Amstaff Dog: Breed, Nutrition, and Care
The American Staffordshire Terrier is often described as a powerful and strong-willed dog, yet ideal for families due to its extremely devoted character. In this article, you can discover more information about one of the most controversial dog breeds.
- Amstaff Dog - Breed History
- American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Appearance
- Health
- Care
- Amstaff Temperament
- Frequently Asked Questions
Amstaff Dog - Breed History
The Amstaff is a breed of British origin resulting from crosses between bulldogs and terriers. The breed has had numerous names, including pitbull Amstaff and Amstaff terrier.
Originally, the breed was used by butchers. The dogs helped manage cattle during wild boar hunts, due to their innate ability to hunt rats and their extremely affectionate temperament towards family.
Later, the tenacious character of these dogs led them to be involved in dog fights; the Amstaff breed is still involved in illegal fights today, due to its muscular body and powerful bite.
American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Appearance
The Amstaff dog is described as a very muscular dog for its size. The differences in size between males and females are not very obvious, with specimens ranging from 40 to 48 cm in height and weighing between 18 and 28 kg. Despite not being very large, they are very powerful, which is why basic leash training should be initiated early.
Standards do not mention the existence of a small Amstaff or an XXL Amstaff, just as there is no medium-sized Amstaff. Anyone selling an Amstaff described as such should be considered suspect and likely not part of the list of registered breeders.
The head of an American Amstaff is strong, with a short muzzle and oversized jaws. The coat is short and can have extremely varied colors, but the American Kennel Club considers it a defect if more than 80% of the body surface is white. Therefore, a white Amstaff does not meet the standard. Very popular is the brindle Amstaff or brown Amstaff variety, although breeders claim to have numerous requests for blue Amstaff puppies as well. It is worth noting that a tricolor Amstaff can be considered compliant with the breed standard if it also meets the other criteria mentioned therein.
Health
The Amstaff is considered a healthy and resilient dog and generally does not pose problems for attentive owners.
When to take an Amstaff dog to the vet?
The first visit an Amstaff dog should make to the vet is at 4 - 5 weeks of age, when it will be dewormed and prepared for the administration of the first vaccine, at 6 weeks of age.
Any new owner considering an Amstaff puppy for sale is encouraged to take it to a vet visit before purchase. Once the mandatory vaccination schedule for the first year of life is completed, the Amstaff should be presented to the vet annually, like any other dog, or whenever the owner notices changes in its behavior or appearance suggestive of a health problem.
Amstaff diseases - what predispositions does an American Amstaff have?
Although we said that the breed is generally healthy, there are a number of Amstaff diseases that veterinarians encounter more frequently in their clinics.
On the list of Amstaff breeding tips, one of the top positions is occupied by the recommendation to pay special attention to diet and the choice of hypoallergenic diets, given their predisposition to allergies and autoimmune diseases. Also, statistically speaking, the American Staffordshire Terrier dog seems to develop urinary tract infections more frequently than other breeds.
As they age, the well-represented muscle mass of these dogs puts pressure on their joints. Therefore, the Amstaff, as a breed, is considered predisposed to osteoarthritis and spondylosis.
Care
Amstaff Vitamins
Normally, in adulthood, Amstaff food covers the necessary nutrients if the owner opts for a good quality industrial diet. Homemade Amstaff food can be of good quality, depending on how carefully you manage to balance the ingredients.
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During certain periods (puppyhood, gestation, lactation, senior years), your veterinarian may deem it appropriate to recommend vitamins for your Amstaff. Do not use supplements without consulting your vet first, as a pregnant female Amstaff has completely different needs than a senior dog.
The Importance of Physical Exercise for Amstaffs
For as long as an Amstaff or an Amstaff mix lives, it remains an active, energetic, intelligent, curious dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation and sustained physical exercise to lead a happy life. For Amstaffs, great muscular strength and a powerful bite are characteristic, and a dog of this breed left alone to get bored can become extremely destructive.
Specialists advise all future owners that before looking for an Amstaff dog for sale, they should carefully consider how much time they can dedicate to it and if they themselves are adherents of an active lifestyle.
Amstaff Temperament
Frequently Asked Questions
Amstaff, a perfect dog for the family?
Yes, despite its bad reputation, the Amstaff dog is considered a perfect family dog. The bond between the Amstaff dog and children is famous, with these specimens showing extraordinary patience. With a high pain tolerance, the Amstaff tolerates children's curious fingers better than other breeds. However, it is always recommended that interaction be permanently supervised by an adult who can stop the child from becoming too annoying.
Any Amstaff dog is extremely protective of its family, especially children, which is why it's good to supervise them closely if you have junior guests: in a conflict between two children, there is a high probability that the Amstaff will take the side of "its" child.
How often should I wash my Amstaff?
The Amstaff dog is a short-haired dog that does not emit a very strong odor. According to specialists, 3-4 baths per year are sufficient. On the other hand, after a day of fun in the mud in the forest, a well-deserved bath won't hurt. It is important not to overdo it with shampoo - the breed's sensitive skin immediately develops irritations and allergies.
Legislation regarding Amstaffs
The Amstaff is classified in the second group of dangerous dogs, which means that in public spaces, it must be taken out with a leash and muzzle. Also, it is forbidden for an Amstaff to be owned by a minor or a person with a criminal record for assault; daily walks must be performed by an adult.
At what age does an Amstaff become aggressive?
There is a myth that certain dog breeds "go crazy" after a certain age, and their aggression gets out of control. An Amstaff's aggression depends solely on how it was raised, educated, and socialized. Dominance tendencies in males become noticeable after the age of 18 months, generally, just as with any other canine specimen, and they are controlled through education and training.
The Amstaff is one of the dog breeds with a tumultuous history and one of the breeds that have been most disadvantaged in terms of image. If you are planning to acquire a specimen of this breed, contact the Amstaff Club Romania and the Cynological Association for recommendations of serious and reliable breeders, and seek advice from a professional trainer. The veterinarian is one of the best partners in this whole process!
See also other dog breeds
Photo source: Shutterstock
Bibliography
- “American Staffordshire Terrier | Temperament, Weight, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/animal/American-Staffordshire-terrier.
- “American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Information & Pictures.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier#/slide/1.
- “American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Facts | Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier?lightboxfired=true. Accessed 8 May 2023.
- “American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/#:~:text=AmStaffs%20are%20stocky%2C%20muscular%20bull. Accessed 8 May 2023.
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