The ancestors of amstaff lived in England. At the beginning of the XIX century, a dog was brought out by crossing a bulldog and a game-terrier. In the seventies, it was brought to America, where this breed was first called the pit bull terrier. And then the decision of the American Club of Cynologists this breed was named American Staffordshire Terrier or, shortly, amstaff.
Amstaff is the breed standard
A dog of the breed American Terrier is a strong muscular animal of medium size. Males have a height at the withers of about 47 cm, and bitches - 45 cm. Amstaff is well built, elegant and very mobile.
The dog's body is wide, short and compact, with a short tail. A large head with a wide skull and a rounded muzzle. The bowl of the nose at amstaff, according to the description of the breed, should be black. Deep-set eyes are far apart. The jaws of amstaff are outstanding, and the ears are semi- or erect.
This is a dog with short legs and a broad chest. Straight short hair to the touch rough. She almost does not need care: it is quite enough to periodically clean the coat with a mitten. The breed standard provides for the most common amstaff colors - dark red, brown and black.
The disadvantage of the breed is the American Stafford Terrier white wool , light brown nose, pink eyelids, light eyes and a very long tail.
Amstaff - characteristics of the breed
Dog breed American Stafford Terrier is very bold and purposeful. The nature of amstaff combines seemingly the most opposite qualities: strength and affection, complacency and irreconcilability, sensitivity and stubbornness.
With proper education from a playful puppy Staffordshire terrier it is quite possible to grow a balanced, calm and adequate dog. However, the owner needs patience to do this. After all, by their nature amstaffs are very stubborn, and a sense of leadership in their blood. Therefore, raising a puppy, the host should exercise firmness of character and be consistent, teaching amstaff to the norms of behavior in society. And then the dog will have the best of her character qualities.
The Amstaff dog is excellent for training and often take part in competitions with success. Begin the training of dogs of this breed should be from an early age. In this case, the motivation should be exceptionally positive. Otherwise, the dog can be hardened if it is constantly coerced into something. However, it is necessary to suppress attempts of domination, which are manifested in dogs of this breed.
Amstaff is very attached to his master, sometimes even adores him. This is a clever and very faithful animal. A dog with success can be used both as a watchdog, and hunting, and can be as a companion. They are always ready for games, and especially with children. However, do not worry: the animal is always correct and will never behave rudely towards the child.
The American Terrier is an active dog that should not lie on the couch, but lead a mobile lifestyle.
Sometimes amstaff can be aggressive towards a dog of his sex and more peaceful towards animals of the opposite sex. The dog gets along well with other domestic pets only if they have grown together.
Some consider amstaff dogs dangerous. However, aggressiveness in their behavior can arise as a result of improper upbringing and ill-treatment.