American Staffordshire Terrier
A muscular, people-loving bull-type terrier that needs exercise, structure and careful management around other dogs.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 46–48 cm · Females 43–46 cm
- Weight
- Males 25–32 kg · Females 20–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Most colours
- Bred for
- Companionship, Guarding
- Country of origin
- United States
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 286 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 4/5 – High |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 2/5 – Low |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want an affectionate, physical companion
- have experience with strong dogs
- can commit to daily training and exercise
Think twice if you …
- want to visit dog parks often
- live where bull-type breeds face restrictions
- can't control a strong dog on lead
Care
Temperament
AmStaffs are confident, loyal and very people-oriented, often clownish with their family. They can be reactive to other dogs, especially of the same sex, and need careful early socialisation.
Exercise
Plan for an hour or more of walks, play and training every day. Tug games, flirt pole, weight pulling and obedience suit the breed well.
Grooming
The short coat needs only a weekly brush and occasional bath. Shedding is light to moderate.
Training
They are intelligent and food-motivated but strong-willed. Consistent, reward-based training from puppyhood and good lead manners are essential.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease and cerebellar ataxia (NCL-A) are known in the breed. Ask the breeder for hip, elbow, heart and DNA results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Heart
DNA tests
- NCL-A (cerebellar ataxia)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from the bull-and-terrier dogs brought to the United States from Britain in the 19th century. American breeders selected a slightly larger, heavier dog than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the AKC recognised it in 1936.
At home an AmStaff is usually affectionate, playful and keen to be close to its people. It is strong and enthusiastic, so it needs an owner who can handle it on lead and provide daily outlets for its energy. Many get on well with children they know, but some are intolerant of other dogs, and local rules on bull-type breeds should be checked before buying.
Did you know?
The breed was registered by the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936 and renamed American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.