American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is stoic and reliable. Not only does the American Staffordshire Terrier look strong, it also has a strong and protective instinct towards its family. With its own family, the American Staffordshire Terrier is devoted, gentle and loving. American Staffordshire Terrier should never be confused with the Pit Bull Terrier. He is courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of his pushy yet sensitive character. His natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled making it seem like the American Staffordshire Terrier is difficult to train and notorious.
Size of Male: Height: 18-19 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 40-60 pounds
Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. American Staffordshire Terrier is gentle and loving towards people. The American Staffordshire Terrier is good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and an affectionate family pet. If properly trained, the American Staffordshire Terrier is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more than to make its owner happy. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of life. Careful breeding has made this friendly, trustworthy dog, which is a good dog especially for children. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a courageous and a persistent fighter if provoked. It is highly protective of it owner and its owner’s property, and it will fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner and threatens its loved ones. This breed has a very high tolerance for pain. Some however, when not socialized properly may be dog aggressive. Socialize very thoroughly when young to prevent any dog aggressive tendencies. The American Staffordshire Terrier can be difficult to housebreak. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this dog makes a great family companion. The American Staffordshire Terrier is not for an owner who does not understand that all dogs have an instinct to protect its own property in this case its family and territory.
Living Conditions
The American Staffordshire Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. American Staffordshire Terrier is very active indoors and will do alright without a yard. The American Staffordshire Terrier prefers warm climates.
Upkeep
The American Staffordshire Terrier needs a daily outlet for its energy, preferably in the form of a long walk on leash or a vigorous game in the yard. Although it can live outdoors in temperate climates, American Staffordshire Terrier is far better suited temperamentally to sharing a home with its family. Coat care for American Staffordshire Terrier is minimal. You can brush your dog about once every one or two weeks.
Health
Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Skin problems
Minor concerns: Heart disease
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years