All Dogs Welcome

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium sized dog with extraordinary musculature.  While it is said that these dogs are unusually strong for their size this is not a surprise as on viewing the dog the first impression one receives is that of great power and endurance.
These dogs possess broad skulls with a medium length muzzle and strong jaw.  The head, deep chest, back and hind quarters are all well defined and well muscled. All of this adds to their grace and agility.

Although the AmStaff is seen in many colors or combinations, and can be solid, patched or parti-colored, the AKC discourages dogs that are more than 80 percent white or liver colored. 

These beautiful, powerful and agile creatures happen to be extremely docile, affectionate, playful and gentle.  The AmStaff is instinctivly friendly toward people and very loving and tolerant with children. Docility and obedience are traits for which these dogs were bred.  This is a breed that wants two things:
     1.  to please it's people, and,
     2.  affection and attention from its people.

While the reputation of the 'bully breeds' is undeserved, remember that this is a confident and powerful dog that will defend it's people and property with total fearlessness and courage.

An AmStaff may be aggressive with other dogs, especially those that of the same sex or those that seem aggressive.  However, The American Staffordshire Terrier can get along with other animals if properly introduced and if a human has established themselves as the pack leader.

The American Staffordshire Terrier requires ample daily exercise to remain happy, calm, and obedient.  Exercise should include daily long walks or jogs, and if possible, backyard activities such as fetching or agility training.  The AmStaff is a house pet so let him spend his energy with outdoor activities so you can both enjoy the home.
The short, smooth coat requires little attention other than occasional brushing and bathing as necessary.

All dig breeds are inclined to certain health conditions.  Those that are most notable in the American Staffordshire Terrier include: congenital heart disease, canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia,
luxating patella, and thyroid dysfunction.

Other minor conditions that may occur include skin allergies, urinary tract infections, and autoimmune diseases.

As these dogs age they may develop hereditary cataracts, senior ataxia, spondylosis and osteoarthritis.

The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar breeds. The American Staffordshire Terrier, are generally of larger bone structure, head size and weight then their cousins the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Several countries, twelve at last count, have enacted breed specific legislation (BSL) regarding pit bull type dogs.  These laws vary from restricting owners and living situations to outright bans.  Many planned communities also have restrictions against these breeds.  Be sure to find out if the area or community in which you live has enacted any legislation before considering an APBT as a pet.

At one time APBT owners evaded the breed specific laws by claiming their dog was actually an AmStaff.  Both breeds are now considered 'pit bull types' or 'bully breeds' that are covered under the breed specific regulations.

Not all kennel clubs and SPCA's recognize these as separate breeds.

AmStaffs are ideally suited to many dog sports and compete at  obedience trials, agility, tracking and conformation.

Training should include establishing yourself as the pack leader.  For example, while out on a walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Also teach them to enter and exit doors and gateways after the humans and only upon command or signal.

Train your AmStaff well so it understands your commands and can remain a happy and vibrant member of your household.

Like it's cousin the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire Terrier excelled at pit fighting.  It is in this arena that the names Pit Bull Terrier and American Bull Terrier became common.

Unlikely though it may seem, it is the pit fighting that led to the AmStaff being known for its docility and tractability.  Not because they fought other dogs, but rather, because the owners realized that they needed to be able to control these animals even in the pit.  So the dogs that displayed these traits the most were the ones to be bred as often as possible.  Thus resulting in the sweet and trustworthy personality for which the breed is known.

Unfortunately there have always been too many individuals and groups more interested in the breed's fighting ability than in their beauty and personality. Thus the inception of breed specific legislation for all 'bully' type dogs.

Pete, or Petey, was a star in the Our Gang films and the Little Rascals series.

Bud was the first dog to take a cross-country drive  in the US. This occurred in 1903 with his owner Horatio Nelson Jackson and a bicycle mechanic, Sewall Crocker.  “Bud soon became an enthusiast for motoring," Jackson bragged, especially after his masters put a pair of their goggles on him to keep the stinging, alkali dust out of his eyes.

Jack Brutus was the official mascot of Company K, the First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War.

Sergeant Stubby was the most decorated dog in military history and the only dog to have been promoted during battle. He fought for 18 months in the trenches for France during World War I for 17 battles. Stubby warned his fellow soldiers of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in No Man's Land, and listened for incoming artillery rounds. He was also responsible for the capture of a German spy at Argonne. After his time in the war, Stubby met US Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding. He was awarded life memberships to the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA. Sergeant Stubby died on March 16, 1926.

The AmStaff is a wonderful family pet.  This dog should be part of an active family that will give him all the exercise and activity he needs supplemented with lots of attention and affection.  The primary owner should be comfortable establishing himself in the alpha role.
Although your American Staffordshire Terrier would love a large fenced yard in which to run and play he will do fine without one if walked and / or run daily.

The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from the same stock as the American Pit bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  The latter was developed in England and has longer legs and is somewhat more slight than the AmStaff.  It is this change in height and weight which occurred in the US that caused the AKC to recognize the AmStaff as a separate breed from the Staffordshire bull Terrier.
These dogs were all bred from the old bulldog and various terriers.  it is believed that the English Smooth Terrier was the primary stock used for this breeding.

AKC, Terrier Group
CKC, Mastiff

FCI, AKC, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APBR, ANKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR