These strong dogs, slightly larger and taller than the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, were originally bred for fighting and bull baiting. Over time, they became known as Pit Bulls due to their use in pit entertainment. However, there is still debate about the true relationship between the American Staff and Pit Bull breeds.
The American Staffordshire Terriers, or Am Staffs for short, are actually gentle and loving dogs. Despite their early reputation for aggression, they are easily trained and can make excellent family protectors. It is important to provide these dogs with plenty of care and vigorous exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy, and to prevent them from developing harmful behaviors.
Below, we look at American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Staffordshire Terriers!
| Dog Breed | American Staffordshire Terrier |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs (average) |
| Height | 17-18″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | bull terrier, mastiff |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Group | Bull Baiting, Dog Fighting |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | $800 – $1000 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
Before the 19th century, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s ancestors were a mix of the old Bulldog and a Terrier of unknown descent, possibly a Fox Terrier or an English Terrier. These early Staffordshire Terrier dogs were initially bred for baiting bulls and later used for sports entertainment, such as pit fighting with rats and other dogs. They were strong and spirited, which led them to be brought to America where they continued to fight and compete in pits. In America, they became known as Pit Bulls and Yankee Terriers.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a slightly larger breed preferred by Americans, and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. In 1972, their name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to differentiate them from their smaller relatives, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers in England. Loyalty is a valuable trait in this breed, which was originally bred for sports. The Am Staff is known for being tenacious, high-spirited, and possessing great agility and strength.
Unfortunately, throughout history, the American Staffordshire Terrier has had a negative reputation. Breed-specific laws have been enacted to regulate ownership of this loyal and loving dog, but some people still see it as a fighting and gaming dog rather than a companion. Despite this, the Am Staff continues to attract people who appreciate its ability to love and provide companionship.
🐕 American Staffordshire Terrier Appearance
Despite being small and low to the ground, the American Staffordshire Terrier immediately conveys a sense of strength. The Am Staff has a medium-length head, noticeable cheek muscles, and a stocky, muscular build. He has pointed, high-set ears. The eyes of the American Staffordshire Terrier are large, round, and black. His lips are tightly closed and do not droop, and he has strong jaws. The neck of the American Staffordshire Terrier tapers from the shoulder to the back of the head and is heavy and somewhat arched. The Am Staff has strong, muscular shoulders and forelegs that are widely spaced apart, which contribute to his large, deep chest. The shiny, short, stiff-to-the-touch coat of this breed is available in all hues, including brindle, and has a variety of markings, including masks, points, spots, patches, and brindle. The Am Staff’s tail is low-set, short in comparison to the rest of its body, and tapered at the end.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, Red, Cream, Fawn, Blue, White, Pied, Sable, Brindle |
⚡ Fun Fact: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a smart canine that is devoted to its family. Due to their tolerance and love for kids, they are occasionally referred to as “nanny” dogs, although they should never be left alone with kids. The American Staffordshire Terrier is an excellent family and home protection dog. Due of the breed’s stubbornness, early and persistent training is necessary yet can be challenging and time-consuming. These dogs are polite and quiet around people, but the Am Staff could perceive other dogs as a danger to him or his family. This is partly because the American Staffordshire Terrier underwent selective breeding early on when the breed was employed for dog fighting and playing games. The Am Staff values its relationships with its members highly. They have kind attitudes and may exhibit some shyness. The Am Staff also needs a self-assured owner who can show him how to lead and give him the proper “respect training. ” It is not advised that a first-time dog owner adopt an American Staffordshire Terrier because of this. This sweet, people-pleasing dog is a wonderful addition to any household with the right care and training.
🤝 Are American Staffordshire Terriers Friendly or Aggressive?
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs thrive when they are the only pet in a family. They are generally friendly towards strangers, making them a suitable choice for households with unfamiliar visitors. Additionally, they are known to be kid-friendly, making them a good option for families with children. However, it is important to note that American Staffordshire Terriers may not get along well with cats or other dogs. Therefore, if you desire to have multiple dogs in your household or want to participate in dog meetups, this breed may not be the most suitable. Lastly, American Staffordshire Terriers are often suggested for elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Attentive
- Tenacious
🐩 American Staffordshire Terrier Care & Maintenance
American Staffordshire Terriers have short coats that are simple to maintain if groomed and brushed from an early age. An American Staffordshire Terrier may be rather resistant when it comes to maintenance, but dirt and extra hair are readily eliminated by brushing your Am Staff once per week, which will help maintain the coat shining. The Am Staff, while having short hair, will shed often, and brushing will greatly speed up the process. American Staffordshire Terriers should get their teeth cleaned at least once a week, if not more frequently, because they are more likely than the ordinary dog to accumulate more germs in their mouths. Never use toothpaste made for humans to clean your dog’s teeth, and ask your veterinarian or a local grooming expert what the best tools and techniques are for doing so. The Am Staff is an energetic dog who enjoys digging in the earth. He performs best when given a duty to complete. Playing and training with a purpose will keep his mind active and his interests piqued. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fantastic choice for apartment life since he doesn’t need much area to run around, provided that he receives both mental and physical activity. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog and needs to eat in accordance with his size and degree of activity. To create a feeding regimen that is ideal for your Am Staff, you should constantly pay special attention to the dietary requirements of your dog. Numerous health problems can affect American Staffordshire Terriers. To prevent exorbitant veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right now. You may compare policies from renowned firms like Figo and Spot using our tool for pet insurance. With only a few clicks, find your pet’s “pawfect” plan!
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are known for shedding very little to no hair. This means that if you own a puppy of this breed, you won’t have to worry about your furniture or car being covered in dog hair. If you have a low tolerance for dog hair, the American Staffordshire Terrier could be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, these dogs typically only require a bath every 3-4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $2.00 – $2.30 daily, or around $53.00 – $68.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 8 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 American Staffordshire Terrier Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed can be:
- Heart Conditions
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Bladder Stones
🤧 Important: Is American Staffordshire Terrier hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Staffordshire Terrier.
⚡ American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Staffordshire Terrier a great choice for families with young children?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a great choice for families with young children because they are patient and loving towards children. They are often referred to as “nanny” dogs due to their protective nature and ability to form strong bonds with kids.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and space to roam. Without proper exercise, they may become bored and develop destructive behaviors.
How much exercise does a American Staffordshire Terrier require compared to other breeds?
The American Staffordshire Terrier requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are energetic dogs that need daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier breed known for being good with other pets?
The American Staffordshire Terrier can be good with other pets if properly socialized from an early age. However, their history as fighting dogs may make them more prone to aggression towards other animals. It is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and under controlled circumstances.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier include the Boxer, Bulldog, and the Bull Terrier. These breeds have similar temperaments and exercise needs but may require less grooming and maintenance.
What are the common health issues that American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to?
Common health issues that American Staffordshire Terriers are prone to include hip dysplasia, heart disease, allergies, and skin conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Are American Staffordshire Terriers known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Staffordshire Terriers are known to be intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so consistent and firm training methods are necessary.
Are American Staffordshire Terriers more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Staffordshire Terriers may be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They form strong bonds with their owners and can become distressed when left alone for long periods. Proper socialization and gradual training can help minimize separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier that are suitable for people with allergies include the American Hairless Terrier, the Basenji, and the Bichon Frise. These breeds are known to have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the Miniature Bull Terrier, are better options. These breeds have similar characteristics but require less space to move around.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Staffordshire Terrier breed can be good with children with special needs. However, it is important to introduce them slowly and supervise interactions to ensure the safety of both the child and the dog.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The grooming and shedding needs of the American Staffordshire Terrier are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have short coats that are easy to maintain and only require regular brushing to remove loose hair. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
