Picardy Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Picardy Spaniel vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonPicardy Spaniel is originated from France but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Picardy Spaniel may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Picardy Spaniel and American Staffordshire Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Picardy Spaniel and American Staffordshire Terrier has almost same life span. Both Picardy Spaniel and American Staffordshire Terrier has almost same litter size. Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

picardy spaniel - historyThe Picardy Spaniel hails from France and has always been used as a gundog, having been crossed with different British hunting dogs.

While this dog breed is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is the older of the two breeds. It has always been sought after by the French nobility for its hunting skills and the fact that its weather resistant coat allowed it to hunt in all kinds of weather conditions.

The dog’s popularity waned in the early 20th century. The UKC have recognized the Picardy Spaniel as a Gun Dog and the breed has also been accepted within the FCI as a Pointing dog group.

american staffordshire terrier - historyThe 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.

Description

picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Picardy Spaniel is larger than other spaniels. It is described as a medium sized dog, standing at 56 – 61cm in height and weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms. The body of the spaniel is squarely built and muscular body. The dog has long floppy ears and the coat which is shortish in areas except for feathering around the legs and belly can vary in colour from red to chestnut brown to sandy and chocolate. The tail is long and feathered.

Temperament:

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and makes a great family pet, loving being playful with the children in the home and getting on well with other dogs. He is gentle but sociable and intelligent too and is easy to train and socialize.

Although he has been used as a hunting dog he can slot into life in the city or the countryside. He can be indoors or outdoors and still be happy, so long as his family members are close by.

He is an active dog though, and won’t be content to be sitting around for too long, loving nothing more than to be chasing a ball or going for a walk with you.

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.

Characteristics

picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Picardy Spaniel is a docile dog who forms strong bonds with his human family.

He doesn’t gel easily with strangers though, but socialization and training will at least make him well behaved among strangers.

A well-mannered Picardy Spaniel is a joy in the home, and this gentle dog is guaranteed to make you the most wonderfully loyal and loving pet and companion.

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.

Health Problems

picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsWithout any major health issues, your Picardy can reach 14 years of age and possibly even older. A couple of common dog conditions to be on the watch for include:

Ear Infections:

Your beautiful Picardy Spaniel has floppy ears and this opens up the tendency to suffer with ear infections. The inside of the ears are moist and hot and you as the dog owner can try to keep the inside of the ear clean and dry.

He is a dog that loves water too, and swimming encourages dampness. If you prefer not to work on the inside of the ears, dog groomers or your vet can clean the ears for you. An ear infection can be painful for your pet and it will require veterinary intervention.

Obesity:

These are dogs which can pick up weight quite easily. Dogs which are overweight are more prone to developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention joint problems.

Other problems to look out for include cancer, bloat, dental disease and parasites.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

picardy spaniel dogs - caringYour Picardy has a thick coat which sheds and the coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. The ears of the Picardy Spaniel require special attention. Because they are long they will need to be cleaned and kept dry otherwise an ear infection can develop.

At the same time, check your pet over for ticks and fleas, check his eyes, keep the nails trimmed, and check inside his mouth for rotting teeth which can be the source of many health problems if left untreated.

Feeding your Picardy:

If you have a puppy, you will need to provide 4 bowls of food in a 24 hour period. Check on the directions provided on the food packaging to see how much to feed your puppy.

By the time your Picardy is one year of age, he can move over to 2 bowls of food a day. Only the highest quality commercially manufactured food will be good enough for your dog. Food and its quality impacts the health and longevity of your pet.

Apart from dry kibble, try and provide some home-made food, keeping it as simple as possible. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent foods. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots added to the kibble now and then will thrill your pet. Occasionally you can also add in some raw meat.

Avoid feeding your dog things like coffee, chocolates, popcorn, nuts and onions as all these will just upset your dog's digestive system. The secret is to keep things simple and nutritious.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Épagneul Picard
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
chocolate, Chestnut brown, sandy colored markings
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Shortish, dense, slightly wavy
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Labradoodle vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Cane Corso vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Malamute vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Mixed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bullmastiff vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogue De Bordeaux vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. German Shorthaired Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Bloodhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  14. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  15. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  17. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  18. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  19. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  20. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  22. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  23. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  24. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  25. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  26. Pudelpointer vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Picardy Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  30. Picardy Spaniel vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  32. Picardy Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  35. Picardy Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  36. Picardy Spaniel vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Picardy Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Picardy Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Picardy Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  41. Picardy Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Picardy Spaniel vs Large Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  43. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  44. Picardy Spaniel vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  45. Picardy Spaniel vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  46. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Stabyhoun vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Vizsla vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds