When the American Staffordshire Terrier standard calls for very pronounced cheek muscles, what it’s really asking for are well developed masseter muscles. This cheek muscle is used to raise and lower the mandible. Breeds like the Am Staff that were developed to hold on to an animal (and bite) have well developed masseter muscles. Conversely, breeds in which a “soft mouth” is preferred (like certain retrievers) have poorly developed masseter muscles. This is why a breed like the Cocker Spaniel is preferred with “no prominence in the cheeks.”

We challenge our readers to read the standard for their breed, especially if they don’t show their dog. Ask us, we’ll tell you where to find it, or we’ll send it to you. Read it, and then ask us again what things mean so you can understand your dog.  If we don’t know (and we don’t know a lot!), we’ll bring the question to our community of 61,000+ purebred dog owners. We’ll get you an answer!

Image: American Staffordshire Terrier by Carol Ratafia
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