Silken Windhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Silken Windhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonAmerican Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Silken Windhound is originated from United States. American Staffordshire Terrier may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Silken Windhound. American Staffordshire Terrier may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Silken Windhound. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Silken Windhound has almost same life span. American Staffordshire Terrier may have more litter size than Silken Windhound. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Silken Windhound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
47 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
44 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
7 - 17 kg
15 - 38 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 4
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Silkens
Colors Available:
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
tuxedo marked or solid colored , white to black with brilliant brindles and solid red, in between. They can be spotted
Coat:
smooth, Single
silky coats of middling length longish to very long, with feathers. Some are straight, some are very curly
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american staffordshire terrierThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a part of all the confusion surrounding the group of “pit bulls”. The American Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to the English Bull Terrier and English Terrier. The breed of the English Staffordshire Terrier was bred in the early 19th century in the West Midlands. It was not until later that the breed came from Staffordshire. These English Staffordshire Terriers are also the source of contention by breeders who insist it was the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, Tan and Black Terrier that are the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Terrier.

These terriers (AKA pit bull terrier) came to the United States in the mid 1800’s. By the late 1890’s they were accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC)as the American Pit Bull Terrier – a new and distinct breed. There were also some that were accepted into the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier. In England they were still known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. When the AKC accepted the breed in 1936 they were given a new standard, new purpose and new group – the terrier. In 1969 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers and refused to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. The name was changed to move the breed away from its characterization as a bull fighter and to distinguish it from the smaller English Staffordshire Terrier. All American Staffordshire Terriers are directly related to the American Pit Bull Terriers.

silken windhoundThe Silken Windhound is a breed intentionally developed by Borzoi and Deerhound breeder, Francie Stull. Although the first litter of the Windhoud was not born until 1995, their development began in discussions ten years later. Bred as a cross between her beloved Deerhounds and Borzoi, the first Society for the breed formed in 1999 and they were recognized by the UKC in 2011.

Ms. Stull wanted another breed for her kennel and decided on a smaller sighthound than her Borzoi. She wanted a long coat, a good temperament, good health, and possessing the same athletic abilities, grace and poise as the sighthounds that are larger. She developed the Silken Windhound based on this vision.

With this in mind, the kennel purchased the pick of a litter from the American and English Borzoi Champion bitch, Stillwater Virginia Reel. This puppy was eventually bred to Stillwater White Lightning and produced puppy that was a blue brindle. This dog, Stillwater Kristull Peacock, had the coat, personality and structure that Ms. Stull wanted for the new breed. She was bred to Deerhound Windsprite Autumnal Xenon to form the foundation for the Silken Windhound.

Over time champion Borzoi were bred with multi-generation Whippet based dogs and small Whippet from coursing and show lines. Finally, all of this work was rewarded with an incredible little sighthound to fit in the line of sighthounds between the giant and large breeds and the smaller whippet type breeds.

The Silken Windhound lives today in 24 different countries. They take their place in hound competitions all over the world in obedience, lure coursing, and racing. They are a Limited Stake Breed in the ASFA and competed with 40 other dogs in 2010. Then they were accepted by the NOFCA or National Open Filed Coursing Association, also in 2010. Finally, in 2011 they were fully accepted by the UKC.

The Silken Windhound is recognized in addition to the UKC, by the Dog Registry of America, the Rarities Inc., the American Canine Association, the Kennel Club of Slovenia, the American Pet Registry, Inc., the International Silken Windhound Society and the International, All-Breed Canine Association of America.

Description

american staffordshire terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, powerful dog – stocky, muscular and graceful. At one point in time the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were considered to be the same breed. Even today there are those that make that argument, but they have been recognized outside the AKC as separate breeds. The AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and not the APBT. However – even though there have been decades of separation in breeding the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are the very same dogs genetically.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad skull, high set ears and pronounced cheek bones. Their ears should not be cropped by AKC standards and their eyes are far apart, round and dark. With a medium sized muzzle and a heavy muscular back, they are as powerful as they look, if not more so. Most have black noses. The AmStaff has a broad, deep chest with wide set forelegs and compact feet. The tail is short and tapered and it should not be docked.

silken windhound puppy - descriptionThe Silken Windhound is a breed of beautiful, athletic medium sized dogs. They have the long coat, athletic build and classic lines of the sighthound/coursing dog. Just looking at them and you know they have strength, balance and grace in those medium sized bodies. Their running ability is exceptional. They perform well in the confirmation rings.

They are sine boned, balanced with smooth muscles – a sleek hardy looking dog. They have almond-shaped, large, dark eyes with small folded ears. Looking in their faces you see intelligence, friendliness and alertness. The head is long with a well balanced muzzle and a dark, slightly down-turned nose. Her lips are dark and full and her neck long and slender. The Silken Windhound must have a flexible loin because they have a gallop of double suspensions and are amazingly fast. A deep chest is also a must with a flexible, curving tail. Her legs are straight and long, as she is built for speed.

Characteristics

american staffordshire terrier dog - characteristicsThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a loving, gentle dog that wants nothing more than to be with and please his people. Contrary to his reputation as a “killer”, this dog is actually a lover. They are great with children and want to be a part of the family. They even think they are lap dogs, regardless of their size. They are never going to be aggressive toward people and even though they are not one-person dogs, they are loyal, and they are devoted to the family and the “leader of the pack”.

This breed can tell who is their friend and who is not. They are not aggressive, but they will protect their own. They are courageous, confident, attentive, bold and strong-willed. The AmStaff gets along with other dogs most of the time, but they will never back down from a challenge and should never be left unsupervised with another dog. They should not be loose in a neighborhood or at a dog park. No matter how much you trust your American Staffordshire Terrier they can be killers in any fight with another dog.

In addition to this you must socialize and train your AmStaff. You need to be the pack leader and be in control. The AmStaff wants to please you so for a strong leader they will respond positively to positive training. They are intelligent and pick up quickly on what you want them to do. However, they are incredibly strong physically so training them to heel and walk with you obediently is a must. A well trained and exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy dog and a loyal family dog.

Characteristics

silken windhound dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – they are great with children and would romp with them all day.

2.Special talents – speed and agility.

3.Adaptability Like most sighthounds they can be couch potatoes but being medium sized they can live just about anywhere as long as it is inside.

4.Learning ability - They are smart but their learning ability can be hampered by their stubbornness.

Health Problems

american staffordshire terrier puppies - health problemsFor the most part the American Staffordshire Terrier, like most of the “pit bulls” is a hearty, healthy dog. They have a few tendencies that breeders should test for including hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart issues. They can test for Cerebellar ataxia, which has affected the AmStaff with a progressive decline in their ability to control their muscles and coordination.

silken windhound puppies - health problemsMost inherited diseases and conditions are rare. There is some drug related sensitivity, especially to ivermectin, and some dogs carry a MDR1 (multi-drug resistance gene) that is defective. Breeders are attempting to breed this out of the Silkens. A few other rare instances of concern include:

  • Cryptorchidism – a birth defect resulting in undescended testicles.
  • Lotus Syndrome – an occasional birth defect resulting in death.
  • Umbilical hernias – may require surgery.
  • Cataracts - may lead to old age sight problems
  • Deafness

Caring The Pet

american staffordshire terrier dogs - caringfeed You can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier either commercially purchased food or food you make yourself if the quality is high, nutrition is good, and the amount eaten is determined by the owner. Do not free feed. The AmStaff has the tendency to become obese. Its ok to use treats for training and rewards, as long as its use is controlled.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American AmStaff Terrier has a tendency toward a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia – this condition causes a lot of pain and disability. It leads to different types of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cardiac Issues – Congenital heart disease consists of vessel malformation and lesions.

Allergies

Thyroid Issues

The AmStaff can be susceptible to Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This is a form of hypothyroidism developed by dogs. It is usually seen between 2 and 5 years of age. Continual retesting is recommended.

Cerebellar Ataxia

This is the most dangerous disease possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier faces. There is a test for this condition which causes the AmStaff to display an inability to control their muscles and a loss of balance, to the point of falling. This is a progressive disease that often leads to euthanasia. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America suggests that AmStaffs carrying the NCL genes should never be bred.

Exercise and games

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic, and athletic dog that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. This breed is oriented to people and should never be left alone in the yard all day as a way for her to exercise. She needs you to play with her. If you cannot do this, then you should not own this breed of dog. This breed also loves to play canine sports. They thrive on games like dock diving, agility and obedience competitions. They excel at search and rescue. These are competitive dogs that want nothing more then to please their people.

silken windhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy This is a medium sized, active breed. They need high quality dog food with plenty of protein. Feed them 3 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed them 2 times a day from a food made for high energy active medium sized breeds.

3.Points for Good - Exceptional agility and speed.

4. Games and Exercises The breed is active, and they love to run. They need daily exercise and they usually excel at flyball, agility, obedience and therapy. Obviously, they are very good at lure coursing and racing. They love to run or jog with you.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Staffordshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Staffordshire Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staffordshire Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  14. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
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  17. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  25. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Silken Windhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Silken Windhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Silken Windhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Silken Windhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Silken Windhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Silken Windhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Silken Windhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Silken Windhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Silken Windhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Silken Windhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Silken Windhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Silken Windhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Silken Windhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Silken Windhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Silken Windhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Silken Windhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Silken Windhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Silken Windhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Silken Windhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Silken Windhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Silken Windhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Silken Windhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Silken Windhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Silken Windhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Silken Windhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison