American Staffordshire Terrier

Group

Terriers

Weight

18-27 kg

Height

48-53 cm

Lifespan

11-14 years

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About the American Staffordshire Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

If you are looking for a loyal furry friend to join you for jogs through the park as well as cuddles on the couch, the American Staffordshire Terrier might be the perfect fit for you.

Our breed guide will take you through this dog’s origins and history, tips on how to train them correctly and whether or not they can be with a feline friend.

By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with all the information you need to know whether this energetic bundle is the right choice for you!

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What is the history & origin of the American Staffordshire Terrier?

Originally bred in England, these dogs were mainly used on farms for herding the animals and protecting the property.

Introduced to America in the early 20th century, they were then named American Staffordshire Terrier, Amstaff’s short, by the American Kennel Club to keep the two breeds apart.

Due to their strong build and energetic personality, they have unfortunately been misused for dog fighting and blood sports in the past. This has given this misunderstood breed a bad reputation as being aggressive and dangerous.

Regardless, they are still one of the most popular Terrier breeds worldwide and are slowly regaining their reputation as loving and protective family pets.

Now they are actively involved in a lot of dog sports and competitions.

What is an American Staffordshire Terrier Breed?

Similar to an American Pit Bull Terrier, a Staffordshire Terrier is a very muscular and active, medium-sized, short-haired breed. They are a mix between a Bulldog and a Terrier and have a keen mix of both of these dog breeds’ most pertinent personality traits.

They are much larger than a Staffordshire Bull Terrier but have a very similar broad skull, with more muscular cheeks.

Unlike American Pit Bull Terriers, they are not illegal in certain countries and do not require breed-specific legislation.

Who is an American Staffordshire Terrier Best For?

If you are looking for an addition to your family or just a companion dog, they are excellent family dogs who are keen protectors of the household.

Owning a Staffie requires a person with a strong personality who is confident with their training and keeping their dog in line. If you are a novice, a Staffie might not be the best choice as a first dog, as they can be quite stubborn at times.

Staffies have both strong personalities and bodies, and therefore, you should be able to handle them on a leash; otherwise, they will likely walk you instead of you walking them.

They are intelligent creatures and require a lot of stimulation. Therefore, if you can’t offer them your time and attention, it might not be best to choose a dog other than a Staffie unless you want your furniture and other household items chewed to bits out of boredom.

Being a very active breed, these dogs requires a lot of physical stimulation, so if you are a keen walker or like to spend lots of time outdoors, these dogs will be the perfect fit for you.

American Staffordshire Terrier Grooming & Shedding

Grooming your dog’s glossy hair will be relatively easy, thanks to their short coat. A weekly grooming session with a thistle brush should be sufficient to remove any dirt or unnecessary hair.

You will only need to bathe them if you feel that they are getting smelly or they have gotten particularly dirty after a walk.

They shed very little and only shed their coat twice a year with the change of the seasons.

Trimming their nails is probably the most important part of their grooming, as long nails can be painful while walking and running.

Do American Staffordshire Terriers bark a lot?

While barking is one of the few means of communication that dogs have, it can be a nuisance to humans if it is excessive.

Generally, this dog breed is not known to bark excessively without reason. They do, however, alert their owners if someone approaches the house at times and will bark in dangerous situations but are not the commonly excited barkers like some other breeds.

What is the average weight & height of an American Staffordshire Terrier dog?

Staffies strong and muscular bodies can weigh between 18 and 27 kgs. They usually grow up to 48 cm in size, with females being slightly smaller than males.

Are American Staffordshire Terriers easy to train?

A responsibly trained Staffordshire Terrier will be a lifelong and loyal friend to its owner.

Obedience training and early socialisation are key with any dog breed. But due to their energetic personality and strength, it is definitely a necessity with a Staffie. Luckily an Amstaff is a highly trainable dog.

If not trained well, they can have provocative behaviour towards other animals if they haven’t learned from a young age how to behave around them.

Training proper walking manners is paramount as well as they can be quite a handful with their energetic temper and can easily pull their walkers around if they haven’t learned proper obedience.

They are eager to learn and are great at learning tricks and performing tasks. Staffies definitely excel at dog sports such as agility training and are also used in search-and-rescue missions.

How do American Staffordshire Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Staffies are loving, high energy dogs that are loyal to their owners to a fault. They are social dogs who love their families and being around humans. They even have a reputation as nanny dogs due to their protective and loving energy.

Contrary to popular belief, they are amazing with children and have very loving and cuddly personalities. They are great for a family dog!

Their reputation as being aggressive is anything but true, as these protective canines just have an intimidating appearance but a very sweet personality that loves being around humans and is eager to please.

Aggression usually stems from poor breeding, bad training, as well as a lack of socialisation and does not come as a part of a dog’s personality but rather as something that develops through life due to experiences and their environment.

They are intelligent and keen dogs that need lots of attention and mental stimulation and tasks to keep them busy.

Does the American Staffordshire Terrier have any common health issues?

Being a cross-breed, Staffordshire Terriers are generally a very healthy breed and robust in their nature. However, there are some health problems that can arise with these dogs that you should be on the lookout for:

Skin Irritations and Allergies: These dogs can be prone to skin issues, which may cause itching and discomfort.
Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition affects the hip joint, potentially leading to pain and arthritis as they age.
Urinary Tract Infections: Staffordshire Terriers can be susceptible to urinary tract infections, which may require prompt treatment.
Cardiac Disease: Some dogs may develop heart conditions, so regular vet check-ups are important.
Autoimmune Diseases: These conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, and they can vary in severity.

What is the lifespan of an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Thanks to their strong nature and being a cross-breed, Staffies are prone to live relatively long lives for dogs, and you may be able to enjoy your furry friend for up to 14 years.

How much does an American Staffordshire Terrier need to be fed?

A diet should always be appropriate to your dog’s age, and you should always consult with your vet to figure out the right amount and kind of nutrition for your furry friend.

Generally, this dog does well on highly nutritious quality food. Due to their affinity to skin allergies and irritations, a non-allergenic and gluten-free diet is recommended.

How much can you expect to pay for an American Staffordshire Terrier in Australia?

Staffordshire Terrier prices range from $1,500 to $5,000 in Australia. Pricing will differ greatly depending on whether you are getting your dog from a local breed club or as a rescue.

American Staffordshire Terrier FAQs

Can American Staffordshire Terrier be left alone?

Staffies can be left alone for a certain amount of time if they are provided with some toys to keep them busy and a place of their own where they can rest and feel safe.

This dog does not suffer as much from separation anxiety as other breeds but can tend to obsessive chewing of your furniture if bored and left alone for too long.

Do American Staffordshire Terriers get along with cats?

If socialised and introduced correctly, Staffies can live with cats. It all depends on your Staffie’s personality and training.

Some Staffies might see cats as prey and want to chase them, but if they are used to cats as companions, they can be very loving and affectionate with them.

Are American Staffordshire Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Even though they are not heavy shedders, Staffies are not hypoallergenic dogs and, therefore, will not be ideal for anyone that has a pet-hair allergy.

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a bully breed?

Even though not part of their name, Staffies are a bully breed as they are descendants of the Greece Molosser dog, who had the strong, muscular body traits that a Staffie shares with Pit Bulls, Bulldogs and American Bull Terrier, for instance.