American Staffordshire Terrier

Book excerpt: This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the American Staffordshire Terrier serves as a complete introduction to the AmStaff, a tireless working dog that is an unbeatable combination of strength and athleticism. Deriving from bull and terrier crosses in the British Isles, the American Staffordshire Terrier was honed and perfected in the USA and today enjoys a reputation as a wholly trustworthy family and children's companion, top-flight show dog, formidable contender in the obedience ring, and a wonderful therapy dog. Author Joe Janish shares his insight into the origins of the breed and its development in America in a well-researched opening chapter on breed history. He follows with chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of this impressive working breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with energy and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the super smart AmStaff will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare written by Dr. Lowell Ackerman provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Further chapters discuss behavioral issues (aggression, digging, barking, etc.), the special care of senior dogs, and showing and competing with the AmStaff in AKC events. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.