American Staffordshire Terrier
Discover the breed.
Known as the AmStaff, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized dog, slightly smaller than an Australian Shepherd with exceptional physical characteristics. A well-trained AmStaff is the best pet dog you could have. Which is why this breed is much appreciated by owners. What are its characteristics and its origins?
Main characteristics of the
American Staffordshire
The American Staff is often likened to other breeds with similar physical characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, the AmStaff is a medium-sized dog.
Physical activity
Regular physical activity and practising a canine sport are advisable.
Care
With its short coat, the Am Staff does not require any special care.
Behaviour
It is a patient, kind, obedient, affectionate, and highly intelligent dog.
Hygiene
The AmStaff does not require a great deal of care, a bath every two months is enough.
Health
The American Staff enjoys robust health, it does not suffer from hereditary illnesses.
Guarding ability
This sociable and welcoming dog is also a naturally good guard dog.
Introduction to AmStaffs
by their owners
Who better to tell you about American Staffordshires than their owners? They describe their dogs to us:
James
Beni owner
I adopted Beni when he was tiny from a known breeder and he grew up in our family. He is very important to all members of the family, he is unbelievable. Able to stay with my daughter when she is sad to comfort her, coming to walk with me in the forest or following my wife when she goes into town.
Brenda
Heros owner
I am delighted to be able to talk to you about Heros, because it upsets me when I hear so many outrageous things about this breed. Heros is amazing, I have never seen such a kind and patient dog, my brother’s children can play with him for hours, he is a gem. My little sweetheart does not have an ounce of malice. I take him everywhere and I hate the way some people look at him, but after a few minutes they quickly change their minds.
Brian
Drago owner
I have always liked the size of the AmStaff, it is a dog which suits me perfectly. I love to run and do sport with Drago. In terms of his character, I would say that he is a lively and highly intelligent dog. It only takes one look for us to understand each other, for me he is the perfect companion, he is my first AmStaff and frankly choosing this breed is the best decision I have made.
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The origin and history
Originally from Canada, the American Staffordshire terrier originates from crossing fighting dogs. It is a cross between the Bull-and-Terrier and the Blue Paul Terrier. However, these days, these two breeds of dogs no longer exist. The AmStaff was used as a fighting dog at the beginning of the nineteenth century over the Channel before dogfighting was prohibited.
At one time, the breed was close to extinction. To overcome this, at the beginning of the twentieth century, two breeding trends were formed. In the first case, breeders wanted to design a dog corresponding to a precise model with a strong but balanced character. This was how they created the American Staffordshire Terrier. In the second case they were seeking fighting dogs, large, strong, and more aggressive. The Pit Bull was the result. In 1936, the AmStaff was recognised by the American Kennel Club under the name Staffordshire Terrier, but it was only in 1972 that the term American was allocated to it. These dogs arrived in France in 1987.
Physical characteristics
The American Staff is often likened to other breeds with similar physical characteristics. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, the AmStaff is a medium-sized dog. It measures between 18 and 19 inches and weighs between 55 and 70 pounds (male) and 17 to 18 inches, weighing between 40 and 55 pounds (female). However, its strong bone structure and musculature make it imposing despite its medium size. The American Staffordshire terrier is therefore a muscular and well-constructed dog which remains flexible, graceful, and solid. It has a short, low-set tail, which is neither curled nor carried high, being more horizontal. However, certain owners of these dogs prefer to dock them.
Its head is of medium length. Its skull is wide, and its muzzle rounded at the top with pronounced muscles in the cheeks. The AmStaff’s ears are short, high set and drop. Its eyes are dark, round, and widespread. It has numerous colour options. You can find American Staffs in solid colour, multicolour, or with patches. The coat is short, harsh, close, and shiny. The American Staffordshire is part of AKC classification in Terrier group.
AmStaff behaviour
Coming from a cross of the Bulldog and Terrier breeds, obviously it has their character traits. Because of this, the owner should not seek to encourage the American Staffordshire terrier to be aggressive. With traditional training, this character trait should not appear. For this reason, they should be trained from puppies. It is a patient, gentle, obedient, and affectionate dog. The AmStaff is also a stubborn and highly intelligent dog. It is also very independent, affectionate, and loyal.
However, bad treatment can also lead to some aggression. It is also by nature a good guard dog, full of confidence. It can belong to any family wanting a sociable dog. It is welcoming with everybody, including strangers, provided it has been socialised from an early age. The AmStaff is a playful, agile dog, which likes to use up its energy at home or on walks. It is also perfectly able to be left alone when you are out.