Variety:
American Staffordshire Terrier
Country of Origin:
USA
Destination:
Domestic dog
Colours:
Various
Character
loyal, devoted, attentive, obedient, persistent, courageous, faithful
Height:
43-48,5 cm
Weight:
20-30 kg
Longevity:
12-15 years
Other names:
American Staffordshire Terrier
Hypoallergenic:
No
Litter size:
4-8 puppies
American Staffordshire Terrier – a friendly dog that adapts easily to its owner’s needs. It is a muscular dog whose appearance is sometimes controversial. However, „Staffordshire terrier lovers unanimously agree that the American Staffordshire terrier is a dog of very good character. Of course, like other dogs, they need timely socialisation and training. A properly trained American Staffordshire Terrier will never show aggression to people, whether they are strangers or themselves.This breed has a special tolerance for people – even in the days when dog fighting was allowed, the American Staffordshire Terrier could not show aggression to people.
History of the breed
In the 12th century, dog fights with large animals such as bulls and bears were very popular in various European countries. In England, dogfighting was even considered a national sport. Although the sport was banned in 1835, enthusiasts did not care – dogfighting continued. Dogs that could be adapted to fighting were the most profitable, so different breeds of dogs were crossed. In Staffordshire, English bulldogs were crossed with terriers to produce a new breed of dog. The Staffordshire Terrier arrived in the USA in the 1870s from Great Britain, where, as in England, it was used for dog fighting. In America, the Staffordshire Terrier soon became popular – these dogs were valued for their courage, their endless energy, and, of course, their strength. During a fight, the dogs were not allowed to show any aggression towards a human – if they did, the dog was killed. In 1936, the American Staffordshire Terrier was recognised as a new breed of dog, and in the same year the Staffordshire Terrier Lovers Club was founded. The first American Staffordshire Terrier arrived in Lithuania in 1994.
American Staffordshire Terrier: appearance
The American Staffordshire Terrier is of medium size: males are usually 46-48.5 cm tall at the withers, females 43-46 cm. The average weight is usually 20-30 kg. The shoulders of the American Staffordshire Terrier are muscular, the back is relatively short, with a slight downward slope from the withers to the rear. The abdomen is not too retracted and the ribs are relatively long and close together at the rear. The forelegs are straight, the bones large and rounded. The paws are of medium size and curved. Head rather large, cheek muscles prominent. Eyes round, dark. Ears untrimmed, semi-erect. Coat short, stiff, close-fitting. A variety of coat colours are possible, but all-white (white should cover less than 80 % of the coat) is not acceptable. The following coat colours are also undesirable: reddish brown and black with brownish yellow.
American Staffordshire Terrier: character
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident dog that is hard to get out of patience. They are generally good-natured, get along well with children and are calm with strangers. American Staffordshire Terriers adapt well to changes in living conditions, but are very attached to their owners. Socialised dogs of this breed get on well with other dogs and other animals and do not provoke anger. Although aggressive individuals do occur among American Staffordshire Terriers, this is usually the case