American Staffordshire Terrier

THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER MAKE GREAT FAMILY PETS

 

The American Staffordshire Terrier also goes by the name, Pit Bull. In the United States the American Staffordshire Terrier has gotten a bum rap! Throughout my career, I have worked on thousands of American Staffordshire Terriers. They are some of the most affectionate dogs known. They make fantastic family pets and they love children.  The American Staffordshire Terrier weighs about 40 pounds and does not require a huge tract of land for exercise.  It is very adaptable to city, suburban or country living. The only restrictions are those imposed by governments and insurance companies allowing or not allowing the breed in their municipality or included in a homeowners home liability insurance package. From my medical perch, let’s face it! If you beat ANY animal it will turn mean.

 

LOVE COMING TO ANIMAL HOSPITALS

 

A breed may have some genetic predisposition to aggressiveness but not the American Staffordshire Terrier.  I really have enjoyed working on them and the majority of them are big pussycats! I have even treated American Staffordshire Terriers that I know that are or have been used for dog fighting. How? Fighting dogs usually have generalized bite wounds over their bodies or the scars of bite wounds that self healed. The fighting dogs may have been DOG aggressive but were very gentle with me. For their medium size, American Staffordshire Terriers are solid, muscular animals and love to exercise outdoors.

 

SUSCEPTIBLE TO DEMODECTIC MANGE

 

The breed is relatively healthy. A big percentage of young Pit Bulls will be presented with demodectic mangeDemodectic mange is caused by a mite called Demodex canis; which resides in the hair follicles on the skin. It usually causes an itch and circular like hair-loss appearance around the head and forelimbs. Easily diagnosed by a skin scraping it can be treated topically or by special medicated dips. Humans naturally have Demodex mites in their eyebrows. They cause no harm. Canine demodectic mange is not contagious to humans.. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fine dog and usually makes a devoted family pet.  Learn more about the American Staffordshire Terrier at Animal Planet’s® Dog Breed Profile.