Marauders American Staffordshire Terriers

The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a new breed.  Although it gained American Kennel Club registration and recognition in 1936, it has been developed since the early 1800’s as a result of crosses between the bulldogs of that time and game terriers.  One of the early and very famous AKC registered staffs was Pete the Pup, (real name Lucenay’s Peter), dog star of the original Our Gang comedies of the 1930”s.  
Although the early ancestors of this breed came from England, the development of the American Staffordshire Terrier is the story of a truly American breed.  This type of dog was instrumental in the success of farmers and sellers who developed this country.  They were used for general farm work, hunting wild pigs, bears and other large game, guarding the homestead and general companionship.
A number of the early ancestors were also develped for the “sport” of dog fighting.   The extraordinary vitality of this breed is a direct result of breeding for successful fighting dogs.  This now illegal activity is unfortunately more often cited as the early purpose of the dogs rather than the general farm work.

Although ancestors of the American Staffordshire were fighting dogs, the selective breeding since the 1930”s has been away from the fighting heritage.  The American Staffordshire terrier of today is a companion and show dog rather than a gladiator.  Although more rarely used in the farm now, the talents that made a good all purpose dog are still to be found in the breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog. Despite his roots, today the Am Staff is patient, reliable, loving, and extremely devoted to his family. Known for being good with children, the Am Staff is gentle and good natured enough to accept their sometimes rough play. A loyal companion, the Am Staff tolerates other household pets well. The Am Staff is a very versatile breed with an eager to please personality. Am Staffs excel at weight pulling, tracking, agility, flyball, and as therapy dogs to children, the elderly and the infirm.
Intelligent, alert, and strong-willed, he benefits from early obedience training and socialization. Training can be a challenge for the inexperienced dog owner. His terrier nature requires an owner who is strong and confident without being overbearing. The Am Staff has a high activity level and needs daily exercise. He can live well in either the city or country but must have a fenced backyard.

Obedience Training a Dog or Puppy

Obedience Training is one of the best things you can do for your dog or puppy... and yourself.

 

 

 Obedience training doesn't solve all behavior problems, but it is the foundation for solving just about any problem. Training opens up a line of communication between you and your dog. Effective communication is necessary to instruct your dog about what you want her to do. You can teach her anything from 'stay' (don't bolt out the door) to 'sit' (don't jump up on the visitors) to 'off' (don't chew the furniture).

How to Stop Puppy Whining

Separation or Confinement Whining, Crying and Howling

Puppies will whine and cry when separated from their owners and left alone, especially for the first time. The puppy is afraid he is being abandoned by his pack and is sounding the alarm so that he can be rescued. This is most common when a puppy is confined to a small space or to a crate. This is perfectly normal dog behavior. But sometimes the sounds are so hideous and loud it scares us and we fear for the puppy's well-being. Every puppy I have put in a crate for the first time has screamed to high heaven! So what should you do?

Potty Train Dog in 6 Days

How to Potty Train a Puppy the Easy Way

 

Training Puppy the First Week

Every interaction with your puppy is a training opportunity.

10 Most Frequently Stolen Dog Breeds

#10 Labrador Retriever

As the most common breed of dog in the U.S., Labs are stolen mostly due to their ease of resale to an unsuspecting public. Thieves benefit from this breed’s easygoing nature and willingness to follow commands. Like other dogs of larger size, they are commonly taken from yards or kennels by small gangs under the cover of darkness, but an increasing trend of robbery at gunpoint and burglary is emerging. One factor that threatens recovery is proving to police that the dog has been stolen rather than simply missing, so it is best to have them microchipped. Labs can bring upwards of $1000, making an attractive payday for unscrupulous criminals.

Silent Killer & Curable YOUR DOG NEWS LETTER FROM TUFFS UNIVERSITY

Dogs of any age can be susceptible to hemangiosarcomas - malignant tumors arising from blood vessels - but those middle-aged and over 8 are especially vulnerable. The aggressively spreading cancer may go undetected until the last stages, making it a silent killer. Although they can be found almost anywhere in the body, about 80 percent of all heman giosarcomas begin in the spleen, said John Berg, DVM, chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The spleen, a large organ in the abdomen, stores blood, among other functions. “Fewer hemangiosarcomas arise in the heart and fewer still in other sites, such as the skin, “he said. “And although not directly heritable, there appears to be a predisposition among purebreds - particularly large breeds such as German Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers. “Surgery can often cure the form of the disease affecting the skin. In that location, the tumor often doesn’t metastasize, or spread, to distant sites. Otherwise, hemangiosarcomas are rarely curable. As long as expectations are realistic, however, temporary remissions are possible. “Many dogs recover quickly from tumor removal surgery and, although they may only have a short time left, the quality of life during this time can be excellent, “said Dr. Berg, a surgical specialist. Because splenic hemangiosarcomas develop internally, they often give little warning until they become quite advanced. The spleen may suddenly begin bleeding, and blood may enter the abdomen. “A dog may exhibit sudden weakness or he may collapse,”Dr. Berg said. “His gums look pale and his pulse is rapid. He is in danger of going into shock or even dying. If this happens, consider it an emergency and get your dog to a veterinarian.”