About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71.0-79.0 cm

Height range  : 43.0-48.0cm

Weight range : 18.0-32.0kg

Coat : short|sleek|flat|single-layer

Life expectancy years : 12-13

Colors: any color|solid|parti|patched|brindle|blue|brown|liver|black|white.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Staffordshire Bull Terrier|American Bulldog|Bull Terrier|Boxer

 

History

The breed traces back to 18th-century England and dogs associated with bulldog and terrier bloodlines. In the late 1800s they were brought to America where a slightly larger version was preferred for farm work and companionship. The breed was registered by the AKC in 1936 as the Staffordshire Terrier and renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

courageous|trustworthy|tolerant|protective|eager to please|sometimes reserved with strangers

Personality

smart|confident|good-natured|loyal|affectionate|playful|gentle

Needs

vigorous daily exercise|mental stimulation|early socialization|structured training|family inclusion

Social Needs

high social needs with family|should be supervised with children|interaction with other dogs should be closely monitored

Grooming 

short coat with simple care|brush every few weeks|bathe about every 4 to 6 weeks|moderate shedding|watch for skin sensitivity|clean ears during bath time if buildup is present

Nutrition

high-quality age-appropriate dog food|commercial or home-prepared with veterinary supervision|watch calories and weight|treats in moderation|AAFCO-aligned diet is a good starting point|fresh water always available

 

Breed Standard

muscular compact build|broad head with powerful jaws|short sleek coat|natural rose ears preferred|heavy for size|terrier class

Did you know?

A famous AmStaff-type icon was Pete the Pup , Petey , from Our Gang and The Little Rascals era.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease, Periodontal Disease, Cataracts

 

Symptoms

1. lameness
2. reluctance to rise or jump
3. shifting weight to forelimbs
4. loss of rear limb muscle mass
5. hip pain

1. weight gain without increased appetite
2. lethargy
3. cold intolerance
4. dry dull thinning coat
5. skin and ear infections

1. difficulty rising or sitting
2. trouble jumping
3. hind limb lameness
4. popping or clicking noise
5. stiffness and pain

1. halitosis
2. excessive salivation
3. blood in saliva
4. pain on mastication or difficulty eating
5. loose teeth

1. cloudy or opaque lens
2. reduced vision
3. night vision difficulty may occur
4. blindness may develop in advanced cases
5. lens-induced uveitis or glaucoma may occur in hypermature cases

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may begin in younger dogs with laxity
2. PetMD diagnosis is often made around 1 to 2 years old

Probability Of Onset:

1. the breed may have moderate risk because it is a large muscular breed and orthopedic disease is noted in breed care texts

Hypothyroidism

1. it generally affects middle-aged dogs
2. signs may appear around 4 to 10 years and average affected age is about 6 to 7 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. the breed may have moderate risk because PetMD lists it as a breed concern and the disease is common in dogs

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

1. onset may be gradual because degeneration usually develops over time
2. partial tears may progress to full tears

Probability Of Onset:

1. Staffordshire Terrier is among breeds with higher incidence
2. excessive body weight and poor body condition may increase risk

Periodontal Disease

1. disease commonly warrants intervention in dogs over 3 years
2. gingivitis may progress over years to periodontitis

Probability Of Onset:

1. high likelihood in dogs generally because it is one of the most common diseases in small animal practice

Cataracts

1. onset may occur at any age
2. hereditary cataracts may begin early while age-related cases may appear later and diabetic cataracts may progress quickly

Probability Of Onset:

1. the breed-specific probability is not stated and may be variable depending on inheritance and other causes

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the condition is hereditary and conformational
2. cartilage support molecules such as glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate may be inadequately produced in diseased joints

 

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease:

1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is mainly degenerative and mechanical

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the condition is hereditary and conformational
2. cartilage support molecules such as glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate may be inadequately produced in diseased joints

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease:

1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is mainly degenerative and mechanical

 

Hypothyroidism

 1. thyroid hormone is lacking and metabolic state is reduced

Periodontal Disease

1. no single chemical lack is identified because plaque biofilm and oral bacteria are primary factors

Cataracts

  1. 1. no single chemical lack is identified because cataracts are usually inherited , age related , traumatic or linked to diseases such as diabetes

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. weight control and controlled exercise may be used first
    2. NSAIDs may help discomfort
    3. surgery may include JPS , DPO-TPO , THR or FHO depending on age and severity

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. diagnosis may use TT4 and free T4 by ED
    2. lifelong oral levothyroxine may be used with periodic monitoring
    3. overdosing is not recommended because hyperthyroid signs may occur

 

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

  1. 1. surgical treatment may be the best option for permanent control of knee instability
    2. procedures may include TPLO , TTA , CBLO , extracapsular stabilization or Tightrope
    3. non-surgical care may include leash-based activity restriction , anti-inflammatories , rehabilitation and bracing
    4. unrestricted activity is not recommended during recovery

 

Periodontal Disease:

  1. 1. treatment may involve oral examination , scale and polish , root surface debridement and extraction of severe teeth
    2. daily tooth brushing , diet support and oral care chews may help home care

 

Cataracts:

  1. 1. ophthalmic exam may confirm diagnosis
    2. surgical removal by a veterinary ophthalmologist may restore vision in suitable cases
    3. topical drops alone may not delay progression in most cases
    4. untreated mature or hypermature cataracts may need anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent glaucoma. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. glucosamine can,might be helpful for joint support
    2. chondroitin can,might be helpful for joint support
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. no supplement is specifically recommended in the provided text because treatment may rely on thyroid replacement hormone
recommend product

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

  • 1. joint supplements can,might be helpful as part of non-surgical management
    2. platelet-rich plasma or autologous conditioned plasma might be used to support healing response
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint comfort by inference from general joint support guidance
recommend product

Periodontal Disease

  • 1. oral care chews can,might be helpful for dental home care
recommend product

Cataracts

  • 1. topical aldose reductase inhibitors might be helpful for diabetic cataracts when specifically indicated
recommend product