[2024] American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Overview

American Staffordshire Terriers have a muscular build that gives them the appearance of exceptional strength for their size and grace, and agility.

Their walk is bouncy. Their low center of gravity permits them to stay on their feet effortlessly, yet they are also incredibly nimble. The coat is short, close-fitting, and shiny.

American Staffordshire Terrier Highlights

Despite the fact that they have been bred separately for more than 50 years, American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers share many characteristics.

They are classified as a “Pit Bull” breed and are subject to Breed Specific Legislation. Some insurance providers will not insure houses with this breed. Before you adopt one, check your local regulations and insurance policy.

American Staffordshire Terriers were utilized in the heinous sports of bull-baiting and bear-baiting, and they are still exploited in unlawful dog fighting rings today. This helps to explain their unjustified reputation as violent dogs.

When not adequately trained, the breed is exceptionally strong for its small size and will pull on leashes.

They prefer a yard with a robust, tall fence so they can gallop around it and burn off excess energy.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, smooth coat is relatively easy to groom, and the dog does not have a “doggy odor,” therefore, bathing is only required as needed.

Although they can be effective protectors through intimidation, American Staffordshire Terriers are normally quite affectionate to humans.

American Staffordshire Terrier Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 3 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 3 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 3 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 3 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 1 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 1 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 3 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 4 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 1 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 3 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

American Staffordshire Terrier Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
Height: 16 to 19 inches
Weight: 40 to 60 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: United States
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1800s
OTHER NAMES: Amstaff, Stafford, Staffy
Temperament: Attentive, Courageous, Devoted, Friendly, Loyal, Tenacious, Intelligent
Activities: Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking
Color: Any color
Litter Size: 5 to 10 puppies
Puppy Prices: $1500 – $2500 USD on average

American Staffordshire Terrier Health:

The American Staff is a strong, healthy breed, and a reputable breeder will test breeding stock for health issues such canine hip dysplasia, heart disease, and skin and coat allergies.

A genetic test for cerebellar ataxia, which causes a progressive deterioration in motor coordination and first seen between the ages of 3 and 5 years, has recently been established; now, breeders may prevent developing it in their bloodlines by detecting dogs with the mutation.

As with all breeds, the ears should be checked on a regular basis, and the pet’s teeth should be brushed every day.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

Hip Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Thyroid Evaluation
NCL DNA Test
Ophthalmologist Evaluation

American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming:

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, smooth coat comes in a range of hues, including blue, fawn, white, black, and red.

They can be a combination of white and different colors or a combination of white and brindle. The AKC considers it a fault if more than 80% of the coat is white.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s thick, shiny fur sheds twice a year heavily as the seasons change and sheds the rest of the year minimally. Brushing it at least once a week will help capture some of the shedding fur and maintain the coat lustrous.

Bathing is only required as necessary, which should be no more than a few times a year unless dogs get muddy. In general, this breed does not have a strong “doggy odor” and may go without a bath for an extended period of time.

Grooming requirements for American Staffordshire Terriers are generally modest.

American Staffordshire Terrier Exercise:

A dog as athletic and lively as the American Staffordshire Terrier demands lots of exercises.

But, leaving the dog in the yard all day is not the best approach: Yes, he can run, but the AmStaff is a people-oriented dog that flourishes when accepted as a family member.

Long play sessions with his owner improve his physical and mental wellness.

Furthermore, many AmStaffs enjoy canine sports, including obedience, agility, and dock diving. AmStaffs are even trained and thrive at rescue operations.

American Staffordshire Terrier Training:

Introductory socializing and puppy training sessions are suggested for all breeds, but they are required because of the AmStaff’s strong will, physical power, and excitement.

Even so, some activities, such as chewing and digging, may be difficult to eliminate.

It should be emphasized that dog aggressiveness can emerge even in well-socialized Am Staffs; an AmStaff should never be left unsupervised with other canines under any conditions.

American Staffordshire Terrier Food and Nutrition:

American Staffordshire terriers demand a large protein, low grain diet in order to avoid diarrhea and bloat.

Select a meat-forward pet food made for a medium to large-sized dog. Constantly ensure that they have access to clean, fresh water to drink.

Anticipate their dietary requirements, including the amount and frequency with which you feed them, to alter as they age. Collaborate with your vet to develop a personalized diet plan for your pet.

American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament and Personality:

American Staffordshire Terriers are usually gentle and cheerful with their family, but they are also typically sociable toward outsiders as long as their family is around.

They are often excellent with youngsters. Because they are a watchful breed, they should be adapted to different dogs with caution.

They are tenacious, bold, and obstinate. Despite their rugged exterior, the most essential thing in life for this breed is the affection of their family.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is regarded as a family dog who enjoys being around people.

American Staffordshire Terriers are never be happier than when they’re investing time with the family, whether it’s through active play, a long walk, or simply cuddling up on the couch.

In reality, despite their image as guard dogs, they are prone to greet newcomers with licks and tenderness. Their powerful build and unjustified reputation as ferocious “Pit Bulls” intimidates and keeps intruders at bay.

Many American Staffordshire Terrier owners believe that their dogs are outstanding judges of character and can sense people’s intentions, making them superb watchdogs.

If they are bored, American Staffordshire Terriers will pull, chew, dig, and bark. They can be tough to walk since they are strong, athletic dogs, and if permitted, they will pull their walker wherever they go.

They require a self-assured, forceful trainer who can control them on a leash, set limits, and provide adequate mental and physical activity. They also need to be socialized with humans and other animals from an early age.

While the breed is naturally friendly to people, they can be hostile with other dogs if they are not socialized. American Staffordshire Terriers are clever, eager to please and respond well to training in general.

They appreciate working for a living to do, whether that’s jogging with you, doing nose work, running agility courses, or participating in other canine sports.

A trainer who can satisfy the physical requirements of the American Staffordshire Terrier while also keeping them active and under control will have a lifelong companion who is dedicated, loving, and loyal.

American Staffordshire Terrier Care/Upkeep:

The Am Staff’s short, smooth coat demands little more than weekly care. This breed has a low to moderate shedding rate.

The amount of shedding, on the other hand, tends to rise seasonally. Bathe your Amstaff on a regular basis to keep the skin and coat strong and hygienic.

Dog sports that challenge them emotionally and physically will be especially beneficial to Am Staffs. Regardless of the sort of exercise, make sure it is done at least twice a day.

An Am Staff may become disruptive, hyperactive, or develop other behavioral issues if they do not have a healthy outlet for all of their energy.

Since American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to extreme breath, their teeth should be washed at least once a week, if not more regularly, to prevent bad breath germs from forming.

Their nails should be clipped on a regular basis, which can be challenging because American Staffordshire Terriers dislike having their paws touched.

It will be beneficial to train them early on to be comfortable with touching and grooming. To prevent ear infection or pest infestation, their ears should be checked frequently for wax buildup and debris and cleansed as needed.

Maintain frequent veterinary exams and obey your vet’s recommendations for further at-home treatment.

American Staffordshire Terrier Relationship with Children and Other Pets

American Staffordshire Terriers are well-known for being loyal family dogs, even when children are around. However, they are ideally suited to households with children above the age of six.

This breed has a lot of muscle and can play hard, which can lead to injuries. Because young children like poking and prodding, it is especially vital to teaching them how to interact with animals.

Playtime with youngsters should always be supervised, even with professionally trained dogs of any breed.

American Staffordshire Terriers frequently dislike other dogs. They were raised to fight, and while many breeders have sought to eliminate these characteristics over the years, the type of dog can still be aloof.

Visiting other dogs, in general, can be a hit-or-miss experience for each dog. Furthermore, American Staffordshire Terriers may regard other pets, such as cats, as prey.

American Staffordshire Terrier Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Buddy	Sadie
02	Leo	Daisy
03	Bailey	Luna
04	Buster	Lily
05	Jackson	Roxy
06	Henry	Ellie
07	Riley	Stella
08	Murphy	Pepper
09	Sam	Coco
10	Zeus	Annie

All About American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a caring, faithful, and energetic dog who enjoys spending time with humans.

They have a lot of muscle for their stature, which can make them a handful on walks if they’re not taught correctly.

They also have powerful jaws, which they will utilize to chew when bored. Many pieces of furniture have been ruined by an American Staffordshire Terrier who is not sufficiently physically and cognitively active.

A confident, tough trainer who can fulfill the physical demands of the breed without resorting to harsh punishment, on the other hand, will be rewarded with a calm, obedient dog who is at ease with nose work, agility exercises, and athletic competitions, as well as simply snuggling up on the sofa.

Even though they are being used as watchdogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier protecting abilities is more dependent on intimidation than anything else due to their natural love of humans.

Their strong bulk and reputation as vicious dogs serve as deterrents to invaders, despite the fact that this reputation is generally undeserved.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is quite similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Both have been employed in illicit dog fighting rings, making them the focus of Breed Specific Legislation, which prohibits them.

American Staffordshire Terrier History:

The American Staffordshire Terrier has its beginnings in nineteenth-century England. At the time, bulldogs and terriers were crossed to produce a dog with attractive traits from both breeds.

The result was a terrier that was agile and lively, with bulldog-like persistence and conviction. The bull-and-terrier Dog, half-and-half, or pit dog, was the original name for the breed.

It was eventually recognized as the Staffordshire Bullterrier in England. Unfortunately, dogs were most usually employed for fighting; despite dog fighting being forbidden in the United Kingdom in 1835, it thrived since the restriction was impossible to execute.

The bull-and-terrier canines arrived in the United States near the end of the nineteenth century and were recognized as pit bull terriers and then American bull terriers.

Though there is some debate on the details, it is stated that, unlike their forefathers, these dogs were more regularly utilized for general farm work, hunting, and companionship.

With the passage of time, the breed evolved into taller canines with broader builds over their English counterparts. The Staffordshire terrier was first certified with the AKC in 1936.

In 1972, the name was altered to distinguish it from the shorter, smaller English variety (today’s Staffordshire bull terrier). Today, the two dog breeds are fully distinct.

Where to Adopt American Staffordshire Terrier

Look for American Staffordshire terriers in most need of homes at your local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

A variety of national rescue organisations for American Staffs offer online services to help you discover a dog, including:

Staffordshire Terrier Club of America
American Staffordshire Terrier Rescue
American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Rescue Group Directory

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

Do plenty of study before deciding if the American Staffordshire terrier is really the correct dog for you.

To learn more, speak with the other American Staffordshire Terrier Homeowners, trustworthy American Staffordshire Terrier breeders, and American Staffordshire Terrier Rescue organizations.

If you’re interested in particular breeds, use these to weigh the advantages and downsides.

American Staffordshire Terrier Fun Facts:

They’re not afraid of very much.
They can hold their own.
They’re extremely muscular.
They’re powerful dogs.
They’re called staffy for short.
They have relatively long lives.
They’re extremely resilient.
They look stocky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are the characteristics of American Staffordshire Terriers?

The American Staffordshire Terrier was created in the U.s for a stable temperament and was designed for hunting rats and other vermin and game, as well as farm work, taking advantage of the breed’s bravery and determination.

Do Staffordshire terriers have a lot of barking?

In reality, despite their image as guard dogs, they are prone to greet newcomers with lots of licks and tenderness. Whether they are restless, American Staffordshire Terriers will pull, gnaw, dig, and bark.

What exactly is the distinction between a pitbull and a Staffordshire terrier?

In general, the American Staffordshire terrier is very similar to the American pit bull terrier. Today, the fundamental distinction is one of looks. The American Staffordshire terrier is developed in portion for AKC conformation and follows a stricter standard, especially in size range.