American Staffordshire Terrier -
Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Description - see AKC for detailed standard
Courage is this dogs middle name. A Medium to large dog with great strength and agility. Muscular and well put together, with a broad deep head.
This dog was bred to be a fighter. But raised and trained with love he is docile and obedient. He is a wonderful guardian. This is a dog for someone who knows the breed and is will to spend the time to train properly and to safeguard their dog from situations that cause him trouble.
They have a cheerful affectionate nature when raised in a loving family.
Because of their fighting heritage they should always be kept in a fenced yard and walked on a leash. Amstaffs should never be allowed to roam free.
Life expectancy 12-14 years
Breed problems can be both inherited or diseases and disorders seen frequently in a breed and mode of inheritance unknown. Both are listed.
Breed problemsAtopy (allergic inhalant dermatitis)
Bilateral Cataract
cleft palate and lip are hereditary defects.
Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament are common due to high pain toleranceDemodicosis
Distichiasis: abnormally growing eyelashes.
Entropion: an abnormal rolling in of the eyelid.
Hip dysplasiaHypothyroidism
Ichthyosis
Muscular dystrophy: a congenital and often inherited form of generalized muscle dysfunction which causes signs such as poor growth, weakness, abnormal gait, dificulty eating and swallowing, and muscle atrophy. Affected animals have serious health problems and may die or be euthanized. Inheritance is sex-linked in Golden retrievers, Irish terriers, Samoyeds, and Belgian shepherds.
Osteochondrosis: a group of developmental diseases resulting in abnormal formulation of joint cartilage. Commonly involves the shoulder, stifle, hock or elbow.
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy: a disease where the retina slowly deteriorates, producing night blindness
Zinc responsive dermatosis
This page was last edited 04/29/08
