Dog Breed Guide

American Staffordshire Terrier

Profile

Size

Medium

Country of origin

United States

Origin

19th century

Bred for

Companion, Watchdog

Height

male 46 - 48cm (18 - 19in), female 43 - 46cm (17 - 18in)

Weight

18 - 32kg (40 - 71lb)

Life span

12 - 14 years

A powerful dog with bulging muscles, a broad head and strong jaws. It is very strong for its size and highly athletic. The short, stiff coat comes in a wide variety of colors.

The AmStaff is affectionate, friendly and cheerful with its family. It likes to please its owner, and a well-trained dog makes a very dependable partner. However, it can be combative with other dogs, so socialization from puppyhood and reliable training and control are essential.

It needs a lot of exercise and should get a good physical and mental workout every day. Skin allergies and joint problems are concerns.

Good to know

A close relative of the American Pit Bull Terrier, it shares the same ancestors. Bulldog and terrier crosses brought over from Britain in the 19th century grew larger in America, and in 1936 the American Kennel Club recognized them as the Staffordshire Terrier. From then on the breed distanced itself from its fighting image and took the path of family dog and show dog.

One of the best-known early dogs registered was Pete, the dog with a ring around one eye who played the children's sidekick in the Our Gang films.

To distinguish it from the smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier of Britain, "American" was later added to its name. Its nickname is "AmStaff." In the other major American registry, the UKC, it is treated as the same breed as the American Pit Bull Terrier.