What"s the
difference between an * American * Staffordshire Terrier and a
Staffordshire Bull Terrier, **English** Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
?
Some eight or nine
varieties of dogs come within the general classification of Bull Breeds.
Although all lay cliam to the Bulldog as a common ancestor, there are
physical differences that make each distinct from the other:
No.1 Size -
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a much larger, leggier dog - often
twice the size of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier! The Bull Terrier standard
does not include size restritions and dogs from 35 to 40 100 pounds have
been seen. However, the breed generally weighs in between 40 and 55 pounds,making
it larger then the Stafford. Pit Bull Terriers also range widely in size;
the early breeders preferred a smaller dog the size of a Stafford and
today the Amirecan pit Bull Terriers which are registered and exhibited
seem to run on the smaller side. Others, dually registered as American
Staffordshire Terriers with the AKC **Pit Bull with UKC**are larger.
No.2 Ears The
American Staffordshire Terrier is exhibited in the United States with
cropped ears, as are some Pit Bull Terriers. The ears of the Bull Terrier
arenaturally erect and supposed to be thin and erect. Erect * or prick *
ears are a serious fault in the Staffords, whose ears should be *rose*
like those of an English Bulldog or Half-pricked.
No.3 Head - The heads of American
Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are similar,
although the cheek muscles on most Staffords seem to be more pronounced, and
the head deeper through. The head of the Bull Terrier is entirely different.When
viewed in profile, it resembles an egg turned on its side and is much longer
than that of the Stafford. The cheeks of a Bull Terrier are not pronounced
How are Staffordshire Bull Terriers with
children's
In Holland and Engeland,the Stafford is
know by the affectionate nickname, **The Children's Nursemaid** or the **Nanny
Dog** Their tolerance of,and affection for,children is well know.That doesn't
mean, however,that it's a wise idea of put the puppy and child together
without supervision. Children should learn to respect the dog and neither
should indulge in play that is too rough.Some Staffords-even the males - have
a ** nothering instinct ** and will stick right by the little ones, whether
they are puppies or kids. A Stafford,**Tough** and not as quick to react to
pain or discomfort, is likely to make allowance for attentions of toddler,
finding a refuge only when things become too overwhelming.
Can I keep a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
in an Apartment ?
How much exercise will she require ?
Staffords can make a home with you
anywhere; they are happy as long as they are with you. They are an athletic
dog, however, and need more exercise than most dogs. Bursting with energy,
they need vigrous exercise every day ! A long, brisk walk on leash (or
harness a useful alternative for some) will give you both a workout.Staffords
love the heady freedom a being allowed offlead for a run, hike or romp and
it's delightful to watch them.Of course, it's a good idea to make sure that
they'll come back when you call them, first.
Are Staffords a noisy breed ?
Staffords, in general, are not noisy
dogs.They
nay bark or *talk* while playing, or to alert you of a visitor. However, they
are *quick studies* and if you have another dog in residence and THAT dog is a
barker, your Stafford will probably pick it up.
Can I keep a
Staffordshire bull Terrier with another dog or a cat
?
Staffords, like
members of any other breed, are individuals.While some may live peacefully
with other animals, some will not. Puppies brought up with cats and other
dogs generally do well. If bringing an older Staffordshire Bull Terrier
into your home, first introduce the dog away from the house in a neutral
area. It should be easier to bring a Stafford into your home than bringing
a strange dog into the home of a Stafford. Encounters should be supervised
and the dogs observed to determine how a heirarchy develops
Should I consider a
male or a female ?
Both will offer much
love and affection. Females tend to be better watchdogs; males tend to be
larger.No matter which sex you select, spay or neuter if you have decided
not to breed or exhibit your Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
What sorts of toys are
safe to give my Stafford ?
There are no such
things as indestructible dog toys for Bull and Terrier breeds. But some
have tried these: Bowling balls or big Nylabones. Anything else might be
chewed up, swallowed or destroyed in short order.
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