Want a reliable dog that loves to move? Look no further! The American Staffordshire Terrier — known lovingly as “AmStaff” — could be your ideal canine match.
Although American by name, this breed originates from England. In the early 1800s, a bulldog was crossed with a terrier to create Staffordshire Terriers, used for bull-baiting or dog-fighting.
Staffordshire Terriers were brought to the US in the 1930s, after which breeders developed a form of the breed that was larger in build. These dogs were named American Staffordshire Terriers by the American Kennel Club.
“AmStaffs are cousins to the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and a Miniature Bull Terrier,” says Linda Lavender, breeder and founder of Irresistibull Staffords.
American Staffordshire Terriers are recognizable for their “solid” muscular appearance. In terms of coat color, this breed has it all!
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: England
- Size:
- Weight: 45-75 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Breed Appearance
American Staffordshire Terriers are well-known for their stocky appearance. Muscles are noticeable on their head and cheeks, while their body resembles a laid-down hourglass. “They should have a wide rib cage,” Lavender says. “You should be able to see a smaller waistline, and then the rear should be wide and muscular.”
An AmStaff’s typical height is 17-19 inches at the withers, Lavender says, which is where the “neck meets the back.” Next to a human, they’re about knee height or just under.
AmStaffs’ weight varies between genders. Females are around 47-53 lbs, and males 65-75 lbs. “They stop growing in height at around nine months, but it can take them till three years old to be considered finished [and] attain all the mass they’re famous for,” Lavender says.
This breed comes in various shades, and their color may be full, partial, or patched. However, Lavender says some color variations are discouraged, like solid white, more than 80% white, black and tan, and liver. Their noses should always be black, too.
American Staffordshire Terrier Personality
It’s not all about looks! So what AmStaff personality traits are there to love? “AmStaffs are good-natured and typically great family dogs. They’re typically strong, friendly, and smart,” shares Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. She adds that pet parents should be mindful of this curious nature means they like sniffing things out or, on the off chance, eating something they shouldn’t.
These canines are not wallflowers and love to be on the move, whether that means invigorating daily walks or other forms of exercise. Additionally, Fox says they can be a bit rambunctious. However, she adds that American Staffordshire Terriers take well to training to help reduce this rowdy behavior.
American Staffordshire Terrier Health
Before getting an American Staffordshire Terrier, Dr. Matt Murphy, the lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet Uptown, says you should be aware of their genetic traits, leaving them predisposed to the following conditions:
- Dysplasia. Murphy says AmStaffs can experience various orthopedic issues, but dysplasia of the elbow or hip — aka where the joints develop abnormally — is one of the most common. “Hip dysplasia leads to arthritis development and decreased mobility later in life,” he adds. Surgery is possible, but these aren’t always 100% successful.
- Hypothyroidism. Many AmStaffs develop hypothyroidism, Murphy says. This disorder means there’s an abnormal amount of thyroid hormone being produced. Hormone imbalances can lead to weight gain and skin issues. “This is where a veterinarian can be vitally important to differentiate between allergies and hypothyroidism with appropriate blood tests,” he explains.
- Arthritis. Murphy shares that some AmStaffs experience arthritis as they age. However, he explains that vets can slow arthritis development with supplements and other medications. Supplement options include glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Always consult your vet before giving your pup pain medication or supplements.
- Skin issues. Atopic dermatitis with secondary infection is common among AmStaffs, Murphy reveals. Fortunately, he says most allergy and skin infection symptoms can be controlled. Treatments range from regular bathing to medications.
Ideal Environment for an American Staffordshire Terrier
Good news for apartment dwellers: Lavender says you don’t need a big house to own an AmStaff. “As long as they’re provided a daily outlet for their energy, they can be happy and well adjusted in smaller homes and apartments,” she reveals.
When it comes to activities, Fox says American Staffordshire Terriers do best where exercise and play are a priority. As social dogs, they love being part of family activities, so take your pup with you when you go for a run or cycle.
If heading outside, Lavender recommends keeping AmStaffs away from busy dog parks, where many canines will be off-leash and out of control. Furthermore, she says to socialize your AmStaff with laid-back dogs of all sizes. You don’t want them to be frightened by an overly aggressive or rough dog while they’re young.
Fox says mental workouts are just as important for these clever canines and can be achieved through obedience training and food puzzles. Together, these activities should be a minimum of 30-40 minutes a day.
Ideal Human for an American Staffordshire Terrier
If you’re an active individual with a soft side, AmStaffs could be a great match. “The ideal AmStaff owner should be strong-minded, fair, loving, and provide mental and physical stimulation daily,” Lavender says.
Aside from running about, Lavender says AmStaffs like to work, then relax and cuddle. She adds that it’s important for this breed to respect and trust their pet parent; consequently, she recommends going through formal professional obedience training.
What if you have kids or other pets? Lavender says establishing good habits and training early on is vital. “They are generally very good with kids,” she explains. “However, they can play rough and knock over smaller children.” To combat this, carve out good play habits when they’re a puppy, and supervise all interactions with children.
As for other pets, Lavender says they can be good with cats and other dogs if raised with them from an early age and properly socialized. However, since AmStaffs can be very dominant, adding them to the mix if you have dogs in the home that are naughty or nervous and small is a no-go.
American Staffordshire Terrier Training
Although many AmStaffs are even-tempered and great around people, Fox says they can act aggressive toward or have difficulty interacting with other dogs. Luckily, she says this can be helped with early socialization and training.
Before diving into training, Joe Nutkins, an accredited dog trainer and canine behaviorist, says pet parents should remember that AmStaffs are highly intelligent and need to be understood by their handler or caregiver.
People often call this breed stubborn, but, in reality, she explains they simply need to understand what’s being taught and what’s in it for them. Nutkin says the length of time to train an AmStaff depends on what’s being taught and the frequency of training sessions. But simpler training commands, such as laying down, can be achieved quickly.
Keep things short, sweet, and fun. Nutkins reveals AmStaffs have a shorter attention span but like being challenged mentally and physically — so mix things up! There aren’t many things AmStaffs can’t be trained for, she says, although they’re more likely to engage in activities like agility training, tricks, and scent work.
Nutkins advises prioritizing recall and not jumping up at people when training this breed. “By teaching your AmStaff to not jump up at family, friends, and strangers, they get to interact with more people and visit more places,” she says. As a bonus, reducing jumping behaviors helps “protect their hip, pelvis, and knee joints.”
American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming
If you hate bi-weekly trips to the groomers, AmStaffs are a great option! “[They] are one of the lowest breeds when it comes to coat and grooming maintenance,” reveals Helen Kirby, head tutor and founder at Bone Idol Dog Grooming Academy.
Kirby says this breed has a smooth and single coat which typically grows to around 1 cm long; once it reaches this length, your pup will start shedding. This shorter hair length means AmStaffs are more susceptible to sunburn, especially if they have pink skin.
While AmStaffs may not need a frequent trim, Kirby says they still need regular at-home bathing to keep their skin clean and prevent bacteria build-up. Plus, she recommends visiting a groomer every 8-10 weeks to maintain an American Staffordshire Terrier’s nails, ears, and teeth healthy.
Why American Staffordshire Terriers May Not Be Right For You
In certain situations, getting an AmStaff might not be the best move. If you are more laid-back, you’ll unlikely be a good companion for these pups. They are full of energy and require lots of movement. Lavender adds it’s important to communicate your activity levels to the breeder before adopting an AmStaff.
Additionally, if the idea of a dog licking you turns your stomach? “This isn’t the breed for you,” Lavender states. “They enjoy closeness with their people.” Licking is one of many ways AmStaffs show their love.
Breeds like American Staffordshire Terriers
If an AmStaff isn’t quite the right breed for your family, don’t panic! Other breeds have similar traits and could make great alternatives. These include:
- Boxers. Fox says this breed is sweet, lovable, and upbeat, so they’re a good option if you’d like a dog to join in family activities. “They are typically great with children and are wonderful watchdogs,” she adds.
- Mastiffs. Looking for a social breed that doesn’t require as much daily activity? Fox says Mastiffs are gentle giants and great companions. “They are typically calm and require less exercise than an AmStaff,” she says.
- Labrador Retrievers. Want a sociable dog that’s equally happy around humans and other dogs but isn’t quite as boisterous as an AmStaff? “These dogs are outgoing and eager to please,” Fox says. Labs are “one of the most affectionate dogs who really love anyone.”
- Dachshunds. This breed is similar in size and nature to AmStaffs, but less exuberant. “These dogs are smart, slightly mischievous, and attentive,” Fox says. “They are smaller than AmStaffs but still very smart and loving.”