American Staghound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

American Staghound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth American Staghound and Atlas Terrier are originated from United States. American Staghound may grow 49 cm / 20 inches higher than Atlas Terrier. American Staghound may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Atlas Terrier. American Staghound may live 3 years less than Atlas Terrier. American Staghound may have less litter size than Atlas Terrier. American Staghound requires Low maintenance. But Atlas Terrier requires Moderate maintenance

History

american staghound - historyThe American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

atlas terrier - historyThe Atlas Terrier is a rare dog. He was developed in the USA and is a blend of Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Border Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. It was in 1990 that Lauren Wolfe developed a breed similar to the Jack Russell, but with a solid colour, and in fact she had two dogs that were solid red in colour. This was as a result of a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier.

With the crossing of different terriers, the foundation for the Atlas Terrier was formed. Lauren Wolfe named the breed ‘Atlas Terrier’ because many terriers from various parts of the world were used to develop this specific breed. It was in 2001 that the Atlas Terrier Association was founded.

Description

american staghound puppy - descriptionWhen you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

A Feisty, Fun Breed

atlas terrier puppy - descriptionAtlas Terrier dogs are a small to medium sized dog but with a strong personality. With their two coat varieties – smooth and wire – and coming directly from the Jack Russell Terrier, this feisty dog suits those who want a low maintenance, fun breed who will join them on their walks or jogs. These dogs are brave and loyal and will double as a watch dog and family pet.The breed is accepted for registry and it is classified under the Terrier dog category.

Different Sizes

There are 3 sizes of Atlas Terrier – toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variety is 23 to 28 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.7 to 5.4 kg. All three varieties are the same except for height and weight.

The Coat - Smooth or Wavy?

The coat of this dog is thick and may come in a variety of colours such as brindle or merle. The Atlas Terrier is also found in solid colours and sometimes you will find that they have white markings on the face, feet or chest. Most times the tail of the Atlas Terrier is docked, but if not, the tail curls over the back. The ears of the Atlas Terrier are V-shaped and they fold forward.

Characteristics

american staghound dog - characteristicsThis dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

atlas terrier dog - characteristicsAtlas Terriers most certainly have a bit of the Jack Russell in them and these dogs are social, outgoing, mischievous and affectionate. They’re just like your regular naughty child and having one of them in your home will mean energy and lots of fun and games.

This is a highly social breed and he won’t like to be left alone every day. Just like a human child, he will need to be stimulated to ward off boredom and to prevent him from becoming destructive.

Learning Abilities

The Atlas Terrier just loves games and if you’re ready for a game, he will be more than ready to take part. He is intelligent and will therefore responds well to training and socialization. When properly socialized, Atlas Terriers get along well with children, and because they’re not an aggressive breed, if they’re properly trained and socialized they will get along with other pets too. Atlas Terriers make excellent pets, but he is a strong willed dog and will require an owner who is firm, but fair.

Health Problems

american staghound puppies - health problemsThe American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

atlas terrier puppies - health problemsThe selective breeding program of Atlas Terriers has meant that this is a robust, spunky breed free of any major health concerns. While they are a low maintenance breed with longevity on their side, you still have to be a responsible pet owner and see that your Atlas Terrier puppy gets all those must have injections.

Vaccinating your Atlas Terrier Puppy

Tiny puppies are susceptible to infectious diseases and will have to be vaccinated against them from 8 weeks on and then also get an annual booster. The diseases to be vaccinated against include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, eptospirosis and parainfluenza. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and it is mandatory for your puppy to be vaccinated against rabies.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american staghound dogs - caringIt is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

atlas terrier dogs - caringAs a medium shedder, the Atlas Terrier will require some grooming. Grooming is easy and a brush twice a week with a rubber-bristled brush will remove those loose hairs and give his coat a sheen.

Feeding the Puppy

Always make sure you’re feeding your tiny puppy the right quantities of a food type. Always feed your puppy food which is appropriate to his age. Your 8 week old puppy will require 4 meals a day. A highly active breed such as the Atlas Terrier will require more protein for energy.

Speak to your veterinarian about the perfect diet for your puppy and about wet- or dry foods. There is the choice of feeding your puppy commercial dog food or your own home-prepared meals, but then you want to be sure that your puppy is getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins.

Once your Atlas Terrier is about a year of age, he can go onto one meal a day or a lighter meal in the morning and the evening. Remember to ensure that there is always clean, cool water available for your puppy.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
67 - 77 cm
26 - 31 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
63 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 39 kg
48 - 86 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
4 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
AS
None
Colors Available:
Any
Several - Brindle, Merle
Coat:
Shag, Slick or Broken
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Bull and Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bedlington Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Austrian Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Lakeland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Atlas Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Jagdterrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Paul Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Brazilian Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Irish Wolfhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  27. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  28. Billy vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  29. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  30. Great Dane vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  31. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  32. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  33. Newfoundland Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  35. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  36. Leonberger vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaunt vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  38. Bully Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  39. Alangu Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Burmese vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  41. Gaddi Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  42. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  43. Bisben vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staghound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staghound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Moscow Watchdog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  47. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds