American Staffordshire Terrier
Breed Profile
Group: Terrier
Origin: United States
Colour: Any hound colour
Lifespan: 12 years
American Staffordshire Terriers loyal, obedient, feisty, tenacious, independent and affectionate dog.
Owner's Guide
Taller and heavier than its English ancestor, American Staffordshire Terriers are feisty and tenacious. Easily aroused, they have tremendous jaw strength and continued socialisation is needed to ensure they remain well behaved with other dogs.
Originally bred for bull-baiting and dog-fighting.
Special characteristics
This terrier has tremendous jaw strength and the ability to hold on when biting, and is easily aroused.
Exercise requirements
High. Very active, and enjoys exercise.
Attitude to
Owners: affectionate, loving
Children: good if raised with them, hard play bite when young
Other pets: may kill small pets, may injure cats unless raised with them
Strangers: usually friendly
Unfamiliar dogs: tendency to be aggressive. Adequate early socialization needed
Perfect owner
Experienced, strong-willed active owner who has time and knowledge to teach this dog to be nice to other dogs when it is a puppy, and who can provide a great deal of affection, exercise and play when older.
Potential problems
A tendency to be aggressive to other dogs.
This dog's ears were cropped to make them stand upright, but this is illegal in some countries.
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