| the Boston Terrier in particular. Many people decide | | | | Step 5 Realize that this dog is active indoors and will |
| that they want a dog based off of appearance alone. | | | | do well living in an apartment. It does, however, need |
| While this may not be a terrible thing to do if the | | | | daily exercise outdoors. |
| person has the ability to accommodate all types of | | | | Step 6 Look at the American Staffordshire terrier's |
| dogs, for some individuals the care for specific types | | | | features when choosing yours. The dog will have a |
| of dog breeds is not possible. The best way to avoid | | | | wide head with powerful jaws and round black eyes. |
| any surprises after the adopting or purchase of a | | | | The body is strong and muscular, with a short, thick |
| dog is to understand the breed and what it takes to | | | | coat that has a sheen to it. This breed comes in all |
| care for it. We will go over some of the basic | | | | colors. |
| characteristics of the Boston Terrier to help you get | | | | Step 7 Take into consideration that the American |
| a better understanding of the Boston Terrier as a | | | | Staffordshire terrier is prone to certain health |
| breed and possibly a new addition to your family. | | | | conditions such as hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and |
| Step 1 Choose an American Staffordshire terrier if | | | | socket in the hip joint) and cataracts (cloudy eye |
| you're looking for a loyal watchdog and guard dog. | | | | lens). |
| This breed is very brave and defensive of its family | | | | Step 8Check out potential breeders very carefully, |
| and home. | | | | being sure to ask if they are members of breed |
| Step 2 Think about getting an American Staffordshire | | | | clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation |
| terrier if you're looking for a sweet family dog. While | | | | with a club means you can check their references to |
| its guarding instincts are superior, if given proper | | | | make sure that they don't run a puppy mill and that |
| training, this dog is very good with people and | | | | they screen for health problems before they breed. |
| children. | | | | Step 9 Note that male American Staffordshire |
| Step 3 Know that this breed is not for everyone. It | | | | terriers will grow to 17 to 19 inches and weigh |
| requires early socialization with people and other | | | | between 57 and 67 lbs. Females will grow to 16 to 18 |
| animals to work on its aggressive and dominant | | | | inches and also weigh between 57 and 67 lbs. |
| nature. This breed is also difficult to house-train. | | | | Step 10 Be aware that you'll probably pay between |
| Step 4 Understand that if given cause, the American | | | | $300 and $1,500 for a purebred American |
| Staffordshire terrier can be very combative, | | | | Staffordshire terrier. |
| especially with other dogs, and has a very high | | | | Step 11 Expect an American Staffordshire terrier to |
| tolerance for pain. | | | | live 10 to 12 years. |