Muggin vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Muggin vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonAmerican Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Muggin is originated from United States. American Staffordshire Terrier may grow 34 cm / 14 inches higher than Muggin. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Muggin are having almost same weight. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Muggin has almost same life span. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Muggin has almost same litter size. American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Muggin requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Companion dog
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United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
10 - 14 cm
3 - 6 inches
Height Female:
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
8 - 10 cm
3 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
12 - 22 kg
26 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
10 - 20 kg
22 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Carlin Pinscher Pug Miniature Pinscher Mix, , Pug-Pin, Pugscher, Min Pin Pug Mix
Colors Available:
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
brown, black, golden, white and everything in between , cream
Coat:
smooth, Single
short and fine
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

american staffordshire terrierThe 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.

mugginThe Muggin is not a purebred dog but rather a cross breed. The hybrid dog population has exploding in the United States in the past ten to fifteen years. A lot of the success of crossbreeding can be attributed to the marketing of these dogs as “Designer Breeds”.

Designer breeds are developed because someone wants some of the characteristics of Breed X and some of the characteristics of Breed Y. Therefore, Designer breed XY is developed. In order to understand this hybrid dog, you need to understand the two purebred breeds they come from. The Muggin is the result of crossing the purebred Pug and the purebred Miniature Pinscher or Min Pin. So, we need to look at the origins of these two purebred breeds.

They are also referred to as Pin Pugs, Min Pin Pug, Pug Pin, Pugscher and were originally the Carlin Pinscher. However, these days there are other breeds besides the Pug and Min Pin making up the gene pool for the Carlin Pinscher. Because of this the Muggin has been separated from the Carlin Pinscher. The American Canine Hybrid Club has accepted the Muggin name for the Pug Min Pin cross.

Pugs are originally a Chinese breed and they were companions rather than working dogs of any kind. During the Han Dynasty they were the dogs of royalty. At the same time there were dogs very much like the pug in Japan and Tibet. The Pugs came to Europe by way of trades with the Dutch who then brought them to Europe. They were named the Mopshond and they caught the eye of the royalty in Europe as well.

Pugs were imported to the United States after the U.S. Civil War and in 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and called Pugs.

The Min Pin traces its origins to Germany a few hundred years ago. They were “ratters”, guarding the house and stables from all types of vermin. Most dog people believe that the Min Pin is much older than this, perhaps by thousands of years. Yet there is no detailed history to support that. Most believe the breed comes from the German Pinscher line. There might also be some Daschund and Greyhound in that line.

They were once called the Reh Pinscher. This was their name when they came to North America in 1919 and then the breed was renamed in 1972. The Miniature Pinscher Club of America was started in the early 1900’s while the AKC recognized the Min Pin in 1929. Today the Miniature Pinscher is a family dog, a companion.

The Muggin is a loving and loyal dog. All they want is for you to be happy and to share that happiness with them. They can also easily become a one person dog and bond intensely with that one person. They are not a hybrid that you can leave home alone while you go to work for 8 to 10 hours a day. No, the Muggin needs attention and lots of it. Despite this they are great with both kids and other dogs.

Because they are a cross breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, some hybrid registries do recognize the Muggin. These include the Designer Breed Registry, the International Designer Canine Registry, The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Dog Registry of America.

Description

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.

muggin puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned, the Muggin is a cross between the Pug and the Miniature Pinscher. They are small, shave sturdy legs, floppy ears, and a wrinkled forehead for the most part. Like all hybrids however, all first generation dogs do not look the same. Some might resemble the Min Pin more and others the Pug. Some might have the stockier body of the Pug and the short tail of the Min Pin. Or one could have the Pug’s curly tail and the athletic body of the Min Pin. The snout can be short or long, the ears heavy and floppy or small and thin.

Their coats will usually be fine and short, and colors can vary a lot. They might be black and tan like a Min Pin, or more like a Pug with a solid color of cream, brown, black, white or golden. They also tend to shed quite a bit no matter which parent they take after the most. They will either have brown noses and black eyes or brown eyes and black noses or any combination of black and brown.

If Muggins are only bred to Muggins the second and third generations will resemble each other more than the first generations will. However, at this point many breeders will try to strengthen the breed by occasionally adding in to the gene pool other dog breeds.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

muggin dog - characteristicsThey are good with children but should be supervised.

Special talents

Energetic and loving little dogs.

Adaptability

Very adaptable if taken for walks or has space in a yard. Can live anywhere under those circumstances.

Learning ability

Very intelligent but strong willed dog. Needs strong leadership from their person.

Health Problems

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.

muggin puppies - health problemsThe first generation of Muggins may face all the health issues of either or both their parents, while second and third generations tend to have less health issues, They types of issues the first generation of Muggins might face include:

Nerve Degeneration – Degenerative Myelopathy or Dm – causes paralysis and eventually fatal.

  • Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication to prevent seizures.
  • Patellar Luxation – kneecap movement can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Hypothyroidism – responds to medication.
  • Demodectic Mange and skin issues including allergies
  • Eye issues – including cataracts and Cherry Eye.
  • Yeast and Staph infections
  • Myotonia Congenite -Rare disease cause muscle contractions and stiffness.
  • Von Willebrand’s – inherited clotting disorder – no treatment unless needing surgery
  • Congenital Magaeshphagus – enlarged esophagus from birth is treatable.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes – small dog hip joint disorder causes lameness.
  • Liver Issues – cause discomfort and could be fatal
  • Reverse sneezing – minor issue not serious but may sound like the dog is choking.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

muggin dogs - caringThis crossbreed has a definite propensity to overeat and become obese from puppyhood. Feed the puppy a small dog dry food 3-4 times a day a total of ¾ of a cup to 1 cup.

Feeding the adult

Again don’t over feed the adult Muggin or he will become obese easily. Feed at least twice a day one to one and half cups total.

Points for Good Health

High Energy

Games and Exercises

With the athleticism of the Min Pin taking precedence over the less active Pug, the Muggin is a fairly active dog. The Muggin is also not effective by the Pug’s difficulty with heat and cold. They love to go on long walks and need exercise to keep from being bored and destructive. However, remember there is a Pug in your Muggin and if she is not into exercise don’t try to get her to do more than she can.

You do want your Muggin to get enough exercise to fend off any tendency to be overweight. They are good at agility, jogging, obedience and watchdog activities.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Muggin vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Muggin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Muggin vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Muggin vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Muggin vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Muggin vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Muggin vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Muggin vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Muggin vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Muggin vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Muggin vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Muggin vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Muggin vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Muggin vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Muggin vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Muggin vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Muggin vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Muggin vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Muggin vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Muggin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Muggin vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Muggin vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Muggin vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Muggin vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Staffordshire Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Staffordshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Staffordshire Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Staffordshire Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison