Scotch Collie vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Scotch Collie vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth American Staffordshire Terrier and Scotch Collie are originated from United Kingdom. American Staffordshire Terrier may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Scotch Collie. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Scotch Collie are having almost same weight. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Scotch Collie has same life span. Both American Staffordshire Terrier and Scotch Collie has almost same litter size. American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Scotch Collie requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Height Female:
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
47 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
21 - 32 kg
46 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Farm Collie • Old Farm Collie
Colors Available:
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
All colors and markings traditionally found on collies
Coat:
smooth, Single
double top harsh under soft
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Responsive
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

scotch collieThe landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

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.

scotch collie puppy - descriptionThis Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

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.

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

scotch collie dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

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.

scotch collie puppies - health problemsThe old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

  • Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

  • Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

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.

scotch collie dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

Comparison with other breeds

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