Mary Allen
Introduction
Dogs have been bred for different purposes over the years, from hunting to guarding to companionship. The Old English Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are two breeds that have been bred for similar reasons, but they differ in many ways. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two breeds in terms of their origins, physical traits, temperament, training needs, and health concerns.
Origins of Old English Terrier
The Old English Terrier is an ancient breed that dates back to the 18th century in England. They were bred as a working dog, mainly to catch rats and other vermin in the streets and in homes. They were also used in dogfighting, which was a popular sport in those days. The Old English Terrier was developed by crossing various terrier breeds, including the Fox Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Manchester Terrier.
Origins of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff, was developed in the United States in the 19th century. They were bred from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which was brought over from England. The AmStaff was originally used for dogfighting and as a general-purpose working dog. They were also used as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and even as a farm dog. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936.
Physical Traits of Old English Terrier
The Old English Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with a muscular build. They have a short, wiry coat that can be black, white, or brown. They have a broad, flat head with a strong jaw and small, dark eyes. Their ears are folded over and their tail is docked. They weigh between 14 to 18 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Physical Traits of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build. They have a short, shiny coat that can be any color, including brindle, fawn, black, or blue. They have a broad, square head with a powerful jaw and round, dark eyes. Their ears are short and cropped, and their tail is short and tapered. They weigh between 50 to 70 pounds and stand 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
Temperament of Old English Terrier
The Old English Terrier is a loyal and affectionate dog that is great with children. They are also very protective of their family and can be wary of strangers. They are intelligent and quick to learn, but can be stubborn at times. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Temperament of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident and courageous dog that is also great with children. They are loyal and protective of their family, but can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not properly socialized. They are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Training Needs of Old English Terrier
The Old English Terrier is a smart dog that is easy to train if you use positive reinforcement methods. They respond well to praise and treats, and are eager to please their owners. They require early socialization to prevent aggression towards strangers and other dogs. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Training Needs of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a smart dog that is also easy to train if you use positive reinforcement methods. They respond well to praise and treats, and are eager to please their owners. They require early socialization to prevent aggression towards strangers and other dogs. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Health Concerns of Old English Terrier
The Old English Terrier is a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. They also require regular grooming to maintain their wiry coat.
Health Concerns of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and skin allergies. They also require regular grooming to maintain their short coat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Old English Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are two breeds that have similar origins and purposes, but differ in many ways. The Old English Terrier is a smaller, wiry dog that is great with children and can be protective of their family. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a larger, muscular dog that is also great with children but can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not properly socialized. Both breeds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, and both can be prone to certain health problems.