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American Staffordshire Terrier

October 17, 2022 17 min read

American Staffordshire Terrier

Introduction

The Staffordshire Terrier is a breed of dog that is known for its muscular body and short coat. The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff for short, is the result of crossing various breeds of terriers with bulldogs to create one breed. However, due to breeders picking different breeds at different times during this process and some dogs being poorly bred then passed off as purebreds, there are several variations between what an AmStaff looks like compared to a purebred one.

American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Overview

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized, muscular dog known for its strength and loyalty. It has a short coat that can be smooth or rough. The breed was created in the early 19th century from crossing bulldogs with terriers from England and Ireland.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is bred in two sizes: standard (24 to 27 inches tall) and miniature (17 to 20 inches tall). The breed comes in many colors including black and tan, liver with white markings and brindle.

Like other dogs bred for fighting, some American Staffordshire Terriers can be aggressive toward other dogs they do not know or people they do not like. This trait makes training these dogs very challenging but rewarding when you succeed!

Characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is known for its strength, agility and energy. They are very friendly and can be trained to do tricks or competitions such as agility and obedience.

History of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a close relative of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and in fact was originally bred for fighting purposes. However, it has since been redeemed as a loyal family pet.

Interestingly enough, the AKC recognized the breed almost a century ago in 1936 but then deemed it too dangerous to keep around; they only granted full recognition again in 1972 after working with UK organizations to improve its temperament and safety measures.

2 American Staffordshire Terrier dogs

American Staffordshire Terrier Appearance

American Staffordshire Terriers have a broad, square head with a short muzzle, and their ears are usually cropped to stand erect. Their tail is straight and tapers to a point. They have large, round eyes that are dark in color. American Staffordshire Terriers typically weigh between 55–80 pounds (25–36 kg) at maturity, but the average weight is 60 pounds (27 kg).

American Staffordshire Terrier Personality

You should be wary when approaching an American Staffordshire Terrier for the first time, because he is a very territorial dog. He will not tolerate any other dog entering his territory without his permission, and if you try to get close to him without asking, he will warn you off with a growl or even an attack if you don't heed his warning.

The American Staffordshire Terrier needs plenty of exercise so that he can burn off some of his energy and keep himself fit. If you don't give him enough exercise, he may become bored and destructive in your home or yard. If you live in a suburban area then it would be best to walk your dog daily on leash around your neighborhood so that it gets plenty of exercise while also keeping him under control at all times when walking past other people and pets who might have allergies or dislike dogs.

American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very versatile dog. It can be used as a companion, hunter, guard dog and even in some organized sports like agility or flyball. The American Staffordshire Terrier has been bred to have high energy levels and tends to be energetic, but it does well with regular exercise. However, this breed needs plenty of time with its owners for play and training so it does not become bored or destructive.

Where to Adopt or Buy a American Staffordshire Terrier?

If you want to adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier, look for a rescue or shelter that takes in dogs that are not purebred. A lot of these places will also take home-raised dogs as well. You should always check with the shelter about their adoption policies and fees before making your final decision.

If you've already decided on buying a puppy, then it's time to start looking at breeders. There are many reputable breeders all over the country who have been breeding American Staffordshire Terriers for decades, so make sure they are reputable by checking out their credentials and talking with other dog owners who have bought from them before.

What’s the Price of American Staffordshire Terrier?

The price of an American Staffordshire Terrier will vary depending on the breeder and whether they are a show dog or not.

If you choose to buy from a breeder, it is important that you do your research. Good breeders will have all their dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This means that if you decide to sell your dog in the future, there will be no question about its pedigree or status as an AKC purebred dog.

Diet and Nutrition of American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog that requires an appropriate diet. Your dog's overall health depends on how well you feed it, so it's important to learn the right way to feed your pet. If you don't know much about nutrition and dieting, then here are some tips that can help:


  • Feed them high-quality foods with lots of protein and fat. Their nutritional needs should be met by eating animal products, especially chicken and eggs. They also like fish such as salmon or tuna in their diet as well as cheese which contains calcium which helps keep bones strong. Healthy fats like olive oil are necessary because they help prevent arthritis while also improving coat quality if given enough exercise outside (or inside if weather isn't suitable).


Pros of American Staffordshire Terrier

  • Affectionate and social

  • Protective of family

  • Smart, trainable and easy to groom

  • Good for apartment living and travel

American Staffordshire Terrier dog in the wild

Cons of American Staffordshire Terrier

  • They are a high energy breed and need to be taken for a walk or played with every day.

  • They can be aggressive towards other animals, especially those of the same sex.

  • They do not like being left alone for long periods of time, so you will need to make sure that if you go out that someone is looking after them.

Things to know if you own a American Staffordshire Terrier

If you own a Staffordshire Terrier, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • They are energetic and have a lot of energy. If you don't have the time to run around with your dog every day, this is not the breed for you.

  • They can be territorial. They will protect their homes and territory (i.e., yard) from intruders like other animals or people they don't know well. This behavior can also extend to other dogs as well if they see them as threats—if that's something that concerns you then make sure there are no other pets in the home when getting a new Staffordshire Terrier puppy!

  • Their temperament varies by pup but overall they're friendly dogs who enjoy human company (and lots of playtime).

Exercise

Dogs are pack animals and need to feel like they're part of a family. To do this, you should spend time with your dog every day and build a strong bond with them. If you have trouble doing that, consider adopting another dog to keep them company.

You can also get your American Staffordshire Terrier involved in some other activities that would help him lose weight and stay fit:

  • Walking - not only will this give your dog more exercise than they would get by just lounging around the house all day (which may lead to weight gain), but it gives both of you an opportunity to bond together as well!

  • Training - if done correctly (and we'll talk about that in the next section), training is another way for both owner and pet alike to get some healthy exercise while having fun at the same time!

Training

The Staffordshire terrier was originally bred to be a watch dog. As such, they are very alert and watchful of their surroundings.

If you want your dog to become an obedient and loyal member of your family then it is essential that they receive good training from an early age. They need to be taught basic commands such as sit, stay and come back when called. It will also help them learn how to walk on a lead without pulling you along with them!

Grooming

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, smooth coat is easy to care for. Brushing him once a week should keep it clean and free of tangles. Use a slicker brush or rubber curry after baths to remove loose hair and massage skin oils back into his coat.

A bath every two weeks with an oatmeal-based shampoo will help keep the ASF's skin soft, but you should avoid giving him frequent baths because they can cause dryness and irritation. In general, try not to bathe him more than twice per month unless he gets really dirty or smells bad (in which case you can use an enzymatic shampoo).

Care

Care

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is moderately active and needs a long daily walk. Without enough exercise, it can become hyperactive and/or destructive. They are an excellent jogging companion due to their stamina and endurance. While this breed should have plenty of exercise, it does not require large amounts of vigorous activity or extended periods at the dog park where it will run off-leash. Instead, more frequent walks (on-leash) are recommended to keep the dog in shape and prevent boredom that may lead to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing things up if left alone too much at home with no one else around.

American Staffordshire Terrier FAQs

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a pitbull?

No, the American Staffordshire Terrier is not a pitbull. The American Staffordshire Terrier was bred to be a companion dog and family pet with an athletic build and strong personality. He's also great at protecting his family; he's highly intelligent, loyal, and protective of his loved ones. But even though he's been bred as a working dog for generations, he's still got that sweet temperament that makes him such a good housepet too!

American Staffordshire Terrier dog running

Is an American Staffy a good family dog?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fantastic family dog, but there are a few things that you should be aware of.

  • They can be aggressive towards other dogs and other animals, so if you have a cat or another dog in the house, it might be best to keep your Staffy separated from them until they get used to each other. Once they're comfortable with each other, they'll likely get along just fine!

  • Staffies love children - but remember that like any dog breed (including the American Staffordshire Terrier), kids need to be trained how to play with them properly. If kids use their hands when playing with their puppy or new adult Staffy it could trigger aggression in both of them. Instead try using toys instead!

What is the difference between a Staffy and an American Staffy?

A Staffy is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, while an American Staffordshire Terrier (or "AmStaff") is a Pitbull.

The main difference between the two breeds is that a Staffy has been bred to be more docile and less aggressive than its ancestor, the Pitbull. This means that you'll often see AmStaffs in working roles such as search and rescue or therapy dogs.

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier considered an aggressive breed?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a friendly dog. If properly socialized and trained, this breed will be an excellent family pet.

The American Staffordshire Terrier originated in the United States as a working dog that was bred to fight other dogs for sport. This can make them more prone to aggression than other breeds, but it doesn’t mean that they are aggressive by nature. An American Staffordshire Terrier can be happy living with children or other pets if raised alongside them from puppyhood and properly trained throughout their lives.

How do you tell if your dog is a pitbull or Staffy?

If you’re looking for a breed that can play with the kids, take on the family pet and provide companionship for walks around the neighborhood, your search is over: The American Staffordshire Terrier (or “Staffy”) is your dog.

But how do you know if it’s really an American Staffordshire Terrier? It may be easy to get confused between this dog breed and its more common look-alike: The pitbull.

Here are some simple ways to tell if your dog has traits of an American Staffordshire Terrier or not:

What's difference between American pitbull and American Staffy?

If you're looking to purchase a dog, you may be wondering about the difference between American pitbull and American Staffordshire terrier (aka American Staffy). Both breeds are known for their loyalty, intelligence and athleticism. Here's a closer look at these two canine companions:

American Pit Bull Terrier

  • The American Pit Bull Terrier is an athletic breed that can do well in agility training or other similar activities. They are also athletic enough to participate in dog sports such as flyball or disc catch where they compete against other dogs using their natural abilities.

  • This breed does well living with children who are respectful and gentle with them since these pups love being around kids who will pay attention to them. They also get along well with other pets in the household if they're properly socialized early on so everyone gets along peacefully while sharing space together!

American Staffordshire Terrier

Do Staffies like long walks?

Do they like long walks?

Yes, but they probably won’t be able to keep up with you. They are built for short bursts of energy and they will only want to walk so far before they need a break. They do love the outdoors though and will enjoy sniffing around your neighborhood with you!

Do Staffordshire Terriers bark a lot?

Yes, they do. They're terriers, after all! Terriers are known for their high-pitched barks that can carry a long way. This is a great trait when they're alerting you of something happening outside, but it can be frustrating if you're trying to relax inside your home, like during a movie night or when your kids are trying to sleep. If this sounds like an issue for you and your family, consider adopting a different breed of dog or one with a milder bark.

American Staffordshire Terrier dog on the grass

Are Staffies loyal to one person?

A Staffordshire Terrier will be loyal to one person and may show aggression toward others. This doesn't mean that he won't be friendly with other people, but he can be a bit territorial when it comes to his owner.

The Staffy is bred for fighting, so if you have children in the house and a Staffy, make sure everyone knows how to handle this breed of dog properly.

Is a blue nose pitbull a Staffordshire?

The answer to that question is yes and no. A blue nose pitbull isn't likely to be the same breed as a Staffordshire Terrier but it can still be called a blue nose pitbull.

A Staffordshire Terrier is a type of dog, whereas "blue nose pitbull" is slang for American Pit Bull Terriers with a certain coloration on their noses. The most common characteristic associated with Staffordshire Terriers are their large heads and short legs—they were bred to hunt badgers, foxes and other animals in England centuries ago.

How long do Staffordshire Terriers live?

How long do Staffordshire Terriers live?

The average lifespan of a Staffordshire Terrier is 10 to 12 years.

Are American staffies more aggressive than English Staffies?

The American Staffordshire Terrier (AS), known as the “Am Staff” or Amstaff, is a medium-sized breed of dog developed in the United States. It was bred to be an all-around working dog and companion. The American Staffordshire Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1898, first by the American Kennel Club in 1936 and then by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1946.

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier (EST) is a medium-sized breed of dog developed in 19th century Birmingham, England for fighting other dogs for sport or entertainment. This type of Bulldog may be called an English Bull Terrier or Old Family Bulldog when used as pets rather than fighters. The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially recognized as a distinctive new breed by The Kennel Club (UK) on November 1st 1873; however, it has existed since before this date only with different names such as: "Staffordshire Pit Dog" & "Staffordshire Fighting Dog."

Are Staffy dogs easy to train?

It's important to remember that your Staffy is still a dog, and like all dogs, she needs training. Training doesn't have to be difficult—in fact, it can be very rewarding for both you and your pet. Here are some tips for getting started:

  • Use positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement is when the dog learns that good behavior leads to rewards and bad behavior leads to consequences. For example, if you want your dog to stop jumping up on people, give her treats when she sits politely instead of jumping up on people; this way she'll learn that sitting politely is always preferable over jumping up on people because it gains her attention from those around her rather than causing them discomfort or annoyance.

  • Keep things simple at first! Don't overwhelm yourself with too many new tricks at once; work slowly until each individual trick becomes an automatic part of your routine before moving onto another one entirely different from the last one learned (i

What's bigger English or American Staffy?

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a larger dog than the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The American Staffordshire Terrier can weigh anywhere from 30lb to 50lb and have a height of 15” to 18” at the withers, while an English Bulldog can weigh up to 100lb and measure up to 18” at the withers.

What to do if a Staffy bites you?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a Staffy, it's important to know what to do next.

If the dog is not aggressive toward other humans, and if the bite is not severe:

  • Wash the wound with soap and water.

  • Apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage it up.

  • Monitor the bite for redness or swelling that doesn't go away within 24 hours; if this happens, see a doctor immediately. If both dogs are healthy and free of disease:

  • If neither dog appears to be in pain or discomfort after 15 minutes of observation:

  • Do not restrain either animal unless you feel threatened (if so, use reasonable force in response).

What do you call a pitbull Staffy mix?

If you have a pitbull Staffy mix, you may be wondering what to call your new pup. There is no specific breed known as the "Staffy," so it can sometimes be confusing when referring to a dog that has both Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bulls in its lineage. You might just want to use their breed names: Staffy or Pitbull. If there are any other breeds involved in their genetic makeup, those can also be added into the mix!

How strong is a Staffy bite?

A lot of people are curious about how strong a Staffy bite is, so let’s take a look at that.

The Staffordshire Terrier was bred to be an all-around farm dog, which means they have the ability to do all kinds of jobs on the farm. They have been used as hunters, guard dogs and watchdogs for centuries. The same goes for modern day Staffies. They love going out for walks with their owners and making sure everyone who comes around is safe from harm.

Staffordshire Terriers are known as a tough breed because they were bred for their strength and stamina in order to perform multiple tasks on the farm or in other environments where hard physical labor was needed most times throughout history like hunting or guarding livestock from predators such as foxes when placed near farms back then when there wasn't any fencing around them yet so something needed protecting them from those predators attacking them while doing their job at night time when no one's nearby except maybe some family members watching over them during this time period only but not anyone else who wants nothing more than killing these animals off so they would've been eaten by someone else instead if these animals weren't protected well enough by someone who knew how strong these animals could be if trained correctly through proper training methods taught by experienced trainers like myself here today at my school where I teach people how exactly...

Are Staffies lap dogs?

Staffies are not lap dogs. They're a medium-sized dog and can weigh in at 25 to 35 pounds, depending on the individual dog. If you are looking for a lap dog, do not get a Staffie! It is possible that your Staffie will be more comfortable with being held when they're very young (less than one year old), but as they grow older, your Staffie will not want to be held all the time like other smaller dogs may do.

American Staffordshire Terrier dog sitting on the floor

Are Staffies anxious dogs?

Staffies are very friendly. They have a tendency to be anxious around strangers and other animals, but are usually quite loving and affectionate with their owners.

If you don't want to take on an anxious dog, then maybe a Staffordshire Terrier isn't for you. If this is the case, then there are other dog breeds that could help out your family in different ways—and they won't make your life as difficult!

Why do Staffies heads split?

It's a serious question, and one that's been asked by a lot of people. The answer is: we don't know.

The British Staffordshire Bull Terrier Association, the UK's largest Staffie club, has this to say on their website: "Unfortunately we do not have any definitive answers to these questions and it would be pure speculation to try and explain them." In other words, they're just as in the dark as everyone else.

Benjamin Mee, author of Our Dogs: Their Secret Lives (2003) says he thinks the split face phenomenon is due in part to genetics—genetically similar dogs share similar characteristics—but also says that it might be influenced by the environment, too; for example,"If you look at photographs from Victorian England there are no split faces like today’s [Staffies]."

Do Staffies like to cuddle?

Staffies are a loving breed. If you want to cuddle with your Staffie, they will love you back. They are affectionate and loyal to their family members.

Why do Staffies sit on your feet?

Staffies are a great size for sitting on your feet and taking a nap. They’re also very affectionate and like to show their love with physical contact. For example, if you’re eating dinner, your Staffordshire Terrier may find it necessary to sit by your feet as you eat so that he can be close to you. If he wants more attention, he might even lay down on top of them!

What dog is a good companion for a Staffy?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an extremely affectionate dog, and loves to be around people. Being naturally protective, the breed does not take kindly to strangers. They are highly intelligent and can be trained for many things including obedience, agility and weight pulling.

They’re not recommended for homes with small children because of their tendency towards aggression when provoked or frightened by smaller children who might hurt them accidentally. If you want a companion that requires minimal grooming but still provides exercise and entertainment for your lifestyle (like running around in the backyard), this dog could fit the bill perfectly!

Are Staffies intelligent?

A Staffie is a clever breed that can learn new tricks quickly. If you don't want to spend your time training your dog, you should consider another breed.

Staffies are active and need plenty of exercise every day. They are happiest when they have something fun to do like going to the park or playing with toys in the garden.

Is a male or female Staffy better?

While you might be tempted to get a female Staffy, who are known for their gentleness and love of people, the best option is to adopt a male. Males tend to be more independent and self-sufficient than females, which makes them better friends with other pets or children.

Can Staffies be left alone?

The Staffordshire Terrier is a breed that can definitely be left alone. With their independent nature, they do not need to be constantly around people or other animals to be happy. However, it is important to remember that this breed requires exercise so they do not become bored and destructive. When left alone for long periods of time without exercise, Staffies can become destructive as well as develop behavioral issues such as barking excessively when bored or alone.

American Staffordshire Terrier in the forest

Why do Staffies talk?

They talk because they want to communicate with you, but also because they don't realize that barking is not appropriate in all situations. They may bark at strangers or other dogs because this is a natural response for them. You can teach your Staffie to be quiet on command by teaching him to respond when he hears his name and then rewarding him for doing so.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with the American Staffordshire Terrier. If you’re looking for a new dog or ready to adopt one, check out our list of top 10 breeds here!

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