The American Staffordshire Terrier is a massive, compact dog. Its average height at the withers is 46 to 48 cm in males and 43 to 46 cm in females. On its large skull, the ears are short, pink or semi-erect. His coat is short, tight, hard to the touch, and shiny. Her dress can be single-colored, multi-colored or variegated and all colors are permitted. His shoulders and four limbs are strong and well muscled. Its tail is short.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is classified by the Fédération Cynologiques Internationale as a bull type terrier. (1)

Bull-and-Terrier dog or even, half-and-half dog (Half-Half in English), the ancient names of the American Staffordshire Terrier, reflect its mixed origins. In the XNUMXth century Bulldog dogs were specially developed for bullfighting and did not look like today’s. Photos from the time show rather tall and slender dogs, trained on their front legs and sometimes even with a long tail. It would seem that some breeders then wanted to combine the courage and tenacity of these Bulldogs with the wit and agility of terrier dogs. It is the crossing of these two breeds that will give the Staffordshire Terrier.

In the 1870s, the breed would then be introduced to the United States where breeders would develop a heavier type of dog than its English counterpart. This difference will be officially recognized on January 1, 1972. Since then, the American Staffordshire Terrier has been a separate breed from the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier. (2)

The American Staffordshire Terrier enjoys human company and reveals its full potential when it is well integrated into the family environment or when used as a working dog. However, regular exercise and training is necessary. They are naturally stubborn and training sessions can quickly become difficult if the program is not entertaining and fun for the dog. Educating a “staff” therefore requires firmness, while knowing how to remain gentle and patient.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a robust and healthy dog.

However, as with other purebred dogs, he can be susceptible to hereditary diseases. The most serious is cerebellar abiotrophy. This breed of dog is also susceptible to developing hip dysplasia and skin diseases, such as demodicosis or solar dermatitis of the trunk. (3-4)

Cerebellar abiotrophy

American Satffordshire Terrier cerebellar abiotrophy, or cereal ataxia, is degeneration of the cerebellar cortex and areas of the brain called the olivary nuclei. The disease is mainly due to the accumulation of a substance called ceroid-lipofuscin in neurons.

The first symptoms usually appear around 18 months, but their onset is very variable and can last up to 9 years. The main signs are therefore ataxia, that is to say a lack of coordination of voluntary movements. There may also be balance disorders, falls, dysmetry of movements, difficulty in gripping food, ect. The behavior of the animal is not changed.

Age, race and clinical signs guide the diagnosis, but it is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can visualize and confirm the decrease in the cerebellum.

This disease is irreversible and there is no cure. The animal is generally euthanized shortly after the first manifestations. (3-4)

Coxofemoral dysplasia

Coxofemoral dysplasia is an inherited disease of the hip joint. The malformed joint is loose, and the dog’s paw bone moves abnormally inside causing painful wear, tears, inflammation, and osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and assessment of the stage of dysplasia is mainly done by x-ray.

The progressive development with age of the disease complicates its detection and management. The first-line treatment is often anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to help with osteoarthritis. Surgical interventions, or even the fitting of a hip prosthesis can be considered in the most serious cases. A good medication management can be enough to improve the comfort of life of the dog. (3-4)

Demodicosis

Demodicosis is a parasitosis caused by the presence of a large number of mites of the genus Demodex in the skin, especially in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The most common is Demodex canis. These arachnids are naturally present in dogs, but it is their abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication in predisposed species that triggers hair loss (alopecia) and possibly erythema and scaling. Itching and secondary bacterial infections can also occur.

The diagnosis is made by the detection of mites in the alopecic areas. The skin analysis is done either by scraping the skin or by a biopsy.

The treatment is done simply by the application of anti-mite products and possibly by the administration of antibiotics in case of secondary infections. (3-4)

Solar trunk dermatitis

Solar trunk dermatitis is a skin disease caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It mainly occurs in white-haired breeds.

After exposure to UV, the skin on the abdomen and the trunk takes on the appearance of sunburn. It is red and peeling. With increased exposure to the sun, lesions can spread into plaques, or even become crusty or ulcerated.

The best treatment is to limit sun exposure and UV cream can be used for going out. Treatments with vitamin A and anti-inflammatory drugs like acitretin can also help reduce the damage.

In affected dogs, the risk of developing skin cancer is increased. (5)

The American Staffordshire Terrier is particularly fond of chewing on various objects and digging in the ground. It can be interesting to anticipate his compulsive chewing by buying him toys. And for the urge to dig, having a garden that you do not care too much is the best option.