Post by charmingnancy on Mar 9, 2009 17:29:04 GMT -5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Group: 4- Terriers
Origin: United States
Purpose: Bull Baiting, Dog Fighting, Fishing
Description:
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of dog. The breed is a second cousin of the American pit bull terrier. Early bulldog–terrier crosses were brought to the US by British and Irish settlers, especially after the American Civil War. The Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and Colour: Coat short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy. Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 percent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; muzzle medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Nose definitely black. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Eyes dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Ears set high; cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held half rose or prick.
Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin Medium length.
Forequarters: Shoulders strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front.
Body: Back fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Chest, deep and broad. Loins slightly tucked.
Hindquarters: Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well arched and compact.
Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Gait: Must be springy but without roll or pace.
Faults: Faults to be penalized are Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, undershot or overshot mouth, full drop ears, tail too long or badly carried.
Size:
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18-19 inches (46-48 cm) at shoulders for the male and 17-18 inches (43-46 cm) for the females is to be considered preferable. These dogs weigh in at around 40-75 pounds.
Temperament:
Confident, laid back, and easygoing, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that makes a very loyal and devoted companion. Unfortunately, this breed has developed a reputation - not always justified - for having an appetite for destruction and aggression, although much of this has been down to poor breeding. These dogs are actually largely very easy going and good natured, although they are best for those with some experience of dog ownership. The American Staffordshire Terrier will get on well with older more considerate children. However, it is important to remember that they were bred to be aggressive towards other dogs and therefore should be supervised when with other canines. These dogs may also be aggressive towards other pets, such as cats, rabbits, and rodents.
When it comes to strangers the attitude and reaction of the American Staffordshire Terrier can vary. Some can be very friendly and tactile with strangers whereas others may be reserved and protective when strangers are around. Amstaffs have a very trusting and amiable disposition, but can be stubborn and over confident in some cases, although an experienced owner that knows how to be assertive yet positive should get a positive response. These dogs can be very determined and tough, but also very intelligent and devoted.
Health:
There are some health problems that are associated with this breed, and some of these include eye problems, ligament problems, thyroid disorders, cancer, temperament problems, and cataracts. Parents of your puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates, and it may be wise to also ask about temperament testing to prove behavioral stability in the line.
Average Lifespan:
The life expectancy of the American Staffordshire Terrier is around 10-12 years.
Similarities to the American Pit Bull Terrier:
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are cousins, who derived from the same stock in Britain. Frequent questions arise regarding the two breeds, "Are they the same?" "How are they different?" In the eyes of the UKC, they are the same breed, but many disagree. Some AKC-registered Amstaff are dual-registered as APBT with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many, who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these two breeds to be considered the same. The AKC does not allow a UKC-registered APBT to be registered as an Amstaff. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT but not vice versa.
Despite their similarities there are some distinct differences between the two breeds, they have different builds. The Amstaff has a different bone structure particularly in regards to the shape of its robust head and more prominent fore legs. The Amstaff also has a more solid build and is slightly lower to the ground. The APBT generally speaking is lighter, leaner, and has more emphasis on the hind legs. Sometimes distinguishing the difference between the two breeds can be confusing, especially with crosses and hybrids that are advertised as Pit Bulls.
History:
To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the Bulldog and the terrier.
Until the early part of the 19th century; the Bulldog was bred with great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. The Bulldog of that day was vastly different from our present-day "sourmug." Pictures from as late as 1870 represent the Bulldog as agile and as standing straight on his legs-his front legs in particular. In some cases he was even possessed of a muzzle, and long rat tails were not uncommon. The Bulldog of that day, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present-day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the present-day Bulldog.
Some writers contend it was the white English Terrier, or the Black-and-Tan Terrier, that was used as a cross with the Bulldog to perfect the Staffordshire Terrier. It seems easier to believe that any game terrier, such as the Fox Terrier of the early 1800s, was used in this cross, since some of the foremost authorities on dogs of that time state that the Black-and-Tan and the white English Terrier were none too game, but these same authorities go on to stress the gameness of the Fox Terrier. It is reasonable to believe that breeders who were attempting to perfect a dog that would combine the spirit and agility of the terrier with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog, would not use a terrier that was not game. In analyzing the three above-mentioned terriers at that time, we find that there was not a great deal of difference in body conformation, the greatest differences being in color, aggressiveness, and spirit.
In any event, it was the cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire Terrier, which was originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Builterrier. Later, it assumed the name in England of Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.
In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers. The name of the breed was revised effective January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in this country had developed a type which is heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
Sources:
Amstaff Club of Canada- Standard
Wikipedia
AKC- History
Just Dog Breeds
Pictures:
Photobucket
Group: 4- Terriers
Origin: United States
Purpose: Bull Baiting, Dog Fighting, Fishing
Description:
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of dog. The breed is a second cousin of the American pit bull terrier. Early bulldog–terrier crosses were brought to the US by British and Irish settlers, especially after the American Civil War. The Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Appearance- Breed Standards:
Coat and Colour: Coat short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy. Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 percent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; muzzle medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Nose definitely black. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Eyes dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Ears set high; cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held half rose or prick.
Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin Medium length.
Forequarters: Shoulders strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front.
Body: Back fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Chest, deep and broad. Loins slightly tucked.
Hindquarters: Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well arched and compact.
Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Gait: Must be springy but without roll or pace.
Faults: Faults to be penalized are Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, undershot or overshot mouth, full drop ears, tail too long or badly carried.
Size:
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18-19 inches (46-48 cm) at shoulders for the male and 17-18 inches (43-46 cm) for the females is to be considered preferable. These dogs weigh in at around 40-75 pounds.
Temperament:
Confident, laid back, and easygoing, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that makes a very loyal and devoted companion. Unfortunately, this breed has developed a reputation - not always justified - for having an appetite for destruction and aggression, although much of this has been down to poor breeding. These dogs are actually largely very easy going and good natured, although they are best for those with some experience of dog ownership. The American Staffordshire Terrier will get on well with older more considerate children. However, it is important to remember that they were bred to be aggressive towards other dogs and therefore should be supervised when with other canines. These dogs may also be aggressive towards other pets, such as cats, rabbits, and rodents.
When it comes to strangers the attitude and reaction of the American Staffordshire Terrier can vary. Some can be very friendly and tactile with strangers whereas others may be reserved and protective when strangers are around. Amstaffs have a very trusting and amiable disposition, but can be stubborn and over confident in some cases, although an experienced owner that knows how to be assertive yet positive should get a positive response. These dogs can be very determined and tough, but also very intelligent and devoted.
Health:
There are some health problems that are associated with this breed, and some of these include eye problems, ligament problems, thyroid disorders, cancer, temperament problems, and cataracts. Parents of your puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates, and it may be wise to also ask about temperament testing to prove behavioral stability in the line.
Average Lifespan:
The life expectancy of the American Staffordshire Terrier is around 10-12 years.
Similarities to the American Pit Bull Terrier:
The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are cousins, who derived from the same stock in Britain. Frequent questions arise regarding the two breeds, "Are they the same?" "How are they different?" In the eyes of the UKC, they are the same breed, but many disagree. Some AKC-registered Amstaff are dual-registered as APBT with the UKC; however, this draws criticism from many, who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these two breeds to be considered the same. The AKC does not allow a UKC-registered APBT to be registered as an Amstaff. To be dual-registered, the dog must first be an AKC-registered American Staffordshire Terrier and then it can be registered with the UKC as an APBT but not vice versa.
Despite their similarities there are some distinct differences between the two breeds, they have different builds. The Amstaff has a different bone structure particularly in regards to the shape of its robust head and more prominent fore legs. The Amstaff also has a more solid build and is slightly lower to the ground. The APBT generally speaking is lighter, leaner, and has more emphasis on the hind legs. Sometimes distinguishing the difference between the two breeds can be confusing, especially with crosses and hybrids that are advertised as Pit Bulls.
History:
To correctly give the origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is necessary to comment briefly on two other dogs, namely the Bulldog and the terrier.
Until the early part of the 19th century; the Bulldog was bred with great care in England for the purpose of baiting bulls. The Bulldog of that day was vastly different from our present-day "sourmug." Pictures from as late as 1870 represent the Bulldog as agile and as standing straight on his legs-his front legs in particular. In some cases he was even possessed of a muzzle, and long rat tails were not uncommon. The Bulldog of that day, with the exception of the head, looked more like the present-day American Staffordshire Terrier than like the present-day Bulldog.
Some writers contend it was the white English Terrier, or the Black-and-Tan Terrier, that was used as a cross with the Bulldog to perfect the Staffordshire Terrier. It seems easier to believe that any game terrier, such as the Fox Terrier of the early 1800s, was used in this cross, since some of the foremost authorities on dogs of that time state that the Black-and-Tan and the white English Terrier were none too game, but these same authorities go on to stress the gameness of the Fox Terrier. It is reasonable to believe that breeders who were attempting to perfect a dog that would combine the spirit and agility of the terrier with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog, would not use a terrier that was not game. In analyzing the three above-mentioned terriers at that time, we find that there was not a great deal of difference in body conformation, the greatest differences being in color, aggressiveness, and spirit.
In any event, it was the cross between the Bulldog and the terrier that resulted in the Staffordshire Terrier, which was originally called the Bull-and-Terrier Dog, Half and Half, and at times Pit Dog or Pit Builterrier. Later, it assumed the name in England of Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as Yankee Terrier.
In 1936, they were accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book as Staffordshire Terriers. The name of the breed was revised effective January 1, 1972 to American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders in this country had developed a type which is heavier in weight than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England and the name change was to distinguish them as separate breeds.
Sources:
Amstaff Club of Canada- Standard
Wikipedia
AKC- History
Just Dog Breeds
Pictures:
Photobucket