American Staffordshire Terrier: description of the breed, nature, photo

Despite the fact that disputes concerning fighting breeds of dogs still do not subside, nevertheless a large number of dog breeders at home have an American Staffordshire terrier. Not because these people are not afraid of anything, but because, having raised the dog correctly, you can safely leave even an infant child, whom she will protect and will cherish.

American Staffordshire Terrier: a history

This breed appeared in the 19th century, when fans of dog fights crossed a bulldog and a terrier. In the course of this experiment, the ideal dog for a fairly tough sport was formed. After in Britain learned about this finding, the breeders decided to bring out several representatives of the new breed in England, resulting in the emergence of a Staffordshire terrier, the character of which was characterized by aggression. Despite the fact that, in fact, this is an American-British mixture, according to the standards of the international cynological federation, this is a purely American dog.

Abbreviated Staffordshire terrier is called amstaff.

Description of the breed

Amstaff has a short but very thick coat, and the color can be very diverse. Puppies are born single-colored or spotted. A distinctive feature of the breed is its amazing endurance and strength. For example, amstaff can easily climb up the fence from the net, clinging to it only with its claws and pulling up on its paws. In addition, the terriers have very strong hind legs, so they can overcome in the jump more than 2 meters.

With growth of 47-48 cm, the dog reaches a weight of up to 30 kg and more, with a very developed muscle mass.

Since this is a fighting breed, the Staffordshire Terrier requires professional training from its master. It is highly discouraged to establish a Staffordshire terrier for those who have not encountered before with the training and training of such dogs.

Character

The Staffordshire Terrier, whose breed description is quite frightening, is not as aggressive as it seems. Amstaff is an amazingly clever dog, possessing a good-natured character and fervent manner. He is very devoted not only to his master, but to the whole family, especially to children. Devotion and courage are qualities inherent in the terrier from the very first days of life.

Nevertheless, the boiling blood of a fighter in combination with a powerful body sometimes plays a joke over a good-natured dog, and he can become more aggressive after playing. In order to completely eliminate the undesirable consequences, it is important to model the behavior of the dog and instill in her the rules through hard training and training.

Of course, the Stafford will never attack the master, but his impulse to protect his family can pose a decent threat to the ordinary passer-by or neighbor. The dog should clearly know the team and understand that only after the owner has spoken the key word, he can attack the intruder or protect the owner if he was attacked by stray dogs. Staffordshire Terrier is ready to fight with the whole pack and, most likely, will win.

The fact is that this breed is extremely attached to the family and sometimes confuses the real threat with a simple tap on the shoulder or a friendly game. In order not to be in the mighty jaws of the dog, it is better to keep some distance if you first came to visit a family in which the Staffordshire Terrier recently appeared. The description of the breed does not say that the dog is uncontrollable, yet it is better to let her get used to your presence. After a while, amstaff will start 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 it's worth patience. A four-legged friend should not only like it externally, but also meet the characteristics declared by the breeder.

When buying a small amstaff, you must clearly define for yourself what exactly you need a Staffordshire Terrier. Puppies will cost more if the list of your requirements is greater. If you decide to have a champion in the house, then carefully read the international standards and characteristics that a future winner must have. To further participate in exhibitions, it is best to take a puppy from the nursery and make sure of its pedigree. In addition, a professional breeder will help you determine the choice and tell you what to do next, when the house will be Staffordshire Terrier. Description of the breed and the pedigree, which he will provide you, will make a better choice.

If you decide to start amstaff as a protector and guardian of your property, pay attention to how much the puppy is balanced. Aggressive from birth dogs after additional training aimed at tough behavior, can become uncontrollable in the future and hurt even the master. If you need a bodyguard, buy a puppy at the age of 2 months with a calm character.

Taking a more mature dog, trained and trained, is not the best idea. Like any animal, amstaff has a special affection for the one who raised it and brought it up. In addition, during training, the dog could develop certain habits and 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 beginning dog dog, no doubt, is worth taking a girl. This is because the terrier-girls are better suited for 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, can decide that he is the master of the house, and you will have to prove to him the opposite. Amstaff-girls quickly become attached to the owner and always want to serve him. The only drawback of this choice is potential pregnancy. Taking out a darling for a walk, you need to watch her very carefully, since during her estrus she will be surrounded by rather persistent admirers.

Amstaff-boys are much more aggressive, but also more independent. Although the training still have to spend a lot more time and patience. In addition, dogs are constantly marking their territory both on the street and at home, so another list should be added to the training list.

How to train and educate an American Staffordshire Terrier

The way a dog behaves in adult life, directly depends on the zeal and patience of the owner. It is extremely important to begin to train and discipline the puppy even before he turns 1 year old. At the age of 1.5 to 6 months amstaffs are best trained.

A feature of training Staffordshire terrier is its socialization, because by its nature the dog is quite aggressive towards the relatives and the person. From the first months, begin to accustom the puppy to the fact that it is surrounded by people who do not wish to harm him.

After the baby has been made all the necessary vaccinations, and he has a good quarantine, he can start to take to the street and quietly introduce other dogs on the site. If the puppy began to show at least minimal aggression, immediately show him that it is wrong, this pattern of behavior is unacceptable. Of course, when a small amstaff stands before you and tries to growl, this is a rather amusing sight, but you should not give in to emotions, since in a few years it will be a decent dog, and it will not be fun.

It is extremely important to monitor how the Staffordshire Terrier behaves in training. The photos posted on the cynological sites will help you decide on the outfit, etc. If you can not train yourself a powerful defender, it's best to turn to a professional trainer. Having visited the training course, you will learn all the nuances of working with fighting dogs and in the future you can work with the pet yourself and fully appreciate the breed "Staffordshire Terrier". Reviews of the owners of such dogs abound with positive emotions and praise of their pets.

Strength training is extremely important for proper education and training of dogs. In specialized stores you can buy weights and other accessories for physical exercises that the Staffordshire Terrier likes to do. A description of everything you need can be learned from a specialist.

What qualities does amstaff appreciate in a person?

For this breed of dogs is characteristic leadership in the pack. In our case, the pack is a family, and amstaff is absolutely sure that he is its leader. Show the dog that it is not him, namely you are the master and the master. To do this, it is important to explain to the puppy in the house that sleeping on the bed, going out, etc. It can only with your permission. Thus, the hierarchy will be restored, you will be able to control the animal in any situation and be for him an authority and a leader.

Amstaffs appreciate a solid character, for them hardness and constancy is the highest manifestation of strength. Do not lisp with the terrier, he will not understand this, it's better to speak seriously and treat him like a reasonable person, and not as a sweet baby.

How to Care for a Staffordshire Terrier

The coat of the American Terrier is short, so it does not require special care. It is enough to comb the dog periodically with a stiff brush. Amstaff likes to swim, so you can pamper your pet with water procedures. After that, wipe the dog's coat with automotive chamois, and then it will shine. Before you bathe the terrier, be sure to inspect the skin for cuts or small wounds, if any, it is better to put off the wash. In the event that a bad smell comes from the dog after the bath, contact the veterinarian, most likely the animal is sick or suffers from a chronic infection.

Walking with a Staffordshire terrier is recommended as often as possible, it will help him get used to the environment and feel better. Always keep the dog on a leash and muzzle during walks. A sudden meeting with a homeless dog or a drunk person can lead to the loss of a passerby or the Staffordshire terrier himself. The description of the breed contains a number of such warnings.

Diseases of Stafford

Due to good heredity and boundless health amstaffs practically do not get 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 exposed , the owners' reviews contain the following complaints about:

• Cancer.
• Deafness.
• The twist 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, it is necessary to put the necessary vaccinations for the puppy at the age of about 2 months. Before vaccination it is necessary to prevent the worms, and after the procedure to protect the animal for several weeks from stress and communication with other dogs.

The lifespan of American terriers is 12-14 years.

Meals Staffordshire Terrier

Amstaffs are completely unpretentious in food and care, but they also have their preferences. Dogs are very fond of giblets, but they must be carefully boiled, pre-cut into small pieces. You can also feed your pet:

• The liver.
• Lamb.
• Beef.
• Chicken heads and neck.

In order for the dog to be in shape, be sure to give it to the boiled fish, but only after taking out the bones or carefully extinguished, so that they become softer.

Puppy will be useful to give dairy products containing calcium. You can prepare the mixture, for this per liter of milk, add 2 tablespoons of calcium chloride, then boil the milk and collect it into the cheesecloth, letting drain the liquid.

Croup will suit:

• Oatmeal.
• Corn grits.
• Buckwheat.
• Wheat groats.

A bowl should be washed after each feeding so that no harmful germs germinate in it. For feeding, it is worth to buy a special stand, which you will expose higher as the animal grows, so that he does not have to bend down.

Can I give the dog bones

Bones can be given to the puppy when the teeth begin to be cut. It's better if it's sugar beets or vertebrates. But feeding a puppy or an adult dog with bones is often not worth it, it can lead to constipation. In pet stores you will find appetizing bones that will suit your pet's taste. After reaching the amstaff of the adult age, it is not recommended to feed the bones, as they damage the enamel of the teeth.

Than you can not feed amstaff

In no case do not give the dog:

• Salty.
• Sweet.
• Moldy food.
• Smoked meat.
• Fatty foods.
• Sausage, sausages, etc.
• Condiments.

Many owners feed the animal with the leftovers from the table, this should not be done, since the dog's organism can not cope with harmful food saturated with fats and other harmful substances.

Finally

Loyal to the owner until the last days of life, the Staffordshire Terrier, whose photo stands at home next to the photos of the family, always tries to please his relatives and tries to deserve praise. However, and the owners love their pets as full members of the family.