American Staffordshire Terrier

also known as Amstaff, Staffy, Stafford

Pros History


The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the Amstaff, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the United States. This breed is known for its powerful build, loyalty, and courage. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.

The American Staffordshire Terrier was developed from the bulldogs and terriers that were brought to the United States by English immigrants. These dogs were used for a variety of tasks, including hunting, herding, and as a protector. Over time, these breeds were interbred to create a new breed, which was known as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

In 1936, the breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club and was given the name American Staffordshire Terrier. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.

During the 20th century, the American Staffordshire Terrier became a popular companion dog and show dog. They were also used as a working dog in various tasks such as search and rescue, police work, and therapy dog. However, in the 1970s, the breed's reputation was tarnished by negative press, which associated the American Staffordshire Terrier with dog fighting. As a result, the breed's popularity waned.

Breed Information


Type

Is American Staffordshire Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were American Staffordshire Terriers originally used for?

bull baiting, dog fighting

Lifespan

How Long Do American Staffordshire Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for an American Staffordshire Terrier? How long can American Staffordshire Terriers live?

12-14 years

The average American Staffordshire Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

American Staffordshire Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown American Staffordshire Terrier?

What is the average height of an American Staffordshire Terrier? How big is an Purebred American Staffordshire Terrier height? American Staffordshire Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-19 inches (45.7 - 48.3 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 17-18 inches (43.2 - 45.7 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an American Staffordshire Terrier? How much should American Staffordshire Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-50 pounds (18 - 23 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg)
Female 40-50 pounds (18 - 23 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do American Staffordshire Terriers get fat easily?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are American Staffordshire Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the American Staffordshire Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an American Staffordshire Terrier personality? What are American Staffordshire Terrier dogs best known for?

Attentive
Devoted
Loyal
Intelligent
Courageous
Friendly
Tenacious

Shedding Level

Are American Staffordshire Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Shed?

American Staffordshire Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an American Staffordshire Terrier dog?

The American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do American Staffordshire Terriers come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are American Staffordshire Terriers descended from?

bull terrier, mastiff

Date of Birth

When were American Staffordshire Terriers first bred? How old is the American Staffordshire Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1936)

American Staffordshire Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are American Staffordshire Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can American Staffordshire Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can American Staffordshire Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is an American Staffordshire Terriers coat?

American Staffordshire Terriers are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The American Staffordshire Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an American Staffordshire Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can an American Staffordshire Terrier have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

An American Staffordshire Terrier can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

American Staffordshire Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do American Staffordshire Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Heart Conditions

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to American Staffordshire Terriers?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Bladder Stones

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for American Staffordshire Terrier breed?

Blood And Urine Protein Screens
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays

American Staffordshire Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do American Staffordshire Terriers have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, American Staffordshire Terriers may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do American Staffordshire Terriers need socialization? How social are American Staffordshire Terriers?

American Staffordshire Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should American Staffordshire Terriers get?

The American Staffordshire Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an American Staffordshire Terrier have? Do American Staffordshire Terriers sleep a lot?

The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does an American Staffordshire Terrier drool a lot?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

American Staffordshire Terriers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do American Staffordshire Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are American Staffordshire Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an American Staffordshire Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do American Staffordshire Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my American Staffordshire Terrier busy?

Playdate, Boat ride, Walk, Run, Catch treats, Play keep away, Play, Shake, Chase, Fetch, Flyball, Dog Parks, Mushing, Dressing up, Yoga, Swim, Snuggles, Kisses, Petting, Walking, Chewing, Ball, Sniffing, Cuddling, Running, Playing, Cuddles, Pets, Getting treats, Frisbee

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an American Staffordshire Terrier? How much energy does an American Staffordshire Terrier have?

Medium

American Staffordshire Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an American Staffordshire Terrier walk each week? How many miles should an American Staffordshire Terrier walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Staffordshire Terrier, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an American Staffordshire Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does an American Staffordshire Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most American Staffordshire Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Weekly

American Staffordshire Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for American Staffordshire Terriers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an American Staffordshire Terrier eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) American Staffordshire Terrier feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an American Staffordshire Terrier is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Staffordshire Terrier is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

American Staffordshire Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an American Staffordshire Terrier dog?

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are American Staffordshire Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do American Staffordshire Terrier do well in apartments? Are American Staffordshire Terriers good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the American Staffordshire Terrier in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. American Staffordshire Terriers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are American Staffordshire Terriers good with kids? Are American Staffordshire Terriers good around children?

American Staffordshire Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are American Staffordshire Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are American Staffordshire Terriers good with cats? How friendly American Staffordshire Terriers are toward cats?

American Staffordshire Terriers are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do American Staffordshire Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are American Staffordshire Terriers OK with other dogs?

American Staffordshire Terriers are not dog friendly dogs.

Pet friendly

How do American Staffordshire Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are American Staffordshire Terriers friendly with strangers?

American Staffordshire Terriers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do American Staffordshire Terriers like to play? Are American Staffordshire Terriers playful?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your American Staffordshire Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are American Staffordshire Terrier easily trained?

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal
    Affectionate towards their owners, making them great companion dogs
  • Family friendly
    Good with children and other pets, making them a great family pet
  • Minimal to no shedding
    American Staffordshire Terrier shedding is infrequent, or even non-existent.
  • Watchdog
    Brave and protective nature, making them good watchdogs
  • Office Friendly
    American Staffordshire Terriers are well-suited for the office environment
  • Service Dog
    This breed is well-adapted for the demands of service dog work.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The risk of overweight in American Staffordshire Terriers is generally low to average.
  • Guard dog
    Good guard dog, making them suitable for homes with high-security needs

Cons

  • Not Apartment Friendly
    American Staffordshire Terrier may not thrive in a home environment.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, American Staffordshire Terriers may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Not cat-friendly
    It is unlikely that a American Staffordshire Terrier will be comfortable around cats.
  • Exercise
    Requires regular exercise, as they are an energetic breed