Shepard Labrador vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Shepard Labrador vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonShepard Labrador is originated from United States but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Shepard Labrador may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than American Staffordshire Terrier. Shepard Labrador may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Shepard Labrador and American Staffordshire Terrier has almost same life span. Both Shepard Labrador and American Staffordshire Terrier has same litter size. Both Shepard Labrador and American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

shepard labrador - historyThe Labrador/German Shepherd mix, known as the Shepard Labrador was no doubt first bred in the United States from two very popular dog breeds - the Labrador and the German Shepherd.

Breeders of this dog were looking to bring about a dog that could be an exceptional companion with characteristics from both breeds.

Also referred to as the Sheprador, the dog will surely have an amazing temperament.

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

shepard labrador puppy - descriptionWith the Shepard Labrador, because the puppies come from two pure breeds – the Labrador and the German Shepherd, there is no really knowing how your pet will turn out. There is therefore no standard appearance.

Some will have floppy ears like the Labrador, some erect ears like the German Shepherd. The tail will always be long. The coat will always be thick and be short to medium in length. Some puppies will be born with a fawn shade and others will have the dark colors of the German Shepherd. Some will have a mix of colors.

They will be fairly large dogs standing at between 53 and 62m in height and weighing between 23 and 36kg.

Temperament:

Between two such splendid dog breeds, you’re guaranteed to get a wonderful temperament – after all, that's why the two breeds were brought together. Your Shepard Labrador will be friendly, playful, social,smart, courageous, loving, loyal and energetic, just loving to be around his human family.

These dogs get on well with children, and with training and socialization will get on well with other pets in the home. This dog really makes a splendid family pet.

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

shepard labrador dog - characteristicsThere are studies that show that dogs provide us with so many good things – companionship, comfort and relaxation.They provide us with entertainment too because some of them are so amusing with their antics.

The Shepard Labrador is like that – he is social, friendly, loving and devoted and by bringing him into your home, you’re signing up for 10 – 14 years of sheer pleasure, less stress and superb companionship.

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

shepard labrador puppies - health problemsThe Shepard Labrador is a healthy dog breed, and with the right nutrition and exercise can reach 10 to 14 years of age. There are always going to be those common dog illnesses that many dogs succumb to. Some of them are hip dysplasia, cancer, skin problems and parasites.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a condition where parts of the hip joints don’t fit properly together. This creates a situation where there is abnormal wear and tear on the joints. It can lead to arthritis even and pain for your dog.

Parasites – Tapeworm:

The tapeworm is a parasite spread to dogs but also to people, and it is through the ingestion of infected fleas. You can often detect this when you discover parts of the worm crawling in your dog’s bowel movements or they can be around the anus. You can suspect this when you see your pet losing weight and having diarrhea. Speak to your vet about how to control fleas with your dog.

Rabies:

This is a fatal disease where dogs are infected through bites from rabid animals. You’ll notice horrible behavioral changes in your dog. Unfortunately with this terrible disease, once symptoms appear, it is virtually too late for treatment.

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

shepard labrador dogs - caring◆Brush the coat of your Shepard Labrador twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs and to keep the coat shiny ad healthy. Many people add in the Omega 3/6 oils to the dog’s food to ensure a healthy skin and coat.

◆Check the ears and eyes for infection. Make sure there are no signs of redness and discharge.

◆Check the inside of your pet’s mouth He has no way of telling you that a rotten tooth in the mouth is causing hi tremendous pain and affecting the his health.

◆Feel for new and unusual lumps on your pet’s body.

◆Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep. Make sure if he is outdoors that he has both sun and shade.

◆Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

◆Feed your pet the best food there is. Your Shepard Labrador will no doubt be served commercially manufactured food. There are good and bad varieties. Make sure it is one of the better brands to ensure you don’t end up feeding your pet foods packed full of unhealthy ingredients such as colorants, preservative and fillers.

Try and include some home-made food to the diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet as it won’t upset your dog’s digestive system.

Also try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off skin problems. Ensure your Shepard Labrador always has access to a bowl of 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:
Companion dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
53 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
53 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 36 kg
50 - 80 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 36 kg
50 - 80 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Sheprador, Shepador
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
Cream, fawn - mix of colors, brown, tan
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Short to medium length - thick
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:
Low 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. Shepard Labrador vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  27. Shepard Labrador vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  28. Shepard Labrador vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  29. Shepard Labrador vs Bernedoodle - Breed Comparison
  30. Shepard Labrador vs Schnauzerdor - Breed Comparison
  31. Shepard Labrador vs Giant Maso Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Shepard Labrador vs Pastor Garafiano - Breed Comparison
  33. Utonagan vs Shepard Labrador - Breed Comparison
  34. Shepard Labrador vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  35. Shepard Labrador vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Shepard Labrador vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  37. Shepard Labrador vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  38. Shepard Labrador vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  39. Shepard Labrador vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Shepard Labrador vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Shepard Labrador vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  42. Shepard Labrador vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  43. Shepard Labrador vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  44. Shepard Labrador vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Shepard Labrador vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Shepard Labrador vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  47. Shepard Labrador vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds