American Staffordshire Terrier

Friendly, intelligent, confident and loyal, this people-oriented breed thrives as part of the family. American Staffordshire Terriers are full of personality, and like having a “job.”

The AmStaff is very trainable and enjoys activities that challenge him mentally and physically. This breed requires regular exercise.

The behemoth of the Terrier group, the American Staffordshire Terrier is burly and massively muscular, with a broad head and square, strong jaws. The breed has a stiff, short coat.

In contrast with his body builder-like physique, he moves gracefully with a bouncy gait.

12 to 16 years

American Staffordshire Terriers can have coats of almost any color, including brindle. They can also have a wide variety of markings such as masks, spots and patches.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a seasonally shedding breed, but caring for his short coat is easy. A quick weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush is all the grooming he usually needs.

As a breed, American Staffordshire Terriers are strong and healthy. Genetic conditions such as canine hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and skin and coat allergies are concerns that responsible breeders screen for in their breeding stock.

American Staffordshire Terriers generally do well on a quality adult dog food. For AmStaffs who need help with weight management, consider a healthy weight formula.

AmStaff puppies should eat puppy food for their first year of life to aid in their growth and development.

It’s hard to believe that this breed got its start as a fighting and baiting dog. In Great Britain, predecessors of the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bulldog and the Bull Terrier, were bred to fight for sport.

While there is debate over which breeds are hiding in the AmStaff bloodline, we do know that after the Staffordshire Terrier arrived in America in the mid-1800s, U.S. breeders developed a larger version of the English breed.

Today the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes both the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

An American Staffordshire Terrier named Bud rode along on America’s first cross-country auto trip in 1903.

AmStaff celebrities include Petey, of the 1930s “Our Gang” film comedies, and Tige, the dog in the Buster Brown Shoes logo.

AmStaffs love to chew and to dig.

The most decorated dog of World War I was an AmStaff named “Stubby,” who earned the rank of Sergeant.