Native American Indian Dog vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Native American Indian Dog vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonNative American Indian Dog is originated from United States but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Native American Indian Dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than American Staffordshire Terrier. Native American Indian Dog may weigh 93 kg / 206 pounds more than American Staffordshire Terrier. Native American Indian Dog may live 3 years more than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Native American Indian Dog and American Staffordshire Terrier has same litter size. Native American Indian Dog requires High maintenance. But American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

native american indian dog - historyThe Native American Indian Dog is an ancient breed, that some consider to be feral. It is a landrace breed that developed with the indigenous peoples North America. These dogs originally looked and sounded like wolves and it is likely that their ancestry is tied to wolves crossed with pre-Columbian American dogs that came to the America’s with the first peoples. There are some that believe the Native American Indian Dog is a connecting line back to the dogs or wolves that over 12,000 years ago were the first to be domesticated by human beings.

They are now a rare breed in the wild and a small group of domesticated dogs. Fossil studies in recent years suggests that the Native American Indian Dogs came to North America about 4500 years after the first indigenous peoples. It is believed that the Native Americans bred the dogs that traders and explorers brought with them to the native coyote as well. This created a breed specific to North America and called the Common Native Dog or the Common Indian Dog. The original NAID was a mix of many different breeds of dogs and wild canines.

Today’s NAID is said to be raised on Indian reservations in the United State and represent a mix of Chinook, Husky, German Shepherd Dog and Malamute, along with perhaps some of today’s wolf mixed in. This dog is raised domestically and is socialized to life with humans. They are the last remaining breed from all the Native North American dogs that lived with the original people of the Americas. They are also thought to have an ancestry similar to the Australian Dingo.

They are a devoted, protective and loyal breed though they tend to be shy. They need to be outside for the majority of the day and don’t do well in crates. They need a fenced yard and room to roam. They are working dogs that hunted, pulled sleds and guarded their homes. They still need a job to so.

Today the North American Indian Dog is being bred to replicate the temperament and appearance of the originals. Although there are many breeders working from the founding breeder with original stock, there are only six that are officially given authorization to breed the NAID. They are registered by Terra Pines with the National Kennel Club but not recognized by the AKC and UKC.

The breed name NAID is trademarked by Karen Markel of Majestic View Kennels in the 1990’s. Today the breed is nationally recognized as a breed very much like the original Native American dogs, The breed is intelligent and quite healthy. They enjoy people and engage in many companion activities.

Whatever its true ancestry the current Native American Indian Dog (NAID), today’s version is not recognized by the AKC, but they are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the Native American Indian Dog Registry and the National Kennel Club.

  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • NAID - Native American Indian Dog Registry
  • NKC - National Kennel Club

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

native american indian dog puppy - descriptionThere are two sizes of the North American Indian Dog – they are medium and large. They have dense short double coats, or they have long top coats and a fairly dense undercoat. They come in a variety of colors mostly black or silver but there is also a tortoiseshell. These tortoiseshell colored dogs are considered by Native Americans to be sacred beings. These tortoiseshell dogs are strikingly good looking and are called Spirit Dog.

They all have the look of a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute with upright ears and almond shaped eyes that are anywhere from amber to brown with some blue. Usually their tails are down and long but can be curled. They resemble the wolf and have that wild, feral appearance. They can be as large as over one hundred pounds or average seventy to eighty pounds. They are strong, alert and intelligent. They are considered to be hypoallergenic, shedding their coat only once a year.

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

Children friendliness

native american indian dog dog - characteristicsThis breed is gentle and loving with children.

Special talents

Endurance, strength and good health.

Adaptability

Low adaptability to small living spaces and lack of outside space; don’t do well in crates and need an experienced dog owner.

Learning ability

They are highly intelligent, love to learn and are just a little stubborn.

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

native american indian dog puppies - health problemsThis is a fairly healthy, long lived breed having spent so much of its history in isolation. They are prone to some of the issues that affect all medium to large breeds.

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and arthritis.
  • Too fast growth causing joint issues – also can lead to lameness and arthritis.

  • Bloat – as with all large dogs this can be fatal.

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

Feeding the puppy

native american indian dog dogs - caringBecause of their propensity to grow to quickly the puppy should only stay on puppy food for 8-10 months. Feed them a high quality large dog puppy food 3-4 times daily for a total of 2-21/2 cups per day.

Feeding the adult

Feed a high protein, large dog dry food twice a day for a total of two cups. Do not over feed. Do not feed right before or after exercise do to the risk of bloat.

Points for Good Health

Healthy, strong long lived dog.

Games and Exercises

This is not an indoor, couch potato dog. They need exercise and they need space. They won’t do well as apartment dogs unless you can take them to a dog park for over an hour every day. They really need a large fenced in yard. They don’t do well in crates either. He doesn’t understand crates and thinks you are punishing him. They make great hunters, search and rescue dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. They will succeed at pulling competitions and weight competitions.

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:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
23 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 120 kg
121 - 265 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 19 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
NAID Carolina Dog, the Dingo Dog, the Dixie Dingo, the Native American Dog, the Southern Aboriginal Dog, and “Old Yaller,”, the North American Native Dog
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
often with a broken or tortoiseshell pattern, silver to black
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
plush, dense 2 layer/ can be long haired or regular hair coated
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Native American Indian Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  6. Native American Indian Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  7. Native American Indian Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  8. Native American Indian Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  9. Native American Indian Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  11. Native American Indian Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Native American Indian Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  13. Native American Indian Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  14. Native American Indian Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Native American Indian Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  16. Native American Indian Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Native American Indian Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Native American Indian Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  19. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Native American Indian Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  21. Native American Indian Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  22. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  23. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  24. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  25. Native American Indian Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Labradoodle vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cane Corso vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Mixed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bullmastiff vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Dogue De Bordeaux vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. German Shorthaired Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bloodhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  39. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  40. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  42. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  48. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  50. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds