American Staffordshire Terrier

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN USA

MOST SUITED AS Watchdog and family pet.

SIZE
The preferred shoulder-height is 45.7 - 48.4cm (18 - 19in) for dogs and 43.2 - 45.7 (17 - 18in) for bitches. The correct relationship between height and weight is more important than these specific heights.

COAT
The coat is short and shiny. Any colour is per­mitted, although black and tan, liver, plain white, or more than 80 per cent white are less preferred. The most prevalent colours are bro­ken red and beige with highlights, both with and without white patches.

TRAINING
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not suitable for people with little experience of dogs. Teach it when young not to pull on the lead because they are amazingly strong when fully grown. This breed can learn a great deal if well trained with a consistent approach. There are various examples of them succeeding in obedience trials.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The dogs of this breed can make good family dogs provided the family is always consistent towards it and can cope with a boisterous dog. Enthusiasts for these dogs claim that they are loving with children. This dog will protect house and home and accept cats and other household animals provided it has become acquainted with them when young. Some examples of the breed can be rather eager to fight with other dogs, though reputable breeders will not only breed a dog that meets breed conformity standards, but will be low in aggression, so research the breed stock of your chosen breeder. Do NOT buy from an inexperienced breeder, and avoid buying a cross breed.

CARE REQUIRED
Remove the dead and loose hairs from time to time with a rubber brush.

CHARACTER
This is a brave dog which is loyal to its family, tenacious, tough on itself, will make a good watchdog, is boisterous with tremendous stamina. Their demeanor can range from very dominant, to great big loveable sook.

EXERCISE
Ensure your American Staffordshire Bull Terrier gets plenty of exercise. They like running alongside a cycle and playing ball games; they also enjoy retrieving things.