Blue Staffordshire Terrier: how it looks and how to care for it?

Dogs of large breeds are highly in demand as service dogs and four-legged companions. Among the existing number of large animals is to highlight the Staffordshire Terrier of blue color, which attracts attention with a unique exterior and character traits.

The breed, which is now referred to as the Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff, appeared in the XIX century. The dog with the exterior of the modern Amstaff was the result of the interbreeding of two no less famous breeds at that time - the bulldogs and the game terriers. Initially, the American Staffordshire Terrier was called a little differently. The animals were called bull terriers or pit bull terriers, and only in 1972 one name was assigned to the dogs, which is still used today.

Work on the consolidation of the characteristics of amstaffs allowed by 1835 to obtain an animal with a powerful head, an easy rear part of the body and innate activity. The dogs were originally used solely to participate in battles, however, familiarity with the pet allowed to highlight in him good hunting skills, developed intelligence. So, the Staffordshire Terriers were used by humans for various farm tasks, animals were allowed to guard dwellings and other households.

The Blue Staffordshire Terrier, as well as other variations of the color of animals of this breed, is the result of the painstaking work of dog trainers who set themselves the main task of breeding a dog, whose aggressive character traits inherited from their ancestors will be minimized. Modern representatives of the breed in their character only vaguely resemble their fighting progenitors.

According to the description, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an animal with a pronounced muscular corset, slightly stocky, but at the same time rather maneuverable and elegant. The extremities of a dog are not distinguished by their size, in the light of which they harmoniously combine with the body.

The dog has a wide and deep skull, a muscular face with a pronounced transition from the forehead, the forehead is rounded. The jaws are strong, the bottom provides a secure grip. The lips are tight, tight, the nose is gray.

Auricles of purebred dogs are placed in a standing position, it is allowed to stop their length depending on the breeder’s personal preferences. The eyes are large, set deep, have the shape of a circle. The color of the pupils, according to the standards, should not be lighter than the shade of the wool color of Amstaff.

The neck is powerful, closer to the shoulder joint may slightly taper, there is a slight bend on it. The back is not too long, has a bevel from the shoulder to the body and to the base of the tail. The dog’s belly line is tucked up, the ribs are bulging, the chest is deep.

Limbs are located widely, straight, on the hind legs the muscles are brightly visualized. The coat is short and hard, the undercoat is minimally developed.

Valid color dogs are all gray options - from dark to light. The coat of the animal may have a blue or blue tide, there is a variation of the blue-fawn color of the animal.The color may not be monotonous everywhere, you can see blue Staffordshire terriers with light and even white spots located on the face, limbs or chest and stomach.

Pets of the American breed after careful selection work differ significantly in character from their ancestors. The dogs are very kind, stand out with a developed intellect, are quite restrained. They are not inherent in sudden mood swings and unmotivated aggression. Among the fundamental traits of the character of blue Staffordshire terriers are the following.

• Animals of this breed demonstrate ease and obedience in terms of training and dog training. Since the Amstaffs are very smart, they even quickly grasp the main teams with puppies and also learn which actions will be regarded by the host as positive or negative.
• Amstaff is a cheerful and active animal that willingly takes part in various amusements, prefers long walks in the fresh air. With him you can play sports, jogging.
• Dogs are good-natured and sociable in the warehouse of their character. This feature is evident in relation to adult family members, as well as to children. Some animals will play with pleasure even with an unfamiliar person.
• The Blue Staffordshire Terrier has not lost its innate instincts, therefore it always protects its owner.
• The dogs feel very fine the breeder's mood. Therefore, they will not bother you, but they can just be around if the person is not in the mood.
• Amstaffs are collective pets, with early socialization they can get along with other dogs in the house. Some pets that grew up with cats do not have congenital aggression towards felines.

Despite the fact that the animal is quite large, it can easily be maintained not only in a private house, but also in the conditions of a city apartment. Dogs are not distinguished by any specific nuances of content, but the important point is always sufficient activity of a four-legged family member.

Therefore, long daily walks with a pet will be the basis of keeping blue staff. In the warm season, if there is a pond, swimming of the animal and playing in the water are welcome. As a rule, the average duration of walks is 1 hour. Amstaff can take part in agility or accompany the owner on a bike ride or jog.

The peculiarity of the breed is a short wool coat, which requires minimal care from the breeder. The dog will need to be combed from time to time with a metal brush. In frequent bathing pet does not need to replace water hygiene procedures can rubbing the animal's body with a damp cloth, towel. Such activities will help remove the dead shallow pile and epidermis. Some blue Staffordshire terriers prefer cleaning with a household vacuum cleaner with a soft brush.

Eyes and ears are cleaned as they are polluted, for this purpose you can use a normal cotton swab dipped in water. The dog in the dwelling should have its place with a comfortable bed, it must be kept clean.

Training a dog of this breed does not require the involvement of a professional canine; pets very quickly memorize commands, do not show stubbornness and aggression during training. However, food incentives, as well as the lack of physical punishment will be the way.

For blue staffordshire terrier there are two options for food:

• finished industrial feed;
• natural diet

Each breeder chooses for himself the most appropriate option, based on personal preferences and financial capabilities. If the dog will eat finished products, then the recommended class of food for a large pet will be premium. This requirement is due to the composition of such feed, which takes into account all the needs for vitamins and trace elements of the active four-legged friend.

Natural nutrition is also a good option for amstaff. However, in this case, the owner will have to independently plan the diet of the animal in such a way that it contains important products. These include:

• meat products - beef, pork, poultry fillets, offal;
• large bones;
• eggs;
• boiled greens and vegetables;
• fruits;
• cereals;
• dairy and fermented milk products.

Bones are important for caring for the oral cavity, therefore pet can be from time to time to offer such a "treat". But tubular bones are in the category of prohibited options, because their fragments can damage the internal organs of a dog.

The meat diet is recommended to be combined with boiled cereals. The priority alternation of pearl barley, rice and oat groats. Of offal is to focus on the kidneys, heart, udder, spleen. Meat is better to give raw, and vegetable food in the form of vegetables, pre-boil, remove the peel.

It is extremely important to follow the diet of a young dog in the first months of life, because it is during this period that the animal will build a physique, develop the organs of sight, scent. Diet should be constructed in such a way that the dog ate at certain hours. Such a schedule will provide an opportunity to avoid problems with digestion, as well as teach the dog to discipline.

Under the ban to eat blue Staffordshire terrier will be the following products:

• bakery products;
• pickles;
• smoked meat;
• confectionery;
• various nutritional supplements and flavor enhancers.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.