| Dog enthusiasts consider the American Staffordshire | | | | watchdog and will protect its owners and property at |
| Terrier, otherwise known as the Pit Bull, to have | | | | all costs. |
| come from the exact same lines as the Staffordshire | | | | Pit Bull dogs are generally very friendly towards |
| Terrier. The original crossing of breeds sprung from | | | | strangers so long as the owners are present. |
| the mix of an older type of Bulldog with some other | | | | However, they can be a bit tenacious and stubborn |
| older types of Terrier. The result was a dog which is | | | | when mixed with other dogs. |
| currently known as the Bull Terrier. | | | | Taking Care Of Your Pit Bull |
| These dogs became popular for individuals who | | | | American Staffordshire Terrier dogs will need plenty |
| enjoyed the practice of dog fighting. Dogfighting was | | | | of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and vigorous |
| an extremely popular sport despite the fact that it | | | | running games are perfect examples. Although this |
| was declared illegal. The United States started to see | | | | dog can live outdoors if necessary, it is much more |
| many Staffordshire Terriers around the late 1800s | | | | comfortable when staying inside the house with its |
| when they were brought over for dogfighting | | | | family. Taking care of the coat is fairly easy for |
| entertainment. It was at this time that they became | | | | upkeep; just a view quick strokes of the brush on a |
| known as the American Bull Terrier. | | | | weekly basis is all that is necessary. |
| Americans then wanted to create a larger, more | | | | Health Information |
| aggressive version of this dog, so the mix of the | | | | The American Staffordshire Terrier as an average |
| English version and the American version were | | | | lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Major health concerns |
| combined, creating a new breed of dog that was | | | | include CHD, PRA, and cerebellar ataxia. Minor issues |
| recognized by the AKC in 1936. The official breed | | | | are elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and heart |
| name was American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit Bull). | | | | disease. |
| The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very | | | | You might occasionally see allergies and cruciate |
| aggressive temperament when feeling defensive, | | | | ligament rupture. Veterinarians suggest that you have |
| especially in response to protecting its family. | | | | your American Staffordshire Terrier checked for hip |
| Needless to say, these pets make an excellent | | | | and elbow problems, eye issues, thyroid, and cardiac. |