This is a truly versatile dog. Staffs can be rescuers, detectives and guides. However, most of all they became famous as family pets , thanks to their devotion to their owners, courage, intelligence, and touching attitude towards children. Staffords are active and cheerful, they are happy to accompany their owner during travel, fishing, and sports. The dog will not hesitate to rush into battle with any opponent in order to protect a member of his family. Let's get to know this breed in more detail.
Description of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed
Popularity 186th place among 263 dog breeds
Lifespan:
10-12 years
Breed group:
Fighting
Height:
males: 46-48 cm, females: 43-46 cm
Country of origin:
USA
Average price:
15-20 thousand rubles
Weight:
males: 25-30 kg, females: 22-25 kg
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Character and psyche
It’s not in the nature of these dogs - they will defend their owner, but they won’t just attack. Many of the dog's character traits depend entirely on upbringing - if you want to raise a friend who is friendly to all family members, you will succeed. At a young age, you should not put your puppy in stressful situations, so as not to frighten or anger him. His intelligence is above average, so he can immediately recognize a real threat. He loves active walks, is patient, calm and does not cause trouble while walking.
Key facts
Despite the fact that the official name of the breed comes from the English county of Staffordshire, the United States is recognized as the country of origin. The abbreviated name for the American Staffordshire Terrier is Amstaff or Staff Terrier.
The lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier is at least 10 years and depends on maintenance and care.
A brief description of the American Staff Terrier breed is as follows: they are agile and strong animals, distinguished by amazing intelligence. Females are always smaller than males, but their appearance is no less impressive with 22-25 kg of weight and 43-46 cm of height at the withers.
The main characteristic of the Amstaff breed is its contradictory character, which has 2 sides of the coin and is determined by the chosen training method.
Photo gallery
Photo 1. Staffordshire Terrier
Photo 2. Grown-up Amstaff puppy
Photo 3. A formidable beast in search of new victims
Photo 4. Staffordshire Terrier at play
Photo 5. Stafford color variation
Photo 6. Cheerful Stafford
History of the origin of the American Staffordshire Terrier
The country of origin of the breed is the USA, which transformed the Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier originally from England. In the 19th century, the British, who emigrated to America, brought their fighting dogs to the New World. Bull Terriers absorbed the best qualities of strong Bulldogs and agile Terriers, which gave them an advantage in the ring.
The Michigan Kennel Club decided to improve the imported breed, softening the character of the animal. Not all citizens shared the love of dog fighting, noting the excessive cruelty of such entertainment. Pit bull terriers began to be taken for hunting and used as guards for farmlands and houses.
In 1936, through the efforts of American breeders, a new breed was created - the Staffordshire Terrier, which differs from the pit bull in its calmer behavior. Breeders were divided into 2 camps: some bred fighting pit bulls, while others continued to improve the exterior of the Staff Terrier. In the spring of 1971, the FCI recognized the new breed and registered it as the American Staffordshire Terrier. According to the accepted standard, the weight and height of the “Americans” exceeded those of the “English” by 5 kg and 8 cm.
Dogs arrived in Russia only at the end of the 20th century, but quickly gained popularity. With demand for unusual pets soaring, breeders have skimped on raising animals and neglected to monitor mental stability in an attempt to sell as many puppies as possible. For a long time, Staff Terriers retained the status of “killer dogs,” but responsible kennels and owners were able to defend the honor of the breed.
Origin
There are perhaps few dog breeds that have had to go through as many facets of human cruelty as the Staffordshire Terrier. Legends say that these animals were bred for only one purpose - to participate in battles and kill their own kind. It has been proven that their ancestors were small baiting dogs from Spain, Italy, and England. For centuries, they were participants and silent witnesses to the most cruel games of their eminent owners. The 18th century is considered a turning point in their history.
It was at this time that a radical change occurred in their positioning. Staffordshires began to be considered as loyal and very intelligent companions of man, distinguished by incomparable security characteristics. It’s not surprising, because they harmoniously combine everything: intelligence, size and a brave, loyal heart. Already in the 20th century, these dogs began to actively populate the farmlands of capitalist America. From that moment on, they became part of the family and participants in a huge number of exhibitions.
The official beginning of the formation of the breed was laid in 1898, when this dog first appeared under another, no less famous name - the pit bull terrier. Over the long history of their formation, Stafford dogs have changed many names, and received final recognition only in 1972.
Appearance of the American Staff Terrier
General impression
Amstaffs are real athletes with a muscular body and well-developed bones, striking with their courage and excellent character.
The dog combines strength and agility. The photo of the American Staffordshire Terrier clearly shows that the stocky body is tightly built, but at the same time it makes an elegant impression.
Head
Staff Terriers have a voluminous and wide head of medium length with a flat, square-shaped skull. The stop is well defined, and the occipital protuberance is practically invisible. The length of the muzzle coincides with the length of the skull, and a clear relief can be seen on the cheek, chewing and parietal muscles. According to the standard, the description of the head includes:
- cropped or undocked rose-shaped ears;
- round dark eyes covered with pigmented eyelids;
- large black nose and well-opened nostrils;
- powerful and strong jaws with a scissor bite.
Individuals with flesh-colored lobes, light-colored eyes, an undershot, and a skewed lower jaw are discarded from breeding.
Neck
The head is set on a strong and muscular neck of medium length, evenly widening towards the withers. The skin in the neck area should not have folds or sagging.
Torso
Amstaffs have pronounced withers, long shoulder blades and well-developed muscles. The line of the back rises smoothly from a slightly rounded and sloping croup and reaches its maximum opposite the deep chest with rounded ribs.
Forelegs
The forelimbs are characterized by a parallel stance, elbows pressed to the body and round, arched paws.
Hind limbs
The muscles on the hind legs are more pronounced than on the front legs. The metatarsus is characterized by a moderate length.
Tail
Thoroughbred animals are distinguished by straight and short tails with a low rise and a smooth taper to the tip. When excited, the tail assumes a vertical position. Tail docking is not permitted.
Movement
In the video with Amstaffs you can watch their springy movements. Ambling is considered a vice for this breed. When moving, dogs should not pace or sway.
Wool
Short and coarse hairs create a thick coat that fits tightly to the body.
Color
In the pictures you can see many color options for the American Staffordshire Terrier: colored, solid, spotted. All are acceptable, but excessive amounts of white (more than 80%), liver, and black and tan are considered undesirable.
Breeders prefer animals with white and sable or black and white colors, and fanciers prefer animals with tricolor.
Size
It is clearly noticeable that females are smaller than males. The limiting height of an American Staff Terrier is considered to be 46 cm. For the weight of an Amstaff, the average norm is 25 kg. For males these are the minimum numbers, and for females these are the maximum. The standard clearly regulates the size of the American Staff Terrier.
Breed characteristics
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed developed in the nineteenth century in Staffordshire. The animal reached the United States several decades later, where they decided to slightly increase the breed. It was at this time that battles in which animals took part were relevant. There is an opinion that an Amstaff, which was bred for fighting, cannot be made into a kind and domestic animal, but this is wrong.
However, practice says the opposite, and with the right approach, a four-legged friend can be raised to be kind. After all, the protective instinct is inherent in this breed by nature. A special feature of the Amstaff is that they have good intuition.
What do staff dogs look like?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular and strong breed in appearance.
Amstaff has the following features:
- deep chest;
- spread paws;
- strong jaws;
- big head.
Descriptions of the breed include the fact that their representatives have a low pain threshold, so during a fight or injury they do not feel pain. The animal weighs no more than thirty kilograms, and reaches no more than half a meter in height. The color can be varied, but white Amstaffs are very rare.
Colors
As mentioned above, representatives of this breed can be of different colors. The most popular Amstaff colors include the following shades:
| Black |
| Blue-gray |
| brindle |
| Ginger |
| Pale yellow |
An animal can have these colors. But their color may also be different, that is, all shades of the colors mentioned above. In addition, the animal can be spotted or monochromatic.
A lot also depends on the color of the pet, including its character and preferences. Therefore, when choosing an Amstaff, you need to pay attention not only to the behavior of the animal, but also to its color.
Tiger-colored animals are considered to be the most beautiful and kind. But dogs with a spotted nose do not look very attractive - this sign is considered a fault.
Character
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that is distinguished by the following qualities:
- devotion;
- courage;
- courage;
- sociability;
- hard work;
- mobility.
Dogs are devoted to their owners, love children and treat them carefully. You should not be afraid that the Amstaff can harm the child - this breed is very smart and it understands that the child is weaker than it is and therefore does not use force when playing with it.
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If we remember how the animals underwent selective selection, we can again be convinced that this breed is not only smart, but also strong, since the selection was based on the results of fights. Those animals that showed weakness during this competition or lost their “clothes” were excluded from breeding. First of all, those dogs that could not distinguish a person from an animal during the fight were removed.
Today, these breeds are characterized as balanced animals from which unexpected behavior should not be expected, for example, they cannot suddenly attack a person.
They can show aggression towards other dogs, their opponents, especially if they try to irritate the Amstaff. If by chance the dog manages to notice his relatives arguing on the street, he will pass by. But if animals try to attack him, the American Staffordshire Terrier will become angry and can become very dangerous.
The character of the animal is predictable and completely justified. If the Amstaff attacks a person, he must be euthanized, since this is not typical for an animal. Since the dog is very dangerous when attacking, it can tear not only a person’s clothes, but also damage his body.
You should not think that this is an aggressive animal; on the contrary, they are very kind. The American Staffordshire Terrier is easy to train and, with the right approach, follows all the exercises and commands of its owner. Animals very quickly become attached to new owners, since several years ago, dogs were actively sold, they had to constantly see new owners in their environment.
Due to its versatile nature, the animal can be a guard on farmland or serve in military units. Sometimes amstaffs are brought in specifically in nursing homes so that with their presence they can heal the sick and prevent them from getting bored. They can also help care for sick people, bring them clothes, walk with them and fight melancholy.
The Staffordshire Terrier is a very intelligent animal that has been domesticated by humans. But in some cases, a dog can show aggression, defending itself and its owner.
How long do they live?
Today, the life expectancy of dogs is 13 years, which is 79 years in human years. Compared to the last century, the life expectancy of animals has increased significantly. According to statistics, females live longer than males; this can be influenced by various factors. Based on reviews, you can understand that brindle females are very kind and affectionate. Please note that Amstaffs are not food eaters by nature - they are difficult to buy for treats.
Much depends on what the owner feeds his pet. With a balanced and proper diet, the animal will live longer. Constant physical exercise, care and proper care also increase life expectancy. If the owner feeds his animal junk food, the color of his clothes may fade, and the dog will begin to shed.
Character of the American Staff Terrier
Amstaffs are intelligent and loyal animals with a very unusual character. Due to the low threshold of irritability, calmness is instantly replaced by aggression, so you have to work with this feature from childhood. With insufficient socialization, dogs can attack suspicious strangers and other animals who dare to encroach on their territory.
Timely training allows you to train Staff Terriers to be excellent nannies. They get along well with children, forgive them for pranks and willingly participate in joint fun. With such a pet, the owners are always protected. The dog is ready to fight for its family members to the last.
Living with an Amstaff requires following certain rules. If you are planning to have such a pet, then you should have the appropriate amount of knowledge behind you. Inexperienced owners will find the breed too tough. The obedient nature of the American Staffordshire Terrier is achievable, but you need to prove your authority. Otherwise, the Staff Terrier will begin to twist ropes out of its owner, and its behavior will become destructive.
“Americans” have a very developed intuition, which helps to identify an ill-wisher before committing a criminal act. Left alone at home, they will definitely protect the entrusted property from encroachers. When danger is detected, Amstaffs do not warn their opponent by barking or growling. They immediately rush to the target of the threat, leaving no chance for retreat.
With Amstaff you can live in a small apartment. He does not take up much space and feels more confident next to his owner. Keeping it outdoors in an enclosure on a chain is unacceptable and has a negative impact on the animal’s psyche.
Should you get an Amstaff?
A dog of this breed will be an ideal option for a balanced and consistent person, an experienced dog lover, or simply an active person with a stable psyche and patience. It is important to take the position of leader in the hierarchy of the pack and maintain it during puberty (sexual development). A family with children and pets will be complemented by a new nanny, companion and friend. The affectionate, sociable staff will guard, protect, play, take pity and comfort every member of the family.
As practice shows, you should not be afraid to “adopt” an adult dog. Amstaff is not a monogamist - he will be able to adapt to a new person, adapt to the habits and interests of a new family, accept and love its pets. But, in this case, the potential owner should find out exactly what educational problems this dog has in order to correctly assess his strengths and avoid tragedy.
Responsibility
The outstanding qualities of the Amstaff breed are attractive to many. But don’t forget that a serious dog means a serious responsibility. This breed is not for self-affirmation, not a tribute to fashion and not a toy - if you lose control over it, major troubles are inevitable.
“A dog, especially of this breed, is a mirror of the owner. If an Amstaff is aggressive, this is a mistake in upbringing, it’s not the dog’s fault.” Anna, amstaff owner
With improper upbringing or lack thereof, or insufficient socialization, a powerful, stubborn Stafford will sooner or later turn into a problem on a leash. There have been sad cases when a healthy pet had to be euthanized due to uncontrollability. An aggressive, powerful dog with such an impressive appearance can scare anyone, and can cope with any opponent.
When raising a Stafford, displays of aggression towards other animals should not be allowed. Photo: Miles Actually
Therefore, you should not allow even the slightest manifestations of zoo aggression in a puppy or young dog - otherwise, they will quickly get the hang of it. The owner will subsequently have to deal with the consequences of his frivolity.
Who definitely shouldn't get this dog?
Amstaff is not a dog for everyone. Such a powerful and active dog should not be owned by unbalanced, insecure, irresponsible or impulsive people, or homebodies. Beginner dog breeders will have to work on themselves - it is advisable to attend at least 10 classes with a dog handler. Not for the dog - staffs learn quickly, but in order to learn how to handle the pet themselves.
To separate fighting Amstaffs, conventional methods such as a bucket of water are not effective - in battle they often cannot unclench their teeth themselves. Experienced owners know that they can be separated in two ways:
- use breaking-sticks - pointed wedges made of hard wood
- two people simultaneously push dogs against each other by their hind legs. The mouths automatically open slightly and the dogs are pulled apart
This is a universal dog, but it will not tolerate passivity; it must be raised correctly. If you do not feel the strength for systematic daily upbringing, providing the animal with daily exercise, and are not ready to bear responsibility for the antics of a stubborn pet, get someone simpler.
Photo: Miles Actually
Despite preconceived notions about the breed, the Staffa is known and loved. “A broad dog soul”, “a man in a dog’s clothing” - this is how the owners, their friends and relatives - those who are at least a little familiar with this breed - speak about the American Staffordshire Terrier. Undoubtedly in need of proper upbringing and socialization, in skillful and kind hands the Amstaff will become the best friend and protector for the whole family.
Education and training
The upbringing and training of the American Staff Terrier begins from the first days of its appearance in the house. You will have to deal with the prejudices of people who have heard about “killer dogs” every day. Living with an “American” involves a significant amount of responsibility. Depending on how it is raised, an animal can become loyal and good-natured – or aggressive and dangerous.
Staff Terriers have high intelligence, so they quickly remember commands and easily perform even the most complex exercises. The main thing is to gain the respect and trust of your pet. Don't let him dominate, but don't dominate yourself either. Relationships must be partnerships. Never betray your dog or go back on your words. If the amstaff is given prohibitions, then they must be observed always and everywhere. Any relaxation is fraught with further disobedience.
Organize outdoor training from puppyhood. Socialization of a puppy is carried out through meeting other animals. Start communicating with dogs you already know who have a gentle character. The puppy should not be afraid of them, since fear and aggression are not far from each other. Staff Terriers remember their offenders for a long time and can transfer their hatred not to a specific animal, but to the entire breed.
During street training, do not enter into arguments with passers-by who speak unflatteringly about your pet. Speaking in a raised voice can be perceived as a threat to the owner. In this case, the amstaff will not think about whether the problem can be resolved peacefully, but will immediately attack the offender. Be calm and be sure to walk your dog on a leash and muzzle. A well-mannered pet shows strength only in cases of extreme necessity and with a direct command from the owner.
If you have difficulties with education, sign up for classes at a kennel club. The dog trainer will explain in detail how to teach a dog to obey its owner and how to wean the pet from performing unwanted actions. In group or individual lessons you can learn how to raise an Amstaff depending on its age. The best results come from paired exercises, where the pet works together with its owner.
Reviews
A few reviews:
- “This winter, a drunk young man climbed into my yard, and since it was cold for him to sleep in a snowdrift, he opened the door of the heated barn where our family favorite, George Junior, was sleeping. When the husband went to feed the pet, he found him sleeping practically in an embrace with an unfamiliar drunk guy. We have such a friendly terrier. Too beloved and squeezed, he is completely incapable of aggression. And they say that these are dangerous dogs.”
- “We had this dog. He had to be put down when he attacked the daughter of our friends who came to visit us. Nothing predicted such behavior. He was always calm and friendly."
tvoipitomec.pro
American Staff Terrier Health and Diseases
The breed has strong immunity, but is predisposed to some diseases transmitted at the genetic level.
Possible diseases
Due to their large size, dogs often suffer from hip dysplasia. This disease can be inherited or be a consequence of obesity. For prevention purposes, do not overfeed your pet and monitor its physical activity. Before purchasing, be sure to ask the breeder about the health of the puppy’s parents. Severe development of the disease increases the risk of dysplasia in the acquired pet.
Amstaffs have a capricious stomach, so they often suffer from intestinal disorders. If your stool is abnormal, contact your veterinarian immediately. In addition to drug treatment, the doctor will recommend a special line of dry food that restores stomach function.
With natural feeding, dogs often develop allergies to the products offered, so here too it is better to choose high-quality hypoallergenic food. If changing food does not help get rid of itching, hair loss, redness and tearing of the eyes, then you will have to undergo a special test to identify the specific type of allergen.
Some animals may suffer from eye diseases such as cataracts or retinal atrophy. A timely visit to the veterinarian for preventive purposes (at least 2 times a year) will help to avoid these pathologies. In addition to examinations, be sure to treat your dog for parasites and follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian.
Reproductive health
The first heat in females occurs at 9-12 months, but a dog can be bred no earlier than 20 months. Final maturation takes a long time, so giving birth too early can traumatize the animal’s psyche or harm the health of future offspring. Males can be bred strictly after 1 year.
Pregnancy lasts 57-65 days. After this time, at least 4 puppies are born. Sometimes 15 puppies can be born in a litter. Not everyone can cope with so many pets, so carefully consider all possible nuances. If breeding is not a priority, then take the dog for sterilization. Surgical intervention reduces the risk of developing cancer and diseases of the reproductive system.
What is known about the character of the Stafford?
The very intelligent Stafford is a kind dog, which is absolutely not characterized by outbursts of sudden aggression. These cute dogs adore children, for whom they can become the best companions. However, only proper upbringing will enable the animal to show its best qualities.
Even an adult Staffordshire Terrier dog is very obedient. Therefore, the owner can easily train the pet. Moreover, the dog is flexible and smart. He will easily remember what can and cannot be done in the house if the owner devotes enough time to his upbringing. Even a 10 year old child can handle training a dog.
Stafford loves to jump, run, and walk. The more active games your pet is offered, the better. And we can conclude that couch potatoes do not need to keep Staffords, since the dogs will pour all their unspent energy into the home, disrupting order.
Some are sure that the animal has an aggressive character. However, this is a misconception. An adult staff terrier is quite social, loves small children and simply loves when guests come. Dogs will be very interested in other animals.
The Staffordshire Terrier is a very smart, kind, active and sensitive pet.
Features of feeding and diet
Before purchasing, check with the breeder what to feed the puppy for the first time. The delicate digestive system reacts negatively to any changes, so the introduction of new products or a complete change of diet is carried out gradually.
The calorie content of meals should depend on the age of the dog. A young body requires more energy and vitamins to form the muscular skeleton, bone and joint tissues. The diet of older animals should be lower in calories, since metabolism decreases with age.
Ask your veterinarian what food to feed your pet if he has a food allergy. Highly allergenic foods include fish, corn and soy. Plant components are often included in cheap feeds, so such feeding is not recommended.
Natural nutrition should be accompanied by the use of vitamin and mineral complexes, since not all elements can be obtained from foods. Acceptable standards are agreed with the veterinarian, since a lack or excess of vitamins negatively affects the health of the animal.
The first complementary foods are given already 5-10 days after birth. Month-old puppies are fed milk, semolina porridge, soup with meat broth and ground pieces of meat. From 2 months, cartilage and boiled non-tubular bones are added to the diet. The proposed bones should be soft, since the rough structure harms the teeth and provokes the development of pulpitis.
Feeding the dog
Staffs are very powerful dogs, although small in stature. But their appetite is excellent, which is due to their active lifestyle. To maintain muscle tissue in tone, proper nutrition is necessary.
Experts recommend choosing dry food. This is not only convenient, but also more correct for such powerful dogs as Staffies. Dry food can be stored for a long time, it does not spoil and does not require special processing. For a dog, this option will be as beneficial as possible, since a balanced diet will definitely have a positive effect on the animal’s health.
But you need to choose the food correctly. Cheap and low-quality crackers with minimal nutritional value are not suitable for staff. These are active dogs, so the food must be appropriate. However, high-quality food will not be cheap. If it is not possible to spend a lot of money on feeding your dog, it is better to select a special menu of human food. The Staffordshire Terrier must be given meat. It should be present in the diet twice a week. Beef, lamb and poultry work well. Fish allowed.
The main diet consists of porridge and boiled vegetables. To normalize digestion, you can give kefir and cottage cheese.
Care and maintenance
Keeping and caring for Staff Terriers is not complete without a daily walk. Active outdoor activities are very important for the breed to maintain physical fitness. With low loads, the animal’s weight increases and joint problems worsen. Try to walk for at least 2 hours twice a day. With a flexible work schedule, the number of walks can be increased up to 3 times. Try to take your pet to nature, where he can be given free range.
Caring for an Amstaff is very simple, since the dog is not a long-haired breed. Seasonal shedding involves more frequent brushing, and its duration depends on air humidity. The drier the air, the longer the dog sheds. The coat should be combed 1-2 times a week with a special massage brush, which removes dead hair and does not injure the coat. In addition to brushing, don't forget:
- Wash your dog whenever it gets dirty. Frequent washing removes the natural fat layer, peels the skin and leads to dermatoses. Bathe your entire pet no more than 2 times a year. The rest of the time, it is enough to wash your paws and wipe the skin with a damp towel.
- Check the condition of your eyes and ears. Amstaffs are no strangers to ophthalmic diseases, so clean your eyes daily with a cotton swab dipped in chamomile. Plain water is suitable for cleaning your ears. The main thing is not to use cotton wool or cotton swabs. The first instrument can injure the mucous membrane of the eye, and the second one can injure the eardrum.
- Clean your teeth with a special dog toothpaste. Oral diseases cause serious complications on internal organs, so do not allow the development of caries or pulpitis.
Staff Terriers do not need special haircuts, so you can save on visiting a grooming salon. It is also better to trim the claws on your own, since the dog is ready to endure such an unpleasant procedure only at the hands of the owner. If you are afraid of injuring your pet, ask your veterinarian for help. The doctor will show you how to care for the claws without harming the animal’s health. After a short training, repeating the procedure at home will be quite simple.
Key Features
This breed was bred in the 1st half of the last century, but became popular in our country much later. For a long time, standards were set, but only in the 70s. Staffordshire Terriers have been officially registered by international organizations. Since then, it has been established that the sizes of boys and girls should be 47 and 45 cm at the withers, respectively. It is worth noting that there are no weight standards for this breed. It is absolutely unlimited, so even the most powerful staffs are considered completely acceptable.
A special feature of Staffordshire Terriers is their stocky body, under which are located 4 powerful paws. The dog is proportionally built, has a large neck and head with short ears. Too thin or fat representatives of this breed are very rare. The thing is that the Staff Terrier is very energetic, so it quickly builds muscle.
As for ear standards, both cropped and regular ears are considered normal. But even when uncropped, the ears should stand up.
The color can be any. There are no special rules here, maybe the staff is white, brindle, but less preference is given to white, black and reddish shades.
What is truly special about this breed is its character. Nowadays, staffs have somewhat lost their popularity, as cases of attacks on people have become more frequent. But this is not due to the dog’s fault, but due to the wrong actions of a person. If the Staffordshire Terrier is raised correctly, then there will be no problems with it.
However, it must be remembered that this breed was originally bred to participate in dog fighting. As a result, even if kept in an apartment, the animal will require such entertainment. The staff is characterized by strength, powerful grip and lightning speed. Therefore, in battle he feels just great.
Some people have the opinion that staffs are real monsters. But in reality they can be very gentle. However, all the dog's affection goes to only one person, namely the owner. The rest of the household will be considered their own, but they shouldn’t expect much love. However, when it comes to protection and security, the Staffordshire Terrier will do its job with the highest quality and responsibility. But it is worth noting that he is suitable not only as a watchman. Staffies can become excellent detectives, which is why representatives of this breed often work in the police. They hunt well and don’t mind going fishing. It will always be fun with a Staffordshire Terrier, but the main thing is that he doesn’t get bored, otherwise whims will begin. This is not a couch dog that only needs 10-minute walks. You need to walk with a staff for hours, and at the same time both the dog and the owner will have to move a lot.
Breeders note that representatives of this breed make excellent companions for those who love jogging, swimming or other active sports. Your pet will definitely like this. But staff dogs don’t know how to lie on the sofa for a long time. Therefore, even on a day off, when the owner really wants to get some sleep, he will have to get up very early and go for a walk with his four-legged friend.
You need to be prepared in advance for the characteristics of the Staffordshire Terrier. This is not a dog whose character can be adjusted to suit you. She is quite demanding, but if all the conditions of the staff are met, he will give much more to his family.
Tips for choosing a puppy
It is safer to make a safe purchase from a large, licensed nursery with good reviews. Don't be tempted by the low prices offered by sellers at the bird market. Saving is fraught with the purchase of a sick or outbred animal with destructive behavior. It is impossible to retrain such a dog.
Before purchasing, request detailed advice from the nursery staff. The staff should familiarize the buyer with all the nuances of the breed and show possible options for future pets. Before making a choice, carefully study:
- Proposed documents. Cost and other important points must be taken into account in the contract. Along with the puppy, the new owner is given a veterinary passport that records the vaccinations given, a pedigree and a puppy card.
- Appearance of four-legged pupils. American Staffordshire Terrier puppies should have clear skin, velor coat, clean ears and eyes. Animals with a distended belly should be isolated from others.
- Parental behavior. Adult animals should boldly make contact with strangers. Cowardice or aggression are unacceptable.
Breeders advise taking a closer look at future pets in advance. At 1 month, conformity with the exterior becomes more noticeable, and the puppy can be conditionally assigned to a certain class. If at this age any deviations from the standard are noted, then it will not be possible to correct them in the future.
Up to 8 months, light-colored puppies are allowed to have blue eyes and slight pigmentation of the eyelids, nose and lips. This is why buying a dog with white fur involves greater risk.
Breed characteristics
This breed is a prominent representative of the working dog species. The dogs grow up short, but they have a very powerful build, strong paws and a thick neck. With proper training, such a dog can become an excellent territory guard or a person’s personal security guard. With well-trained staff, it’s not scary to walk through the dark streets in the evening.
This breed of dog is distinguished by its special intelligence, but there is also a share of stubbornness in it. Therefore, the breeder will have to work hard to establish contact with the animal. If you show the Staffordshire Terrier who's boss, then there will never be any problems with the dog. But you need to take into account that this breed has a very strongly developed protective instinct, so there are problems in the animal’s communication with other people except the owner. Any creature that the staff considers a potential danger to the object of protection will be immediately attacked.
But Staffordshire Terriers dote on their owner. These dogs cannot stand strangers, but they will love their person until their last breath. Staff work best as security guards for private houses. They can protect the yard, but it must be securely fenced. If the dog manages to get out, there will be a lot of problems.
Staffordshire Terriers are also suitable for keeping in an apartment. A good security guard is useful everywhere. But you need to take into account that such a dog must be trained , otherwise it will become uncontrollable and dangerous to others. Living in an apartment, Staffies will require a lot of attention and long walks. The breeder must be prepared to meet these requirements. Otherwise, the dog will behave very badly and deliberately create problems, because there is still some stubbornness in the character of Staffordshire Terriers.
As for the possibility of staff and other animals living at the same time, you need to think carefully several times. If the dog has gotten used to its neighbors since childhood, then nothing bad will most likely happen. But it’s definitely not worth getting new pets with an adult staff. This is especially true for cats.
How much does an American Staff Terrier cost?
When determining how much a puppy costs, the seller takes into account all the costs incurred (sterilization, vaccinations, feeding the puppies) and the prestige of the established class. The price of an American Staff Terrier starts from 12 thousand rubles. For this money you can buy a pet-class representative with some deviations from the established standard.
The cost of breed-class dogs ranges from 18 to 25 thousand rubles and allows you to breed the breed. The maximum price is typical for representatives of the show class - future winners of exhibitions or sporting competitions. For such a handsome man you will have to pay at least 25 thousand rubles - or even more.
Nurseries always advise choosing a future pet based on its future fate. You should not deprive an animal with an exceptional exterior of its well-deserved fame if participation in exhibitions seems too boring and difficult. Most owners buy pets for the soul, and in this case the pet category is the most reasonable choice.
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What is the price. Price in nursery
If we talk about a purebred puppy, then you can buy it for a price of twenty thousand rubles. There are many advertisements on the Internet for the sale of puppies at a much lower cost. We are talking about mestizos. When purchasing a purebred Amstaff, you can be sure that it has the breed's characteristics. In addition, official nurseries leave coordinates to their customers, and they can contact them at any time and with any problem. Agree that having an experienced mentor is always nice, especially if you are a beginner.
Relationships with other animals
The Stafford dog breed is quite tolerant of other pets. This is a significant advantage, considering how many years dogs live. The characteristics of animal relationships depend on the approach of the owners.
If the pets are identical in age, it will be more difficult for them to establish contact. When a younger individual, be it a hamster or a parrot, moves into a house with an Amstaff, the dog shows noticeable friendliness and is playful, provided there is no aggression on the part of the “new friend.” Amstaff and a cat are a controversial friendly alliance, since staffs have a threatening appearance, which is regarded accordingly by the cat.
How to feed?
The meal schedule must be followed - it should be at the same time. Overfeeding is prohibited, as you can get problems and gastrointestinal disorders. Nutrition should be complete - it includes all micro and macroelements. If the animal is active, it is worth increasing the daily dose of food.
Dry food or natural products?
If you choose dry balanced food to feed your terrier, pay attention to the manufacturer's brand, expiration dates, and composition. In addition, the animal should receive a lot of water - at least 1 liter. Feeding occurs 2 times a day, the food is divided into equal parts. Don’t forget about feeding - vitamins are needed at any time of the year.
A balanced diet of natural food should contain the following products:
- meat: beef, horse meat, sometimes lamb;
- fermented milk: cottage cheese, kefir;
- chicken eggs or omelet;
- vegetables, greens.
You can also feed them porridge – boiled, with the addition of meat ingredients. You can cook certain types of fish, without bones. In order for the intestines to function normally, you need to give your dog fiber. Contact your veterinarian for the correct dosage of vitamins. Meat and bone meal is beneficial for a dog's body - it contains a lot of protein, phosphorus and calcium. You can add it to all dishes in the amount of 150 grams. The daily portion of food should be calculated based on the weight of the animal - it should be equal to 3% of body weight.
What is forbidden to feed?
It is strictly forbidden to feed the Staffordshire Terrier with sweets, potatoes in any form, spices, whole grain oats, and smoked products. Also, legumes and pearl barley, fatty meats such as pork are prohibited.
Security and guard qualities
The Staffordshire Terrier has good watchdog and security traits. Dogs are able to discern a person’s mood, so in case of danger they will immediately begin to protect their owner. Pets have quite strong nerves, so it will take a lot of time to get them angry. However, if the staff senses danger, then anger can come in an instant, then the dog will fight to the end.
For your information! Strength and endurance allow dogs to guard large territories and cope with several enemies at once.
In addition to their guard qualities, staffs often become participants in rescue operations. They are good at tracking and also help rescue people from emergency situations.
Walk
The Staffordshire Terrier is a very active breed that needs regular walks and exercise. For normal development, you need to spend about 3 hours walking every day. In summer, you can add swimming in a pond to your regular walk.
Note! When walking in places where other animals and people gather, it is necessary to put a muzzle on the staff.
Compared to the German Shepherd, the Staff is much more active
Breeding
Mating is a very delicate process for this representative. Many male dogs have a calm temperament and need time to get used to the female. For these purposes, animals should be introduced even before the female starts estrus. Other types of males (usually belonging to the first type of physique) are capable of mating even at the time of the first meeting.
Pregnancy, even in the case of successful contact, may not occur immediately due to the female’s tension. Is it possible to bring individuals together again in this case? Experts give a positive answer to this question.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Opinions about this breed are divided: some call the Staff a cruel killer, others - a gentle and devoted companion. These are truly extremely brave and determined animals. But the modern Staffordshire Terrier breed has an easy-going character rather than a hot-tempered one.
If his beloved owner needs protection, the dog will rush into battle without delay. People confuse this courage with uncontrolled cruelty. But courage and cruelty are two different things. The Staffordshire Terrier dog intuitively knows how to assess a situation. A well-mannered dog gets into a fight only when there is a real threat. But if this happens, he cannot be stopped. Staffs never run for their lives.
Advantages of the breed
- Intelligence and intelligence - they are interesting to train.
- Fearlessness and courage - can quickly neutralize the emerging threat, even if the enemy is larger than them.
- Easy to care for – these are pets that are comfortable to keep.
- Excellent physical characteristics - the body consists of steel muscles covered with leather.
- No unpleasant odor - does not create discomfort in the house.
- Ability to get along with children - loves to tinker with both kids and teenagers.
- Hard work and endurance - pets can do difficult work.
- Obedience to the owner is a trait laid down at the genetic level.
- Good detective skills - during the tragedy in Nord-Ost, representatives of the breed were able to discover the location of terrorists with explosives.
- They rarely bark - they don’t raise their voices without a good reason; the dogs are not prone to mournful howls.
Disadvantages of the breed
- Amstaffs have a strong character and are not suitable for people with an unbalanced psyche.
- Unquestioning obedience - this advantage can become dangerous, because the dog does not distinguish between good and bad, it carries out commands without evaluating them from the point of view of morality.
- A pronounced sense of self-esteem - from the first days in the house the pet must understand its place.
Tendency to diseases, prevention
A healthy Amstaff is active, has a wet nose, clear eyes and an excellent appetite. The pet has no unpleasant odor, its intestines and bladder are emptied regularly. A sick dog eats poorly, does not play, does not want to go out for walks, and behaves differently than usual. Unreasonable changes in an animal’s behavior are a reason to visit a veterinary clinic.
Characteristic diseases
American Staffordshire Terriers are susceptible to the following diseases:
- hip dysplasia,
- arthritis and arthrosis,
- obesity,
- bloating,
- retinal atrophy,
- cataract,
- inversion of the eyelid (entropion),
- hyperplasticity of the vitreous body,
- cutaneous histiocytoma,
- solar dermatitis,
- mast cell tumor
- Mastocytoma is a skin cancer.
Vaccinations
Before preventive vaccination, puppies and adult dogs are dewormed. For vaccinations, the use of monovalent vaccines (against one type of disease) or polyvalent (complex) preparations is allowed.
Vaccination must be carried out annually. They protect the animal from dangerous diseases such as canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirosis, and rabies. Complex vaccinations often include vaccines against adenovirus, corona virus and parainfluenza.
You cannot do without antiparasitic treatment. To combat ticks and fleas, special shampoos, sprays, drops on the withers, and special collars are used.
Stafford puppy price
The cost of a Staffordshire Terrier puppy depends on where you buy it and what the dog is needed for. According to an ad on the Internet, you can buy a dog without documents for 5,000 rubles. This should not be done, since there is a high probability of getting a defective individual with mental disorders. Keeping such a dog will not bring pleasure to the owner; an Amstaff with genetic abnormalities can be dangerous to others.
First, it is worth studying the behavioral characteristics of representatives of this breed: go to exhibitions, visit a kennel club, talk with breeders.
It is recommended to take the baby to a new home at 1.5-2 months. Until this time, he will feed on mother's milk, which contains all the necessary microelements. By communicating with brothers and sisters, the dog will gain the first skills of coexistence in society.
A qualified specialist will be happy to share the intricacies of raising and caring for animals. To buy a puppy, it is better to come to the seller’s home. If a breeder tries to avoid this under various pretexts by making an appointment on the street, this is a reason to be wary.
When you arrive at the breeder’s apartment, pay attention to the condition of the room and the dog’s bedding - everything should be clean, without a strong dog smell. A bitch with good owners looks healthy and well-fed. Some dogs don't look very good after giving birth because it's normal to shed.
A real breeder will first of all talk about the difficulties of keeping and the shortcomings of the breed, and will not start advertising the litter.
For people who purchase a Staffordshire Terrier as a companion dog, it is important to choose an individual without congenital pathologies. The price of such a dog is from 8,000 rubles.
Healthy puppies meet the following characteristics:
- plump, but without swollen bellies (this is a sign of the presence of worms);
- powerful paws;
- large muzzle;
- nose and eyelids are dark. Small stains are acceptable; they will self-destruct with age;
- The coat is clean and shiny. Skin without signs of inflammation or dandruff;
- eyes are clear, shiny, not watery;
- color matches the breed;
- the anus is clean, surrounded by hair, without irritation.
Little Staffords are active, inquisitive, and run to meet new people without fear. Babies should not limp; special attention should be paid to their hind legs. Limping or falling are signs of possible hip dysplasia.
When choosing the gender of your pet, you should take into account that females are more obedient, affectionate, and easier to train. However, they require special care during estrus and pregnancy. Males are more capricious.
When choosing a show-class dog, there are even more requirements. It is important to check all pedigrees, not only the parents, but also the grandparents of the future pet (especially if the parents are young and do not yet have serious credentials). The breeder must have diplomas, written comments from judges, and photographs.
A staff that is capable of winning at exhibitions or has an original color costs at least 25,000 rubles. The puppies in the litter are all different, so the price for them also varies. A competent breeder sees a potential champion right away and will help him choose him.
see also
| Doberman | Rottweiler | Tibetan mastiff |
Key points in training
- A dog must be trained by a strong person, with a firm position in life and great patience.
- First you need to find a common language with the dog . Puppies understand perfectly well what is wanted from them, but they can resist and not obey every time.
- You can't indulge them . It is recommended to start the education process at 2 months.
- Amstaff needs to be rewarded and be moderately strict with him. Coercion is used carefully and physical punishment is unacceptable.
- If the dog refuses to follow the command, then you should not raise your voice . It’s better to just look into her eyes until obedience appears in her eyes.
- Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”
Socialization is of great importance for this breed. While walking you should look for friendly dogs.
Caring for a Stafford
Caring for representatives of the breed is quite simple. It includes: hygiene procedures, games, walks, catering and therapeutic and preventive measures. As for training, this is the owner’s choice. But you can’t do without solid upbringing.
Nail care
The appearance of the claws is monitored regularly. They should not exceed the permissible length, otherwise the dog will experience discomfort. The claws are shortened monthly using a nail clipper or a large file. If your dog doesn't walk much and doesn't wear down its nails naturally, you'll have to trim the nails more often.
Eye hygiene
Even a healthy animal may have discharge in the corners of its eyes. They are removed with a cloth or piece of bandage. Strong winds, drafts and dust can cause your eyes to become inflamed. Irritation is relieved by instilling eye drops or an aqueous infusion of chamomile.
Grooming
Daily brushing of the coat with a special brush with medium-hard bristles is an excellent massage and a way to remove dead hair. It is better to do this after a walk. The pet is accustomed to the procedure from puppyhood, otherwise its reaction to incomprehensible actions can be unpredictable.
Bathing
Bathe your pet as needed, no more than once a month. They use special shampoos; cosmetics are not suitable for people. In winter, wool can be cleaned with snow. During the hot period, you are allowed to swim in open reservoirs. Staffies quickly get used to the water and bathing them is easy.
Paw hygiene
After every walk you need to wash your paws. The weather and time of year don't matter. In the city, pets can get their paws dirty with fuel oil, paint, or bitumen. You can remove such contaminants by washing your paws with soap or a special shampoo. If it doesn’t help, take a solvent and remove the dirt with a cotton swab. Then rinse the paws with clean water and dry with a towel.
Ear care
Clean your ears weekly. Do this before swimming. A few drops of a special liquid are injected into the ear canal and the base of the ear is massaged. Dirt and wax are removed with ear sticks. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the eardrum. After all, this is fraught with complete hearing loss.
