Despite the fact that disputes regarding fighting dog breeds are still ongoing, an American Staffordshire Terrier appears at a large number of dog breeders at home. Not because these people are not afraid of anything, but because, having raised the dog correctly, you can safely leave even a baby with whom it will protect and will protect.
American Staffordshire Terrier: history of occurrence
This breed appeared in the 19th century, when fans of dog fighting crossed a bulldog and a terrier. In the course of this experiment, an ideal dog was obtained for a rather tough sport.
After Britain found out about such a find, the dog breeders decided to bring out several representatives of the new breed in England, as a result of which the Staffordshire Terrier was born, whose character was distinguished by aggression. Despite the fact that, in fact, this is an American-British mixture, according to the standards of the International Kennel Federation, it is a purely American dog.
The Staffordshire Terrier is abbreviated as Amstaff.
Breed description
Amstaffs have short but very dense coat, and color can be the most diverse. Puppies are born monotonous or spotty. A distinctive feature of the breed is its amazing endurance and strength. For example, an amstaff can easily climb a fence from a net, clinging to it only with its claws and pulling itself on its paws. In addition, terriers have very strong hind limbs, so they can overcome more than 2 meters in a jump.
With a height of 47-48 cm, the dog reaches a weight of up to 30 and more kilograms, having a very developed muscle mass.
Since this is a fighting breed, the Staffordshire Terrier requires training from its owner. It is highly discouraged to bring a Staffordshire Terrier to those who have not encountered the training and training of such dogs before.
Character
The Staffordshire Terrier, whose breed description is quite frightening, is not as aggressive as it seems. Amstaff is a surprisingly smart dog with a good-natured character and a fervent burrow. She is very loyal not only to her master, but also to the whole family, especially to children. Devotion and courage are qualities inherent in a terrier from the very first days of life.
Nevertheless, the soldier's seething blood in combination with a powerful body sometimes plays a trick on a good-natured dog, and he can become more aggressive by playing too much. In order to completely eliminate undesirable consequences, it is important to model the behavior of the dog and instill in it the rules through hard training and training.
Of course, Stafford will never attack the owner, but his urge to protect his family can result in a decent threat to an ordinary passerby or neighbor. The dog must clearly know the commands and understand that only after the owner pronounces the keyword, he will be able to attack the attacker or protect the owner if he was attacked by stray dogs. The Staffordshire Terrier is ready to fight a whole flock and is likely to win.
The fact is that this breed is extremely attached to the family and sometimes confuses the real threat with a simple pat on the shoulder or a friendly game. In order not to be in the powerful jaws of the dog, it is better to keep some distance if you first came to visit a family in which the Staffordshire Terrier has recently appeared. The description of the breed does not say that the dog is uncontrollable, however it is better to give her the opportunity to get used to your presence. After a while, the amstaff will begin to perceive you as a friend and will feel comfortable and well next to you.
American Staffordshire Terrier: puppies, how to choose
Choosing a future pet is a difficult process, so you should be patient. A four-legged friend should not only like outwardly, but also meet the characteristics declared by the breeder.
When buying a small amstaff, you must clearly determine for yourself what exactly you need the Staffordshire Terrier for. Puppies will be more expensive if your list of requirements is large. If you decide to have a champion in the house, then carefully read the international standards and characteristics that a future winner should have. In order to participate in exhibitions in the future, it is best to take a puppy from the kennel and make sure of its pedigree. In addition, a professional breeder will help you make the right choice and tell you what to do next when the Staffordshire Terrier appears in the house. The description of the breed and the pedigree that he will provide you will allow you to make the best choice.
If you decide to have an amstaff as a protector and guard of your property, pay attention to how balanced the puppy is. Dogs that are aggressive from birth, after additional training aimed at tough behavior, can become uncontrollable in the future and even harm the owner. If you need a bodyguard, buy a puppy under the age of 2 months with a calm character.
Taking an older dog who has undergone training and training is not a good idea. Like any animal, amstaffs have a special affection for the one who raised and raised him. In addition, during training, the dog could develop certain habits and character traits that may be incompatible with yours.
Boy or girl: who is better
If we talk about the field of the future pet, then the novice dog breeder, of course, should take the girl. This is due to the fact that terrier girls are more amenable to training. In addition, they are not inclined to dominate, like males, and this will be a great relief for the owner, since the male, having first entered the family, may decide that he is the owner of the house, and you will have to prove the opposite to him. Amstaffs girls quickly become attached to the owner and always want to help him. The only drawback of this choice is a potential pregnancy. Taking her darling for a walk, you need to follow her very carefully, since during the estrus period she will be surrounded by rather persistent fans.
Amstaff boys are much more aggressive, but also more independent. Although training will still have to spend a lot more time and patience. In addition, dogs constantly mark their territory both on the street and at home, so one more item will have to be added to the training list.
How to train and educate the American Staffordshire Terrier
How a dog will behave in adulthood depends on the zeal and patience of the owner. It is extremely important to begin to train and teach your puppy discipline before he turns 1 year old. At the age of 1.5 to 6 months, amstaffs are best trained.
A special feature of the Staffordshire Terrier training is its socialization, because by its nature the dog is quite aggressive towards relatives and humans. From the first months, begin to accustom the puppy to the fact that he is surrounded by people who do not want to harm him.
After the baby has been given all the necessary vaccinations, and he quarantined well, he can begin to be taken outside and slowly introduced to other dogs on the site. If the puppy began to show at least minimal aggression, immediately show him that this is wrong, this model of behavior is unacceptable. Of course, when you have a small amstaff standing in front of you and trying to growl, this is a rather funny sight, but you should not succumb to emotions, because in a few years it will be a decent size dog, and it will no longer be fun.
It is extremely important to carefully monitor how the Staffordshire Terrier behaves in training. Photos posted on dog training sites will help you decide on uniforms, etc. If you cannot train a powerful defender yourself, it is best to contact a professional trainer. Having attended the training course, you will learn all the nuances of working with fighting dogs and in the future you will be able to work with your pet yourself and fully appreciate the Staffordshire Terrier breed. The reviews of the owners of such dogs abound with positive emotions and praises of their pets.
Strength training is extremely important for the proper education and training of the dog. In specialized stores you can buy weights and other devices for physical exercises, which the Staffordshire Terrier likes to do. A description of everything you need can be obtained from a specialist.
What qualities does amstaff appreciate in a person?
This breed of dog is characterized by leadership in the pack. In our case, the pack is a family, and the amstaff is absolutely sure that he is her leader. Show the dog that he is not, namely, you are the master and the main. To do this, it is important for the puppy that appears in the house to explain what to sleep on the bed, go outside, etc. he can only with your permission. Thus, the hierarchy will be restored, you can control the animal in any situation and be his authority and leader.
Amstaffs value solid character, for them firmness and constancy is the highest manifestation of strength. Do not bother with the terrier, he will not understand this, it is better to speak seriously and treat him as a rational person, and not as a sweet baby.
How to care for the Staffordshire Terrier
The coat of the American Terrier is short, therefore it does not require special care. It is enough to comb the dog periodically with a stiff brush. Amstaffs love to swim, so you can pamper your pet with water procedures. After that, wipe the dog’s coat with suede, and then it will shine. Before bathing the terrier, it is imperative to inspect the skin for cuts or small wounds, if any, it is better to postpone the wash. In the event that an unpleasant odor emanates from the dog after the bath, consult your veterinarian, most likely the animal is sick or suffers from a chronic infection.
Walking with the Staffordshire Terrier is recommended as often as possible, this will help him get used to the environment and feel better. Always keep the dog on a leash and in the muzzle while walking. A sudden meeting with a homeless dog or a drunk person can lead to a passer-by or the Staffordshire Terrier. The breed description contains a number of such warnings.
Stafford Diseases
Due to good heredity and unlimited health, amstaffs are practically not sick. In addition, dogs of this breed are not predisposed to genetic or hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, there are a number of diseases to which the Staffordshire Terrier is subject , owners reviews contain the following complaints about:
- Crayfish.
- Deafness.
- Inversion of the eyelids.
- Dysplasia
- Cataract
- Arthritis.
In order to exclude the risk of possible diseases and infections that can be transmitted to the dog from other animals, you need to give the puppy the necessary vaccinations at the age of about 2 months. Before vaccination, worms need to be prevented, and after the procedure, protect the animal for several weeks from stress and communication with other dogs.
The life expectancy of American terriers is 12-14 years.
Staffordshire Terrier
Amstaffs are completely unpretentious in food and care, but they also have their own preferences. Dogs are very fond of offal, but they need to be carefully boiled, previously cut into small pieces. You can also feed your pet:
- The liver.
- Lamb.
- Beef.
- Chicken heads and necks.
In order for the dog to be in shape, be sure to give it boiled fish, but only after removing the bones from it or carefully putting out to make them softer.
It will be useful for the puppy to give fermented milk products containing calcium. You can prepare the mixture, for this, add 2 tablespoons of calcium chloride per liter of milk, then boil the milk and collect it in gauze, allowing the liquid to drain.
From cereals fit:
- Oatmeal.
- Corn grits.
- Buckwheat.
- Wheat groats.
It is necessary to wash the bowl after each feeding so that harmful microbes do not multiply in it. For feeding, you should buy a special stand, which you will set higher as the animal grows, so that it does not have to bend.
Can I give a dog bones?
Bones can be given to a puppy when his teeth begin to cut. Better if it is sugar bones or vertebrates. But feeding a puppy or adult dog with bones is often not worth it, it can lead to constipation. In pet stores you will find delicious bones that will appeal to your pet. When Amstaff reaches adulthood, feeding bones is not recommended, as they damage tooth enamel.
What can not be fed amstaff
Never give the dog:
- Salty.
- Sweet.
- Moldy food.
- Smoked meats.
- Fatty foods.
- Sausage, sausages, etc.
- Seasonings.
Many owners feed the animal with residues from the table, this should not be done, as the dog’s body may not be able to cope with harmful foods saturated with fats and other harmful substances.
Finally
The Staffordshire Terrier, who is devoted to the owner until the last days of his life, whose photo is at home next to the photos of his family, always tries to please his relatives and tries to earn praise. However, the owners love their pets as full members of the family.