own kind. It has been proven that their ancestors were small baiting dogs from Spain, Italy, and England. For centuries, they were participants and silent witnesses to the most cruel games of their eminent owners. The 18th century is considered a turning point in their history.
It was at this time that a radical change occurred in their positioning. Staffordshires began to be considered as loyal and very intelligent companions of man, distinguished by incomparable security characteristics. It’s not surprising, because they harmoniously combine everything: intelligence, size and a brave, loyal heart. Already in the 20th century, these dogs began to actively populate the farmlands of capitalist America. From that moment on, they became part of the family and participants in a huge number of exhibitions.
The official beginning of the formation of the breed was laid in 1898, when this dog first appeared under another, no less famous name - the pit bull terrier. Over the long history of their formation, Stafford dogs have changed many names, and received final recognition only in 1972.
Amstaff appearance
American Staffordshire Terrier with undocked ears
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong dog with well-developed bones and pronounced athletic muscles.
The height of males at the withers is 46-48 cm, females - 43-46 cm. Body weight - 25-30 kg and 22-25 kg, respectively.
Head
Medium length, but very voluminous and wide. The skull is almost flat, wide between the ears, almost square in shape. The occipital protuberance is poorly expressed. The transition from the muzzle to the slightly convex forehead is clearly visible. The muzzle is of medium length, the ratio to the length of the skull is 1:1. The chewing, buccal and parietal muscles are prominent and dense. The lips cover the jaws, but do not look saggy.
Nose
The lobe is black, rather large in size with well-opened nostrils.
Jaws
The jaws of the American Staffordshire Terrier are very powerful, strong, and dense.
Ears
Located high and wide. Amstaffs have options for both sharply and short-cropped ears and undocked ears. The latter option is rated higher if the shells are naturally short and stand very firmly on the cartilage (the so-called “rose”).
Eyes
Set low and wide apart, round in shape. The color of the iris is dark. Eyelids are pigmented.
Teeth
The American Staffordshire Terrier's teeth are large and white. The incisors on the lower jaw are arranged linearly. Scissor bite.
Neck
Strong, with well-developed muscles, expanding evenly towards the withers. Length – average. No folds or sagging are observed.
American Staffordshire Terrier muzzle
Withers
The Amstaff's withers are clearly defined, muscular, with a smooth transition into the line of the back. The shoulder blades are long, pressed to the back.
Back
Running amstaff
Short, straight, the line slopes slightly towards the croup. The muscles are well developed.
Croup
Slightly sloping, moderately rounded. Wide and muscular.
Rib cage
Wide and deep, rounded ribs.
Tail
The Amstaff's tail is straight and short. Set low, slightly tapering towards the end. When excited, stands erect.
Limbs
The forelimbs, when viewed from the front, are parallel and straight, set wide apart. Moderate high anteriority is observed. The bones are powerful, the muscles are sculpted and athletic. The elbows look straight back and are pressed to the body.
The Amstaff's hind legs, when viewed from behind, are straight and parallel, with well-developed (but not excessive) muscles. The angles of the joints are well defined.
Paws
Arched, not large, round and collected.
Wool
amstaff at the exhibition
The American Staffordshire Terrier's coat is short, moderately thick, hard to the touch, and lies close to the body. Straight and shiny in appearance.
Color
Solid - from cream to black, but not white, as well as two-color, spotted, brindle or piebald. White markings are possible if they make up no more than 20% of the basic color tone of the Amstaff.
The gender of a dog is clearly manifested in its appearance.
Possible defects
Any deviations from the standard, depending on the degree of their severity, can be considered either shortcomings or defects.
Disqualifying faults for American Staffordshire Terriers include: cryptorchidism, flesh-colored nose, skewed lower jaw, undershot, deafness, long or docked tail, light eyes, and ambling.
Photo gallery
Photo 1. Staffordshire Terrier
Photo 2. Grown-up Amstaff puppy
Photo 3. A formidable beast in search of new victims
Photo 4. Staffordshire Terrier at play
Photo 5. Stafford color variation
Photo 6. Cheerful Stafford
Amstaff photo
Character of the American Staffordshire Terrier
If we talk about the character of the Amstaff, then there is hardly another breed of dog whose character would be described by such diverse, and sometimes completely opposite, epithets.
Amstaff with owner
Reliable, intelligent, loyal, endowed with a considerable amount of fun and even some playfulness, balanced and self-possessed - this is what lovers of the breed say about the Staffordshire. Aggressive and vicious - this is the assessment given by critics of the breed. But the latter character traits are associated in almost all cases with either inept or with education aimed at the formation of negative qualities.
Anyone who wants to have such an animal should firmly understand that the American Staffordshire Terrier is a very powerful dog with pronounced guard and fighting qualities. She will until the end protect not only the members of the family in which she lives, but also the integrity of the territory entrusted to her from any encroachment. With such inclinations, a properly raised Amstaff will show aggression only if it feels threatened from the outside. A dog's intuition is so strong that sometimes it seems that it reads the thoughts of your ill-wisher. The Staffordshire Terrier attacks very often without “declaring war.” Barking and growling are for weaklings. The dog fights until complete victory; it is almost impossible to stop him. In “peak” situations this is quite acceptable, but in everyday life such behavior can cause many problems, so proper education and skillful socialization of the dog are very important. By letting your puppy know that all members of your family are his friends, you will eventually get a loving, attentive and devoted friend.
Initially, one of the goals in developing the Staffordshire Terrier breed was to obtain a dog that was best suited to perform the function of family protector. People of all ages can easily find a common language with Amstaff. For children, the dog will become a gentle, attentive nanny who will patiently endure all the little ones’ pranks. But you still shouldn’t leave your dog alone with very young children.
In a calm home environment, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be the sweetest creature, trying in every possible way to amuse and please its owner. But the authority of the latter must be indisputable, and only a fairly experienced owner can cope with such a strong spirit and body dog. In order to control the Amstaff and manage his natural instincts, desire alone is not enough - you cannot do this without professional knowledge and skills.
American Staffordshire Terrier with cat
Amstaff walks with a child
Relationships with other animals
The Stafford dog breed is quite tolerant of other pets. This is a significant advantage, considering how many years dogs live. The characteristics of animal relationships depend on the approach of the owners.
If the pets are identical in age, it will be more difficult for them to establish contact. When a younger individual, be it a hamster or a parrot, moves into a house with an Amstaff, the dog shows noticeable friendliness and is playful, provided there is no aggression on the part of the “new friend.” Amstaff and a cat are a controversial friendly alliance, since staffs have a threatening appearance, which is regarded accordingly by the cat.
Education and training
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog whose upbringing and training should never be left to chance. From the very first day a puppy appears in your home, you need to clearly understand all the responsibility that you have taken upon yourself by getting this particular breed.
Got it!
The main thing at the first stage is to properly organize the socialization of the animal. You can start immediately after the end of the “vaccination quarantine”. Pay special attention to introducing your baby to other pets. A small nuance - for this purpose it is better to choose the most good-natured and affectionate pets (you probably know these in your yard or nearby). The puppy is very curious, and it is important that he only has pleasant memories from new acquaintances, since the fear he experiences will be remembered for a long time and will eventually develop into aggression. Surprisingly, a small Amstaff can even remember the breed of its offender. This is fraught with problems in the future.
Often, owners of Staffordshire Terriers, when raising a pet, resort to two extremes. They either allow everything or prohibit everything. Both are wrong. In the first case, when the dog grows up, you will look, to put it mildly, funny on walks with it. The sight of an owner trying in vain to restrain a powerful Amstaff that is tearing off the leash (even for peaceful purposes) is simply pitiful. In the second case, you will raise a coward. And from cowardice to anger there is only one step. And no one knows when your pet will do it.
Obviously, some people consider the American Staffordshire Terrier to be an unsafe dog. You must be prepared for the fact that during walks the reaction of passers-by may not always be adequate. Do not engage in arguments or explanations in a raised tone, the dog will sense your aggression and think that your opponent is dangerous. The consequences of such an assessment of the situation are not difficult to predict. The best way out is to pass by in compliance with all norms of peaceful coexistence.
Rope game
Otherwise, raising an Amstaff is not much different from interacting with dogs of other breeds. You need to do it from the very first day the baby arrives at home. The principle is very simple. It says: “What is possible is always possible; what is not allowed is not allowed under any circumstances.” What is good and what is bad must be explained patiently and persistently, but in no case using violence or punishment, without changing the rules of the game along the way.
Do not spoil your pet at least until you develop a stable behavioral stereotype in him.
Amstaffs are very smart and easy to train. The best results can be achieved by visiting special sites.
And the last thing: you don’t need to raise a monster out of a dog. It won’t make you cooler than “cool Walker.” Don't turn your pet into a tool for self-affirmation.
Reviews
A few reviews:
- “This winter, a drunk young man climbed into my yard, and since it was cold for him to sleep in a snowdrift, he opened the door of the heated barn where our family favorite, George Junior, was sleeping. When the husband went to feed the pet, he found him sleeping practically in an embrace with an unfamiliar drunk guy. We have such a friendly terrier. Too beloved and squeezed, he is completely incapable of aggression. And they say that these are dangerous dogs.”
- “We had this dog. He had to be put down when he attacked the daughter of our friends who came to visit us. Nothing predicted such behavior. He was always calm and friendly."
tvoipitomec.pro
Amstaff care and maintenance
Where's my beer?
The Amstaff is an unpretentious dog, and following simple rules will allow you to avoid many problems or, at least, minimize them.
Starting from puppyhood, you must systematically, in a timely manner, carry out preventive measures to combat parasites. Treatment for fleas, ticks, and deworming are performed using special medications selected depending on the age and weight of your dog. Vaccination is another procedure that is extremely necessary and should never be neglected. Notes on all vaccinations must be included in the veterinary passport of the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Caring for an animal's fur is easy. For combing, a special brush is used, which not only removes dead hair, but also massages the skin well. For daily hygiene procedures, you can use wet wipes (preferably without fragrances and hypoallergenic) or simply wipe your pet with a clean towel soaked in water. But it is not recommended to bathe the American Staffordshire Terrier often. This can harm both your dog's skin and coat. Don't forget to use special gels and shampoos designed for this breed.
Trim your dog's nails monthly. Amstaffs do not really like to have their nails done, so it will be better if the owner carries out this manipulation. And you can’t trust a stranger to brush your teeth with a special brush either. Don't forget to keep your ears and nose clean. Dryness and cracks in this area indicate health problems in the dog.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fairly active dog by nature, so be prepared to spend plenty of time interacting with it.
Regarding feeding, a number of important points should be highlighted.
- A strong skeleton requires a high content of the “building material” of calcium in the food, so vitamins containing this element must be present in the diet of the Staffordshire Terrier.
- Meat should predominate in the menu, which can be given both boiled and raw. The use of exclusively dry food is not recommended.
- The amount of food should correspond to both the age and gender, as well as the physical condition of the dog.
- The Amstaff diet should include cottage cheese, milk, and boiled eggs. It is recommended to add vegetables to porridges and soups. Meat and bone meal and bones (not tubular ones) are useful.
- Puppies need to be fed especially well so that they actively gain muscle mass.
Amstaff walks with owner
Breeding
Mating is a very delicate process for this representative. Many male dogs have a calm temperament and need time to get used to the female. For these purposes, animals should be introduced even before the female starts estrus. Other types of males (usually belonging to the first type of physique) are capable of mating even at the time of the first meeting.
Pregnancy, even in the case of successful contact, may not occur immediately due to the female’s tension. Is it possible to bring individuals together again in this case? Experts give a positive answer to this question.
Health and Diseases of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed characterized by good health. These dogs are active and resilient. However, there are a number of diseases to which they have some tendency.
Ear placement on an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy
First of all, we can talk about hip dysplasia. The problem is common to almost all large dogs. This does not mean that all Amstaffs suffer from dysplasia, since a lot depends on diet, intensity of physical activity, as well as genetic predisposition. When buying a puppy, ask the nursery about the heredity of your chosen one. Find out how often this disease occurred in his ancestors, what was its development. No one will say for sure whether your dog will get sick or not, but some rough forecast, based on the information received, can be made.
Bloating due to indigestion is another problem that occurs in American Staffordshire Terriers. By contacting a specialist, you will find out which foods need to be excluded from the diet (or, conversely, added) in order to normalize your pet’s metabolism. Proper nutrition will help avoid the difficulties associated with obesity.
Amstaffs can also be genetically transmitted to a tendency to allergic reactions to a variety of irritants. Most often this manifests itself as redness of the skin and severe itching. In most cases, it is possible to accurately determine the agent only in a veterinary clinic.
Eye diseases such as retinal atrophy and cataracts can also affect American Staffordshire Terriers.
Modern veterinary medicine makes it possible to cure or at least minimize the consequences of a very large number of diseases. It is only important to detect them in time. Carefully monitor the condition of your pet: what his coat looks like, whether his ears and eyes are clean, how active he is, whether he has a good appetite, whether there are any problems with the discharge of natural needs. It won’t require any extra effort, but it will definitely bring the desired effect.
Mating
- The female is ready for the first mating at 16 months, the male at 18 months. In females, sexual activity is cyclical and depends on estrus. The interval between estrus in females is different: some estrus 2 times a year, others 1 time in 10 months or once a year . Their cyclicity may change with age.
- Before mating, a female should be dewormed two weeks before estrus, bathe her (before estrus or in the first few days), and get rid of skin parasites. The male needs to be walked before this and washed.
- In most cases, the process takes place on the territory of the male dog , as he feels more confident in his home. The female must also be treated delicately so that she does not worry.
- During the period of heat, she should not freeze , she should be in drafts, so as not to catch a cold and not provoke inflammation of the uterus.
- As a rule, the first mating takes place on the 11-13th day of estrus . But the days may differ for different females: some mate successfully on days 15-17, others on days 5-8 .
A day after the first, it is recommended to do a control mating. Before this, deworming should be done. The normal duration of pregnancy is 63 days. One litter of a young dog can have 10-14 puppies.
How to choose a puppy
Let’s make a reservation right away: if you want to buy a purebred Amstaff, then the options of the bird market or advertisements on the Internet are immediately and unconditionally dismissed.
The procedure for purchasing from a specialized nursery has been well established for a long time, and you should definitely be familiarized with it in detail, if, of course, we are talking about a place with a good reputation. In this case, it is important to know that when buying a dog it is better to enter into a formal contract. Sometimes the form of purchasing a puppy “under contract” offered to clients has a number of nuances that can infringe on the owner’s rights to both the dog itself and its future offspring.
The third option is to buy an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy yourself from an experienced and trusted breeder. In this case, experts recommend paying attention to the following points.
American Staffordshire Terrier puppy face
- When planning a show career for your dog, ask the owner of the bitch to give you the opportunity to observe the development of the babies. The Amstaff's future traits are best demonstrated at birth, on the third day of life and at the age of one month. It is unlikely that you will have time to see the baby on the first and third days, but the monthly period is worth studying more closely. It is at the age of thirty days that the small American Staffordshire Terrier is an exact miniature copy of what can grow out of it, subject to all the rules and conditions for raising dogs of this breed. Don’t take stories that the deficiencies visible at this age can be corrected with a massage, a special diet, or some kind of “dancing with tambourines.”
- American Staffordshire Terrier puppies, which have a lot of white in their color, may not have completely colored noses, eyelids and lips, but partial coloring should definitely be observed. This process is finally completed by 8 months of age (sometimes a little later). The color of the iris of the eyes acquires its final shade even later, so you need to be very attentive to the eyes of a soft blue color, especially if the puppy has a fawn-blue or red-blue coat color.
- The puppy's coat should be short, “velor”, without bald spots. Skin without ulcers and pustules.
- The ears should be clean, without any unpleasant odor. The eyes are clear, without signs of souring. Under the tail it is clean and dry.
- If you notice a small hernia during examination of your abdomen, do not be upset. This problem can be dealt with through simple procedures.
- A Staffordshire Terrier puppy at this age should weigh from 2.5 to 5 kg, look fairly well-fed, without protruding ribs or rumps. In addition to mother’s milk itself, the baby’s diet should already contain other dishes: kefir, cereal porridge, scraped meat, cottage cheese.
An interesting fact is that the bitch sometimes regurgitates recently eaten food to her puppies, and the kids happily pounce on such a treat. This is absolutely normal and is explained by natural instincts. Moreover, this behavior indicates a well-developed maternal instinct, which is highly likely to be inherited by all female puppies in this litter.
You are unlikely to buy the baby you like right away. The sale of an Amstaff is permitted after it reaches the age of 45 days and the owner of the bitch has completed the mandatory branding procedures and expert assessment. Your first visit to the nursery will be more of an informational nature, but it will not be superfluous to thoroughly prepare for it by collecting the maximum amount of information.
Walk
The Staffordshire Terrier is a very active breed that needs regular walks and exercise. For normal development, you need to spend about 3 hours walking every day. In summer, you can add swimming in a pond to your regular walk.
Note! When walking in places where other animals and people gather, it is necessary to put a muzzle on the staff.
Compared to the German Shepherd, the Staff is much more active
Photos of Amstaff puppies
How much does an American Staffordshire Terrier cost?
Like most other dog breeds, the cost of an Amstaff puppy directly depends on which class it belongs to.
Prices for show-class animals that have good makings for a successful exhibition career range from 25,000 - 35,000 rubles and above. The gradation in this case is associated with the eminence of the parents, as well as the personal inclinations of the puppy, the degree of expression of the best traits of the breed.
Representatives of the breed class are cheaper - 18,000 - 25,000 rubles. These American Staffordshire Terrier puppies meet breed standards or have minor deficiencies. They are unlikely to become champions, but they are quite suitable for breeding.
Pit class is the cheapest. Prices range from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles. If you do not plan to become a breeder or spend time and money preparing your dog for championship shows, but just want to have a reliable friend and protector, the pit-class American Staffordshire Terrier will be the right choice.
In any case, no matter which puppy you choose, the responsibility for its happy future lies entirely with you.
Place for a dog in the apartment
Staffies are very social creatures, they should be kept only in a house or apartment; from constantly being in an enclosure, these dogs become dull and become aggressive.
The Amstaff definitely needs to have its own place; it is good to put a thick bedding made of fabric on it, which will be easy to clean and wash. Staffordshire Terriers love to relax in armchairs, so you can allocate one old or non-staining one for the dog, the dog will be simply happy in it.
Staffies love to lie on their master's bed. If the dog is allowed to do this, then you need to immediately teach him that climbing on furniture is only possible with the permission of the person. This is important for maintaining the hierarchy: the most comfortable resting places should belong only to the leader of the pack.
Starting from the first months of life, the baby Amstaff will try to please its owners in everything.
How to train a dog to one place
The easiest way to teach a puppy the “place” command is when he is tired after a walk or has had enough to eat. You should take the baby in your arms, carry him to his bedding and clearly say “place” several times. If the pet tries to escape, you need to hold it slightly, repeating the command in a calm voice. When the puppy calms down, you need to pet him, praise him for his obedience and move a short distance away, observing the dog’s reaction.
When the baby falls asleep in his place, you can go about your business and repeat the exercise next time. After some time (this depends on the character of the puppy and the correct action of the owner), the dog itself will go to its place on command. At this time, it is important not to forget to praise the Amstaff and reward him with treats for correctly following the command.
Note! Amstaff puppies are constantly looking for something to chew, so owners should purchase various “chew toys” for their kids to save furniture and belongings.
Caging, advantages
For playful puppies, you can purchase a special large cage or box for air transportation, in which the animal will be locked while the owners are at work. The rest of the time, the cage should remain open, then the pet will perceive it as its own house or hole for sleeping, and not a place of confinement.
You should not punish your dog by locking him in a crate so that he does not have a negative attitude towards his shelter.
A crate for an Amstaff puppy is a home and a refuge.
The area of the room should be sufficient for the staff to stand in it at full height, lie down, fully stretched out and move around a little. When buying a box or crate for a puppy, you should take into account that the dog will grow. Be sure to place a drinking bowl there that is difficult to knock over, bedding and a few favorite toys.
In order for the Staffordshire Terrier to quickly get used to the cage and not experience negative emotions towards it, you can feed it only inside (of course, with the door open).
Additional Information. There are folding models of dog crates on sale that you can take with you on the road.
