Well, before John & Dianne had Winston, they had their Stupendous American Staffie, Norton.

Norton didn’t have his ears and tail docked, so he didn’t have “The Look”, but he was all Staffie nonetheless!

Photos Below: Left – When I Was a Young Man, Right – Drying Off

This is what they had to say about their baby, Norton:

“He was a good dog, loved other dogs, as long as they could keep up with his energy level…(Good luck with that L.O.L.)

He got along with everyone and was spoiled rotten.

We moved three times while we had him and finally found the right back yard for him and us, which he was happy to defend…

Loved Him, Miss Him, Never Forget Him.

Cheers, John & Dianne”

Photo left: Hi Buddy, Photo right: Happy Day with Norton & Dianne

What a terrible nagging ache from losing our best friends…

…Amazing dogs that loved you no matter what you looked like, felt like, smelled like or what you were doing…

Their lives revolve around us, and all they want to do is show us their affection and how badly they crave our companionship.

You will never forget your best friends, but it is such a fabulous thing to remember all that they were, all that they did, and what they meant to you. Their memories live on forever…frozen in time!

Photo above: Come On, Let’s Go!

I would like to thank John & Dianne for sharing their memories of Norton with us, and the new ones they are making with Winston!

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I hope you enjoyed this American Staffordshire Terrier post on Terrier Lover! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. I found the coolest American Staffordshire Terrier Mousepad! Check it out:

Patriotic American Staffordshire Terrier Mousepad Patriotic Gifts for American Staffordshire Terrier dog owners and lovers! $15.99

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…And Before Winston Was Norton is a post from: Terrier Lover

Our dogs are very important to us and for those who have never owned a dog there is a lot to consider before you make the choice to add a member of a family. In some lines of thought it can be like adding a baby to the family because dogs need care, love, exercise, and a friend. The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the many dog breeds you can choose from when considering adding a new member to the family. You will need to know the proper care, training, and the temperament of the dog breed before you add them to your family.

First you will find the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a small to medium sized dog. They reach 57 to 67 pounds, with the males being 18-19 inches in height and the females about an inch smaller. You will find they have a shorter snout than most dogs with pointed ears. The American Staffordshire has a boxer like face in the smaller snout and the jowls, all though you can definitely tell the two breeds apart. They are usually a solid color or partial. You will find white, black, and tan are the colors they display. Their hair is coarse and short. This means that grooming, which we will discuss in more detail later, is a little easier. They are not a cuddly dog, when you contemplate their hair, but they are also not great shedders which can be nice.

You should also not that the American Staffordshire Terrier is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Pit Bulls or the Terrier are often thought of as sport dogs because they have been used in the past for fighting dogs. This makes the dog an excellent guard or watchdog for your family. You will also find despite their use in history as fighting dogs they can be very gentle and devoted to their family. Despite the fighting mentality that has been trained in them in the past the American Staffordshire Terrier breed is actually a great dog for smaller children, all though you should not leave them unsupervised. You will also find that they are rather active and muscular. This dog breed does well for a one pet household. You should not introduce them to the family if you have other pets or dogs.

Training for the dog should include high energy activities that will keep them interested. They can get bored or stubborn if they don’t like the activity. You should start training as early as possible, especially with obedience. A firm, but gentle hand is required to train this dog breed. You will also want to be consistent and form a knowledge base with you as the master or dominant part of the equation. Exercise is extremely important. You will need a backyard, and should avoid apartment living with this breed. They can be destructive when left alone for long periods of time or when they become bored. Two hours a day spent on exercising and training will be required to keep them happy.

The care for the American Staffordshire Terrier is relatively simple. The short hair does not require much grooming, just a brushing once a week. In a warmer climate you will find they tend to shed a little more, so they will need a little more grooming. You can use a dry towel rather than a brush if you desire. You will also need to bath them perhaps once every six months or less. It should always be done with a dry shampoo as they can develop skin irritation from too much bathing or water.

Gerry Ronsons sites include Dog Treats, Dog Leads and Dog.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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(This article does not represent the views of Terrier Lover or Kimberly Edwards, positive or negative. These parties are neutral in opinion on this topic.)

Please leave your comment to let us know what you think about this issue…

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Big Time Pit Bull Terrier Guru Releases Breakthrough Handbook Which Will Instantly Make Anyone a Better, More Responsible Pitbull Terrier Owner… 100% Guaranteed! Check it out here:

Pit Bull Terrier Dog Guide

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Is The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier A Good Family Pet? is a post from: Terrier Lover

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History of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier
By Don Krnel

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier presents an incredible mix of intelligence, courage, and tenacity tempered with a sweet affection for it’s family. As a breed, it is often shrouded in myth and misconception about it’s history and origin. Read on to learn the truth about where the Staffordshire Bull Terrier came from and what the difference is between this breed and others similar in name and appearance.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or “Staffie”, as fans of the breed call it, dates back to Elizabethan England when an ancestor of the Bulldog was used in a bloody sport called bullbaiting (also bearbaiting). This dog was closely linked to the Mastiff and weighed in at between 100 and 120 pounds.

Around the 19th century, when bullbaiting was outlawed, dog fighting quickly gained popularity and the massive bullbaiting dogs were crossed with smaller terriers and a smaller, quicker breed of dog was born, weighing about 60 pounds. This dog became known as a “Bulldog Terrier” or “Bull and Terrier” and was further refined by outcrosses to an ancestor of the Manchester Terrier. This produced a dog of about 30-45 pounds that came to be known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is the father breed out of which came the English Bull Terrier (1860), and later, when exported to North America around 1880, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier appear very similar to each other and people often hotly debate whether or not they are separate breeds. To clear things up a bit, the American Pit Bull Terrier was first recognized by the UKC and later by the AKC. However, when the American Pit Bull Terrier was entered into the AKC registry, the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier, as noted by the AKC on their website, www.akc.org, “As the breed moved to America the names Pitdog and Pitbull Terrier stuck. However, American breeders wanted an animal heavier than the British breed, hence the name American Staffordshire Terrier. This is the breed commonly referred to as Pit Bull.”

Although certain breeders have pursued slightly different goals with the American Staffordshire Terrier, often referred to as the AmStaff, and the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the two remain virtually indistinguishable and a single dog could conceivably be simultaneously registered as both an AmStaff with the AKC and as an APBT with the UKC.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, however, is a distinct breed. It’s official, AKC standard states that the Staffie stands at 14-16 inches; male dogs weigh 28-38 pounds and females weigh 24-34 pounds. This is in contrast to the AmStaff which has no such size or weight limit. The Staffie’s color is also restricted allowing red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle or any of these colors with white and disqualifying black-and-tan and liver color. AmStaffs can be any color except white (80% or more).

Described by the AKC as a, “foremost all-purpose dog”, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be an intelligent and affectionate family dog and a courageous and tenacious protector. An all around good dog with a rich history!

Check out Don’s website for more info cute teacup puppies – directory of breed of dogs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Krnel
http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-the-Staffordshire-Bull-Terrier&id=139472

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover. Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Make sure to get your 2008 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies Calendar before they’re all gone (or the all the cute ones have disappeared)! Get it here:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppies 2008 Wall Calendar Smarts; a friendly, affectionate nature; a sense of humor—Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies already possess so many of the traits that will make them wonderful companions as adult dogs. Get this amazing calendar that shows off how gorgeous this breed’s pups really are!

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A Distinct Terrier Breed: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a post from: Terrier Lover

These 2 breeds are, in fact, cousins and therefore, aren’t one-in-the-same. Some places in the world have now banned owning Pit Bulls and dogs that are closely related. Sometimes these bans include the American Staffordshire Terrier as well.

AmStaffs, as they are nicknamed, were originally bred for farm work, hunting, guarding and companionship. They are a heavy and stocky breed in every sense of the words.

Here’s a great article for some good background information on the American Staffordshire Terrier.

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All About the American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed
By Sarah Freeland

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an American breed that is known for their loyalty and their protective nature. They are a mid-sized breed that can grow up to 19 inches tall and weigh up to about 50 pounds when fully grown. They have a short, smooth coat that can range in color from brindle, fawn, black, blue, white, or red. Some of the health issues that you will need to watch out for with this breed are hip dysplasia, hives, and insect bites. If cared for properly and given the right nutrition this breed can live to be about 12 years of age.

Characteristic and behavior of the American Staffordshire Terrier

Even though this breed was developed as a fighting dog they make for loving pets. If you are interested in this breed and have small children then you will want to get your American Staffordshire Terrier as a puppy and raise it with your kids from an early age. This breed does not get along well with small pets like cats, ducks, and rabbits because it has a natural hunting personality.

Care and grooming of the American Staffordshire terrier

To care for and groom this breed you will need to brush only occasionally when needed. Dry shampoo is a good option with this breed as they are prone to skin conditions. They will also need daily exercise that challenges their muscle strength and endurance. Also, because of their natural hunting behavior they need to be trained properly to reduce negative confrontations with children and other small animals.

Dog behavior tips, pet training and puppy breeder information all in one place online. The ultimate resource for dog owners. Learn expert dog training tips, advice to help with dog behavior problems, a dog training forum as well as a directory of dog trainers and breeders all over the country to help you locate a professional near you. Learn about crate training, pet nutrition, dog obedience, housebreaking and more. Check out our dog behavior ebook for more tips to help you raise an obedient pet and companion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
http://EzineArticles.com/?All-About-the-American-Staffordshire-Terrier-Dog-Breed&id=647902

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Good stuff. Great background.

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover.

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Calendars for this breed have proven to be difficult to find, but I did it…Get yours before all of them are gone for 2008:

American Staffordshire Terriers 2008 Wall Calendar An American Staffordshire Terrier named Stubby rose to the rank of sergeant and was the most decorated dog of World War I. The sturdy and reliable Am-Staff is a cheerful, friendly, and affectionate breed. Confident and intelligent, these dogs make superb guardians and devoted companions. Honor the courageous American Staffordshire Terrier with this wall calendar. Size Closed: 12″ x 12″ Size Opened: 12″ x 24″

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American Staffordshire Terrier is a post from: Terrier Lover