American Staffordshire Terrier – strong American with a loyal soul

The predecessors of the American Staffordshire Terrier were formerly used as fighting dogs. Reputable breeders of this breed have always attached particular importance to healthy animals with an impeccable character. The strong dogs need consistent and sovereign leadership, then they are good-natured and affectionate companions that are also suitable as family dogs.

ProfileAmerican Staffordshire Terrier

From fighting dog to patient companion

The ancestors of today’s American Staffordshire Terriers were mainly terriers and the old bulldogs. People have been using the brave and strong animals for dog fights since ancient times. A stronghold of these fights was the English Staffordshire in the 19th century. Bulldogs were crossed with terriers here. These “Bull and Terriers”, also called “Pit Bulls”, were the predecessors of today’s American Staffordshire Terrier.

In society, the animals were highly recognized, but opinions were divided. Some wanted a Pit Bull as a loyal and affectionate family dog, the other camp wanted to breed animals for dog fighting. In order to distinguish itself from the British fighting dogs, a first breed standard was established in 1936 and the breed, recognized by the AKC, was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.

Character of the American Staffordshire Terrier

Well-socialized and well-behaved dogs of this breed are good-natured and extremely affectionate towards their humans. In such cases, the active animals prove to be wonderful companions and family dogs, as they have a very high stimulus threshold and are absolutely caring towards children. Nevertheless, never leave your children alone with such a strong dog. They usually react rather indifferently to strangers.

If you bring an American Staffordshire Terrier into your home, however, you should not forget that the powerful animals have enormous potential fighting power, which is why competent leadership is essential for this breed.

Education and keeping of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier needs good socialization and consistent guidance from a strong, respectful and patient hand from puppyhood onwards. As an owner, you must build a deep, trusting bond with the sensitive animal so that he accepts you as the leader of the pack. Attending puppy lessons and dog school is an essential part of a successful education of this breed.

In addition, you must keep your American Staffordshire Terrier sufficiently mentally and physically active. He wants to let off steam on long walks, as a companion for jogging or dog sports. The “Amstaff” is a very playful companion who can always be inspired with new play ideas.

Caring for the American Staffordshire Terrier

Caring for the friendly American is very simple: weekly brushing of the coat is usually sufficient.

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Special features of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, like many of its relatives, is prone to joint dysplasia. Due to its past as a fighting dog, the Amstaff is a listed dog in most federal states. It may only be kept here under certain conditions. This includes, for example, a certificate of competence to be provided by the owner or a character test of the animal. The dog tax can also be significantly higher.

If you want to buy an American Staffordshire Terrier as a family member, only buy the animal from a reputable breeder of the VDH, because they pay more attention to the fact that the dogs have a friendly nature, are well socialized and healthy.

You might also like these terrier breeds:

• American Pitbull Terrier: Consistent training allows the American Pitbull Terrier to show its family qualities. Obedience, intelligence and a dash of silliness are among its true talents.
• Bull terrier: The naturally extremely relaxed bull terrier is still exposed to many prejudices due to its history as a fighting dog. Like other dogs of the terrier breeds, however, the four-legged friends are usually easy to lead with appropriate socialization and education.
• Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier is an American dog breed that has been experiencing strong growth for several years. The slender dogs are very people-friendly, playful and easy to train.
• Miniature Bull Terrier: The clown among dogs – that’s how breed lovers describe the Miniature Bull Terrier. His funny, bright and playful nature puts a smile on the face of every observer. At home, the dwarfs with the long nose are watchful and cuddly roommates.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier – or Staffie, as it is often called by lovers of the breed – is an English dog breed with a long tradition as a family dog. The muscular four-legged friends, if they have been well socialized, are considered extremely patient with large and small family members.