How to Select an American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire terrier, cousin to the American bull terrier, is descended from the bulldog and terrier and was first bred in the United States in the 1800s as a fighting dog. With its wide head and cropped ears, the American Staffordshire terrier is friendly and gentle with people.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Nail Clippers For Dogs

1. Choose an American Staffordshire terrier if you're looking for a loyal watchdog and guard dog. This breed is very brave and defensive of its family and home.

2. Think about getting an American Staffordshire terrier if you're looking for a sweet family dog. While its guarding instincts are superior, if given proper training, this dog is very good with people and children.

3. Know that this breed is not for everyone. It requires early socialization with people and other animals to work on its aggressive and dominant nature. This breed is also difficult to house-train.

4. Understand that if given cause, the American Staffordshire terrier can be very combative, especially with other dogs, and has a very high tolerance for pain.

5. Realize that this dog is active indoors and will do well living in an apartment. It does, however, need daily exercise outdoors.

6. Look at the American Staffordshire terrier's features when choosing yours. The dog will have a wide head with powerful jaws and round black eyes. The body is strong and muscular, with a short, thick coat that has a sheen to it. This breed comes in all colors.

7. Take into consideration that the American Staffordshire terrier is prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and cataracts (cloudy eye lens).

8. Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

9. Note that male American Staffordshire terriers will grow to 17 to 19 inches and weigh between 57 and 67 lbs. Females will grow to 16 to 18 inches and also weigh between 57 and 67 lbs.

10. Be aware that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred American Staffordshire terrier.

11. Expect an American Staffordshire terrier to live 10 to 12 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (see Related Sites) to learn more about hip dysplasia.

• The American Staffordshire terrier does not do well in cold climates.

• Avoid this breed if you have other dogs in the house. American Staffordshire terriers tend to fight with other dogs.