The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is a unique and fascinating breed, and if you're considering bringing one home, it's essential to know what to expect.
This breed is a result of cross-breeding between the American Bully and the Bull Terrier, and they've inherited the best traits from both parents.
They typically weigh between 70-120 pounds and stand between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is known for being highly energetic and requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
They're also known for being loyal and loving companions, thriving on attention and interaction with their family.
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Breed Information
The American Bully Staffy is a breed that originated in the United States, specifically in the 1990s.
This breed is a cross between an American Staffordshire Terrier and an American Pitbull Terrier, making it a unique and recognizable mix of characteristics.
The American Bully Staffy typically weighs between 70-120 pounds and stands between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
They are known for their muscular build and short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, and blue.
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Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier is a breed that originated in England in the 19th century as a working class dog.
They were originally bred to hunt small game, and their strength, agility, and tenacity made them well-suited for this task.
The Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 24 and 38 pounds and standing between 14 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Staffordshire Terriers are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are often described as " Velcro dogs" because of their tendency to stick close to their owners.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training, but can be stubborn at times.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Origins
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier shares a common ancestor with the Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier.
In the early 19th century, they were created to be smaller and faster in the fighting ring, yet gentle and friendly toward people.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was probably developed by crossing the Bulldog with an ancestor of the Manchester Terrier.
The first Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was formed in England in 1835.
The breed was further refined by an Irish man named James Hinks, who made the Staffordshire Bull Terrier especially popular in Staffordshire.
The breed gained legitimacy and was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1935.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can trace their origin back to England, where they were bred as a fighting dog in the 1800s.
Blood sports involving dogs were highly popular back then, with bull baiting being one of the more popular events.
Bull baiting was outlawed in the UK in 1835, but it didn't stop the practice from continuing underground.
The popularity of bull baiting waned, but dog fighting increased.
The breed was created by uniting the Bulldog's strength with the Terrier's speed and tenacity to create the first Bull Terrier.
The breed was further refined by James Hinks, who made the Staffordshire Bull Terrier especially popular in Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier eventually became a companion animal, and by the 1930s, they were already living as family pets in the United States.
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Care and Nutrition
To keep your American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier in top shape, it's essential to feed them the right amount of food. The recommended daily amount is 1 5/8 to 2 1/4 cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals.
You should also consider your dog's individual needs, such as their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one.
To avoid bloat, withhold food and water for at least an hour after vigorous exercise. This will help prevent gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat. You should also measure your dog's food and feed them twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time.
Staffy dogs aren't picky eaters, but they do need a balanced diet. Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that matches your dog's life stage and activity level. For example, young, growing pups need more protein than older, less active dogs.
Remember to look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of nutritional completeness on the label to ensure your dog food is complete and balanced.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier Feeding Guide
Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier's daily food intake should be between 1 5/8 to 2 1/4 cups of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are individuals, just like people, so their food needs can vary depending on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
To avoid gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as bloat, withhold food and water for at least an hour after vigorous exercise.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that matches your dog's current life stage, such as puppy, adult, or senior, and activity level.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers aren't picky eaters and can thrive on high-quality commercial dog food, but make sure to look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of nutritional completeness on the label.
Treats are a great motivator during training sessions, but be sure to account for treat calories in their daily intake to avoid weight gain, which can lead to heart disease and arthritis.
Your dog's waist should be visible when looking down at them, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.
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Care and Upkeep
The American Staffordshire Terrier needs a lot of human interaction, so be prepared to spend quality time with your dog through games, training, and leashed walks.
This breed is highly energetic and requires a sturdy, dig-proof fence in your yard to keep them safe and contained.
They're not suited for dog parks due to their potential aggression towards other dogs.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation will keep your American Staffordshire Terrier happy and healthy.
Coat care is minimal, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing.
Be aware that this breed is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, so it's essential to feed them a large-breed puppy food to slow their growth rate and reduce the risk of dysplasia.
This breed can thrive in various activities, such as agility, obedience, and weight pulling, so consider enrolling them in dog sports to keep them engaged.
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Health and Wellbeing
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Their average life expectancy is 12-14 years, making them a long-term companion.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that can cause limping or pain when walking. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet for a physical examination and X-ray to diagnose the issue.
Hereditary Cataracts can affect the breed, causing clouding of the lenses in the eyes, which can start to develop by a few months old. Genetic screening testing is available to identify this condition.
L2 Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria is a rare, hereditary metabolic disorder that can cause behavior changes, anxiety, loss of energy, or increased aggression. Medications may help lessen the symptoms, but there is no cure.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a genetic disorder affecting the spinal cord, causing progressive hindlimb weakness and loss of ability to walk and stand. A genetic screening test is available to identify this condition.
Here are some key health issues to be aware of in American Bully Staffy Bull Terriers:
Exercise and Activity
Exercise and activity are essential for American Bully Staffy Bull Terriers. They have a lively and jovial personality and love to play, so they need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise twice a day.
Staffy dogs are boisterous and have a strong prey drive, so they'll chase after squirrels and other critters every chance they get. This means you'll need to be careful when taking them outside.
Structured dog sports, like lure coursing, nose work, and barn hunts, can provide your dog with a fun way to channel their instincts in a controlled environment. These activities can help keep your Staffy happy and mentally stimulated.
Despite their high energy levels, Staffy dogs are also happy to spend time with their families and can be content curling up next to you on the sofa.
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Care and Maintenance
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier requires a securely fenced yard to prevent escape and injury. Make sure the fence is sturdy and dig-proof to keep your furry friend safe.
This breed needs a great deal of human interaction, so be prepared to spend time playing games, training, and going on leashed walks with your Staffy Bull Terrier.
They excel in activities like agility, obedience, scent work, coursing, flyball, and weight pulling, so consider enrolling them in dog sports to keep them engaged and exercised.
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is not suited for extreme temperatures, so keep them indoors during heatwaves or cold snaps. They'll appreciate the comfort and safety of a cool or warm home.
Coat care is minimal for this breed, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing to keep their coat clean and healthy.
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Temperament and Behavior
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is a people pleaser, affectionate and playful, and it enjoys rough-and-tumble activities.
It's a quick learner and not a prolific barker, making it a great companion for many families. However, it can be highly aggressive toward other dogs.
This breed is a fair watchdog and protector, but it's essential to supervise them around other people and pets.
Individual dogs may differ in behavior from others of their breed, so it's crucial to socialize and train each dog accordingly.
Hybrid Description
The American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier is not a purebred dog, but rather a cross between the American Bulldog and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
It's a mix of two breeds, which means you can get any combination of characteristics from either breed. This makes it a bit tricky to predict the temperament of a mixed-breed dog.
The temperament of a mixed-breed dog can be determined by looking up the characteristics of both breeds in the cross. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Breeders often breed multi-generational crosses, which means the dog may not be 50% purebred to 50% purebred. This can affect the dog's potential health issues.
It's essential to review individual breeds for potential health issues, as this can help you make an informed decision when considering bringing an American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier into your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier an American Bully?
No, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not an American Bully, as it is a distinct breed with its own history and characteristics
What is a Staffy cross American Bulldog called?
The American Bull Staffy is a hybrid breed resulting from crossing an American Bulldog with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This modern working-class dog is bred as a loyal guard dog and loving companion.
Is American Staffy a pitbull?
American Staffy is a breed that shares ancestry with the American Pit Bull Terrier, but they are not exactly the same thing. While some American Staffy may be considered Pit Bulls, not all Pit Bulls are American Staffy.
What is an American Staffy mixed with American Bully?
The American Staffy is a mix of the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, resulting in a strong and sturdy dog breed. This medium-to-large breed typically stands 12-19 inches tall and weighs 35-55 pounds.
Sources
- American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- blue-grey coat (staffydog.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America (sbtca.com)
- Project Pit Bull (projectpitbull.org)
- PitBulls for Life (pitbullsforlife.com)
- Pit Bull Rescue Central (pbrc.net)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed (chewy.com)
- VetStreet - American Staffordshire Terrier (vetstreet.com)
- Dog Breed Info Center - American Staffordshire Terrier (dogbreedinfo.com)
- WebMD - What to know about American Staffordshire Terriers (webmd.com)
- Animal Health Clinic - American Staffordshire Terrier (ahcfargo.com)
- PetMD - American Staffordshire Terrier (petmd.com)
- AZ Animals - American Staffordshire Terrier (a-z-animals.com)
- Federation Cynologique Internationale - American Staffordshire Terrier (fci.be)
- American Bully Staffy Bull Terrier Hybrid Description - FCN (furrycritter.com)
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