Amstaff - devoted and outgoing, but only in good hands!
Amstaff - devoted and outgoing, or dangerous and aggressive? What is the true face of this breed of dogs?
Amstaff - devoted and outgoing, but only in good hands!
Amstaff - breed description
The Amstaff, American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog with a well-proportioned, athletic figure. He is characterized by a very muscular body structure. Strong muscles mean that despite their small height, the weight of dogs of this breed reaches up to 36 kg. The silhouette of the Amstaff is majestic. It has a wide, long chest, a short back with a sloping croup and a low set tail. The legs are relatively short, strong, clearly muscled. Set on a massive neck, the head has a well-defined jaw, black eyes, set wide apart. U Amstaffs require a black nose truffle, other colors or discolorations disqualify the dog. The Amstaff's coat is short and stiff. His color varies - one-color, multi-colored, spotted with white or dark spots, and even brindle.
Amstaff and his character
The character of an amstaff is a combination of genes and nurture. The puppy shows great determination, curiosity, courage and intelligence, which is why he learns very quickly. The key to success in his upbringing is consistency, gentleness and patience. Since dogs of this breed are sensitive and react impulsively, they should not be subjected to physical punishment, and avoid teasing and shouting.
Suggested sizes and widths of accessories for this breed of dog:
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
Dogs of this breed need a lot of attention from their handler, combined with a daily dose of exercise, play and outdoor activities. Amstaff doesn't like being locked up alone for a long time. He is very sociable, he becomes very attached to his family. He is extremely energetic and if this dose of energy is not directed in the right direction, he will certainly find himself some destructive occupation. Considering that this breed comes from the group of fighting dogs and has a relatively low tolerance threshold, it is not recommended to leave the dog alone with the child, although much depends on the upbringing of the four-legged dog. Due to its strong jaws and its weight, it is also not a suitable companion for smaller dogs, it can simply be a danger for them.
Skills and upbringing
Amstaff (i.e. american staffordshire terrier) is a tough, strong and extremely physically fit dog. If it is not skilfully run, it can pull strongly leash. Properly trained, he becomes a real athlete and is perfect for such areas as weight pulling or high jump. Besides, dogs of this breed are clever and very agile. Because they easily learn new commands and remember them permanently, it is worth spending time on training them from an early age. Then we will avoid problems with hyperactivity during walks and expressive behavior at home. They can easily retrieve, jump over obstacles, swim and run with a bike. However, you should remember to start intensive training only at the beginning of the second year of your pet's life. It is inadvisable to train dogs of this breed in terms of defense, as it may result in unpredictable, aggressive behavior.
Because, as we have already mentioned, amstaff is very intelligent and clever, he can ruthlessly exploit any weaknesses of the owner. Therefore, the guardian should have dominant traits and never show fear of him. The key elements in the arrangement of the Amstaff are self-confidence, consistency, firmness and stubbornness. For puppies, training in canine kindergarten, which will allow for the socialization of the dog and help the caregivers understand the behavior pattern of the quadruped.
Taking care of the amstaff
Dogs of this breed are usually in good health. Allergic skin problems can be dealt with without major problems with a proper diet. Due to high physical activity, sensitive joints and tendency to hip dysplasia, it is recommended, especially during development, to include preparations to protect the articular cartilage. It's a good idea to prophylactically take supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. When feeding Amstaff, it is worth putting on a balanced diet and investing in high-quality food that will provide him with the necessary nutrients and the right amount of calories.
Amstaff does not require time-consuming care treatments. Its short hair should be brushed once a week, preferably with a stiff bristle brush. Since his skin is covered with a layer of sebum, which provides thermal insulation in hot weather and freezing weather, frequent baths should be avoided. Once a month you should clean your dog's ears, teeth and eyes, and trim claws several times a year. You must approach all care treatments decisively and firmly, because your pet will certainly avoid this type of activity.
Amstaff is not a dog for everyone
Above all, it is a good companion for a very active, balanced, consistent, responsible and sensitive person. Amstaff it will be a great companion when cycling or jogging. His upbringing should be thoughtful and responsible. It requires a combination of firmness and gentleness and reassurance to the dog sense of security and stability.
