American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Guide

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

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

Who are American Staffordshire Terrier dogs 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 require 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.

How much grooming does a American Staffordshire Terrier need?

Grooming your dog's glossy hair will be relatively easy, thanks to its 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 Terrier bark much?

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.

Do American Staffordshire Terrier bite?

If trained correctly, Staffordshire Bull Terriers should not give you any issues with biting.

It is advised that you already start biting inhibition with these dogs from a young age, as their jaws are incredibly powerful and can cause serious injuries.

What is the temperament & personality of a American Staffordshire Terrier?

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 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.

What is the weight & size of a American Staffordshire Terrier?

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

How much training does a American Staffordshire Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a American Staffordshire Terrier?

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

• Hip Dysplasia

• Urinary tract infection

• Cardiac disease

• Autoimmune diseases

What is the lifespan of a 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 should you feed a American Staffordshire Terrier?

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. 

What is the price of a 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.