American Staffordshire Terrier
Updated November 29, 2025
The American Staffordshire Terrier, known for its confidence and good-natured personality, is a loyal and trustworthy companion. Their courage is well-known, and a properly socialized AmStaff is a devoted friend. They are stocky, muscular terriers with a broad head and a springy, agile gait.
Confident, Smart, Good-Natured, Loyal, Courageous
40-70 pounds
17-19 inches
12-16 years
Black, Blue, Brindle, Fawn, Brown, Liver, White
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, known for its confidence and good-natured personality, is a loyal and trustworthy companion. Their courage is well-known, and a properly socialized AmStaff is a devoted friend. They are stocky, muscular terriers with a broad head and a springy, agile gait.
What Makes American Staffordshire Terriers Special
The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings.
He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
American Staffordshire Terrier History & Origin
The roots of the American Staffordshire Terrier trace back to 19th-century England, where bulldogs and terriers were crossed. These dogs were brought to America, where breeders developed a larger version, which became the American Staffordshire Terrier. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1936.
The breed's ancestors, a mix of bulldogs and terriers, were used in the blood sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting in 18th and 19th century England.
These dogs arrived in the United States in the mid-1800s.
American breeders developed a larger, calmer, and friendlier version of the Staffordshire Terrier.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed as the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936, and the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.
An American Staffordshire Terrier named Stubby became a decorated hero in World War I, earning the rank of Sergeant.
American Staffordshire Terrier Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
American Staffordshire Terrier Appearance
AmStaffs are stocky, muscular bull-type terriers standing 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
The head is broad, the jaws well-defined, the cheekbones pronounced, and the dark, round eyes are set wide apart.
The stiff, glossy coat comes in many colors and patterns.
Physical Features
Ears
Ears are set high and can be cropped or uncropped. Uncropped ears, which are preferred, are short and held half-prick or rose.
Eyes
Dark, round eyes are set wide apart.
Nose
The nose is always black.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The coat is short and stiff to the touch.
Coat Color
Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 percent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Tail
The tail is short, set low, and tapers to a point. It is not curled or carried over the back.
American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a people-oriented dog who thrives when he is part of a family. They are intelligent, loyal, feisty, courageous, and very strong.
AmStaffs are keenly aware of their surroundings, game for anything, and lovable 'personality dogs' around the house. They like mental and physical challenges.
A well-socialized and trained AmStaff can be a trustworthy and lifelong friend. They are known for their bravery and loyalty.
Despite their tough appearance, they are generally gentle dogs. However, their exuberance and strength might be too much around young children unless they are very well-mannered.
They can be strong-willed, but they are still eager to please. This means they can be trained quickly—but it will require some effort to keep their attention. Keep progressing with training to avoid a bored AmStaff.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
AmStaffs are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-16 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions like hip dysplasia and heart disease.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and screenings for genetic conditions are essential for a long and healthy life.
How to Care for a American Staffordshire Terrier
Ownership of an AmStaff means you must become a breed ambassador. They are strong, athletic, and intelligent. Training is most successful when kept fun and diverse. The owner must attain pack leader status at an early age.
Grooming
The American Staffordshire Terrier has a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming.
Regular brushing with a rubber mitt or brush helps remove excess hair and reduce shedding.
A monthly bath is sufficient to help with shedding. Use a moisturizing shampoo to benefit both hair and skin.
Pay extra attention to the pet's elbows as the skin there is prone to drying and cracking.
Training
Early training and socialization classes are necessary for AmStaffs, whose muscular build and physical strength need to be under control.
They are intelligent creatures, so playing with and training them is generally fun and easy.
Always use positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play.
Consistency is key. Ensure all family members are using the same commands and rewarding the same behaviors.
Diet
A balanced diet for an American Staffordshire Terrier should include a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
High-quality sources of protein like chicken, beef, or fish are vital for their muscle development.
It's generally recommended to feed an adult American Staffordshire Terrier twice a day.
Be aware of your AmStaff's calorie intake and daily exercise as some dogs are prone to obesity.
Exercise
American Staffordshire Terriers are a high-energy breed that does best with at least 60 minutes of daily vigorous exercise.
Daily walks and play sessions in a fenced yard can help the American Staffordshire Terrier get the exercise he needs.
They enjoy activities like agility courses, tug-of-war, and chasing balls or Frisbees.
A well-exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is better behaved while indoors.
Environment
AmStaffs are adaptable and can live comfortably in an apartment if their exercise needs are met.
A fenced yard with plenty of space to run is a wonderful place for them to burn off energy. They should not be left outdoors unsupervised.
They are sensitive to extreme hot or cold weather and crave time spent with people, so this breed cannot live outdoors full time.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
Can adapt to apartment living if given ample daily exercise, but a home with a securely fenced yard is preferable.
Climate Adaptability
Adaptable to most climates but can struggle with extreme heat or cold.
Apartment Living
They can be good apartment dogs, provided they get sufficient exercise and mental stimulation outside.
Best Suited For
Best for active owners who can provide consistent training, socialization, and leadership.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, properly trained and socialized AmStaffs can be excellent family dogs. They are known to be loyal and good-natured. However, due to their strength, interactions with young children should always be supervised.
How much exercise do American Staffordshire Terriers need?
They are a high-energy breed and require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.
Are American Staffordshire Terriers aggressive?
They are generally good-natured dogs. Like any breed, they need proper training and socialization to prevent aggression. They may not get along well with other dogs if not properly socialized from a young age.
Can American Staffordshire Terriers live in apartments?
Yes, they can adapt to apartment living if their significant exercise and mental stimulation needs are met by their owner.
How much grooming do American Staffordshire Terriers need?
They have a short, low-maintenance coat that requires only weekly brushing and occasional baths.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early and extensive socialization is crucial. Start obedience training early using positive reinforcement.
Senior Care
Monitor for joint issues like arthritis. Adjust exercise to be lower impact. Regular vet check-ups are important.
First-Time Owner Tips
Can be a challenging breed for first-time owners due to their strength, energy, and potential for stubbornness. Experienced owners are preferred.
Looking for a American Staffordshire Terrier?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.