Our dogs are very important to us and for those who have never owned a dog there is a lot to consider before you make the choice to add a member of a family. In some lines of thought it can be like adding a baby to the family because dogs need care, love, exercise, and a friend. The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the many dog breeds you can choose from when considering adding a new member to the family. You will need to know the proper care, training, and the temperament of the dog breed before you add them to your family. First you will find the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a small to medium sized dog.
They reach 57 to 67 pounds, with the males being 18-19 inches in height and the females about an inch smaller. You will find they have a shorter snout than most dogs with pointed ears. The American Staffordshire has a boxer like face in the smaller snout and the jowls, all though you can definitely tell the two breeds apart.
They are usually a solid color or partial. You will find white, black, and tan are the colors they display. Their hair is coarse and short. This means that grooming, which we will discuss in more detail later, is a little easier. They are not a cuddly dog, when you contemplate their hair, but they are also not great shedders which can be nice. You should also not that the American Staffordshire Terrier is the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Pit Bulls or the Terrier are often thought of as sport dogs because they have been used in the past for fighting dogs. This makes the dog an excellent guard or watchdog for your family. You will also find despite their use in history as fighting dogs they can be very gentle and devoted to their family.
Despite the fighting mentality that has been trained in them in the past the American Staffordshire Terrier breed is actually a great dog for smaller children, all though you should not leave them unsupervised. You will also find that they are rather active and muscular. This dog breed does well for a one pet household. You should not introduce them to the family if you have other pets or dogs. Training for the dog should include high energy activities that will keep them interested. They can get bored or stubborn if they don't like the activity.
You should start training as early as possible, especially with obedience. A firm, but gentle hand is required to train this dog breed. You will also want to be consistent and form a knowledge base with you as the master or dominant part of the equation. Exercise is extremely important. You will need a backyard, and should avoid apartment living with this breed. They can be destructive when left alone for long periods of time or when they become bored.
Two hours a day spent on exercising and training will be required to keep them happy. The care for the American Staffordshire Terrier is relatively simple. The short hair does not require much grooming, just a brushing once a week.
In a warmer climate you will find they tend to shed a little more, so they will need a little more grooming. You can use a dry towel rather than a brush if you desire. You will also need to bath them perhaps once every six months or less.
It should always be done with a dry shampoo as they can develop skin irritation from too much bathing or water.
Gerry Ronsons sites include Dog Treats, Dog Leads and Dog.
