Sunday, August 9, 2009

American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie): Show Dog and Guard Dog In One

By Troy Richardson

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog that came from the lines of bull fighting dogs in the early 18th century. The Bullterrier was developed in the region of Staffordshire, England by crossing the Bulldog and some terriers. The result was the muscular, active, and aggressive Staffordshire Terrier.

The Staffordshire Terrier became one of the best fighter in the violent sport of bull and bear baiting in England during the middle of 18th century. But when an act was approved prohibiting this atrocious sport, many fanciers shipped their Staffordshire Terrier to United States. There, the Staffordshire Terrier was developed to become family friendly and the results were the two strains of dogs which are the American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie) and the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).

In the US, the Staffordshire Terrier was designed to have a broader and more powerful head and heavier weight. The resulting American Staffordshire Terrier (Staffie) was labeled as the show dog and the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) was labeled as the fighting dog. Today, these two dogs are considered as two different breeds by the American Kennel Club.

Since coming from the same parent breed, the Staffie and the APBT almost share the same qualities and both are favorites among serious dog fanciers in the US and around the world. These two breeds are often tasked as guard dogs, watchdogs, police dogs and even baggage freighters. Their British relative, the Staffordshire Terrier, is relatively smaller and lighter compared to them.

The Staffie is a chirpy, fun loving, stable and confident breed. It is loving and gentle towards the family that owns it. Moreover, it is also very loyal and kind.

As a companion, the Staffie is biddable, eager to please and protective of the master. It is also highly intelligent and fearless that it won't back down from any intruders who threaten the safety of the master or his property. The Staffie can come in good terms with other animals and humans so long as it is socialized at an early age.

When it comes to physical appearance, the Staffie is stocky, muscular, and powerful. Its head is broad and strong, muzzle short and jaws strong. The weight of this breed is from 57 to 67 pounds and the height is 16 to 19 inches.

The coat of the Staffie is short, dense and smooth. The coat colors can be any combination of white and any other colors as long as white is dominant by 80%. Additionally, this dog needs daily exercise in order to remain healthy mentally and physically.

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