Cairland Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cairland Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Cairland Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Cairland Terrier may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than American Staffordshire Terrier. Cairland Terrier may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Cairland Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier has almost same life span. Both Cairland Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier has same litter size. Both Cairland Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

cairland terrier - historyThe Cairland Terrier is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. It simply means that if you own a Cairland, you’re going to get a little bit of each dog in him.

This hybrid is a new breed which means you’re not going to get too much documented history on the dog. A tough little hunter of fox and otter, the Cairnland is thought to hail from Scotland.

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

cairland terrier puppy - descriptionThe Cairland Terrier is a small dog standing anything between 20 and 35cm in height and weighing in at roughly 4 to 10kg. He has short legs, a compact little body, while being muscled and strong. He has small erect ears with a shortish upright tail.

The color of the medium length coat can be fairly varied which means brown, black, cream, fawn, brindle or even white from the Westie. The dog has two coats with the topcoat being fairly harsh, coarse and straight to slightly wavy while the undercoat is soft.

When it comes to temperament, the Cairland Terrier is social and feisty with a high self-esteem. He has a strong personality and can be somewhat stubborn but he is a great friend of children in the home. He just loves to take part in all their games.

With training and socialization which he undergoes easily, he will get on well with other pets too, although he can become aggressive with other dogs in his territory.

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

cairland terrier dog - characteristicsTerriers are dogs that are full of character and self-confidence, and your Cairland Terrier is no different. These small dogs in the Terrier group don’t actively look for a fight with other dogs, but if they are provoked, they aren’t intimidated and will give bigger dogs a piece of their mind. They make splendid pets and will always be ready for a game.

Make sure that your Cairland Terrier remains the feisty little character he is by making sure he gets well looked after. Dogs aren’t known as man’s best friend for nothing, and in exchange for the care you give your Terrier, you’ll be rewarded by a loyal and devoted friend.

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

cairland terrier puppies - health problemsYour Cairland is a tough, feisty little dog and you’re not going to find yourself constantly having to take him to the vet. However even healthy dogs can be affected by ill health, and we look at a couple of illness you want to watch for with your Terrier.

Diarrhoea:

This can be brought on by a change in diet. Usually you can keep food away from your pet for 24 hours, allowing the stomach to empty and to settle. However, if there is blood in the diarrhoea or your dog is vomiting, then veterinary advice must be sought.

Hay Fever:

Just like humans, a dog can have an allergy to pollen where you see watering of the eyes as well as sneezing. This is because of inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Your vet can ease the problem for your pet.

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:

cairland terrier dogs - caringBecause the Cairland Terrier is a hybrid breed, the coat can be wiry or soft, but it’s a low maintenance coat. He will need to be brushed twice a week. Some people take their Cairland to have the coat professionally trimmed while others buy a special stripping tool and they strip the hair a couple of times a year.

Dental Care:

Small dogs are prone to dental disease, so you will need to brush your Cairland’s teeth at least two or three times a week. Dental disease is a serious problem with dogs and it won’t only affect the teeth and gums but it can result in infection which can contribute to organ failure. Periodontal disease is always a big problem with little dogs. If you’re not sure how to go about looking after your dog’s teeth, you can always take your dog to the vet for dental check-ups and cleaning.

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:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
21 - 33 cm
8 - 13 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 17 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Cairn Terrier, Westie mix breed dog
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
Black, brown, brindle, gray, red and wheaten.
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Medium length, straight or wavy
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, 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. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Scottish Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwich Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English White Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Russell Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Feist vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Manchester Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Cesky Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Schnorkie vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Sealyham Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Chilean Fox Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cairland Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Cairland Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Cairland Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Cairland Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Cairland Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds