American Staffordshire Terrier. Joseph Janish

Cropped ear.

      Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high. Ears—Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes—Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle—Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black.

       Correct head.

       Incorrect head, showing lack of jaw.

      Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.

      Shoulders: Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.

      Back: Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins slightly tucked.

      Body: Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Chest deep and broad.

      Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.

       Correct front, with broad chest and straight legs.

       Incorrect narrow front.

       Correct tail carriage.

       Incorrect tail, curled over back.

      Legs: The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.

      Coat: Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.

      Color: Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.

       Solid white coloration and patterns in which white covers more than 80% of the body are to be discouraged.

       Correct legs.

       Incorrect legs, appearing too short.

      Size: Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.

      Faults: Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.

      Approved June 10, 1936.

       Underweight, with ribs visible.

       Healthly weight and good condition.

       Overweight.

       Left to right: Underweight, ideal and overweight shapes viewed from above.

       Keeping an AmStaff in proper weight requires considerable conditioning and exercise. Show dogs must always be shown at the proper weight and well conditioned.

       OWNER CONSIDERATIONS

      Although the reader of these pages is more likely interested in finding a companionable family animal than a show champion, there remain many serious factors governing your choice. A primary consideration is time, not only the time of the animal’s allotted life span, which is well over ten years, but also of the time required for you to care for, train and exercise your pet. If you are not committed to the welfare and whole existence of this energetic, purposeful animal; if, in the simplest, most basic example, you are not willing to walk your dog daily, despite the weather, do not choose an American Staffordshire Terrier as a companion.

      Space is another important consideration. The American Staffordshire Terrier in early puppyhood may be well accommodated in a corner of your kitchen, but as he grows up and becomes larger and stronger, a bigger space certainly will be required. A yard with a fence is also a basic and reasonable expectation.

      Along with these factors, there are the usual problems associated with puppies of any breed like the damage likely to be sustained by your floors, furniture and flower beds and, not least of all, restrictions to your freedom, as in vacations or weekend trips. This union is a serious affair and should be deeply considered but, once decided, your choice of a American Staffordshire Terrier is, perhaps, the most rewarding of all breeds. A few suggestions will help in the purchase of your dog.

       Select an AmStaff puppy that is alert and friendly, showing no signs of fear or shyness.

       FINDING A QUALIFIED BREEDER

      Before you begin your puppy search, ask for references from your veterinarian and perhaps other breeders to refer you to someone they believe is reputable. Responsible breeders usually raise only one or two breeds of dog. Avoid any breeder who has several different breeds or has several litters at the same time. Dedicated breeders are usually involved with a breed or other dog club. Many participate in some sport or activity related to their breed. Just as you want to be assured of the breeder’s qualifications, the breeder wants to be assured that you will make a worthy owner. Expect the breeder to interview you, asking questions about your goals for the pup, your experience with dogs and what kind of home you will provide.

       ACQUIRING A PUPPY

      The safest method of obtaining your puppy, even if you are not looking for a show specimen, is to seek out a reputable breeder. The novice breeders