Terrier group · United States
American Staffordshire Terrier
Also called AmStaff, Staffie.
What makes them remarkable
Petey, the dog from the Our Gang films later known as The Little Rascals, helped make this breed a screen star.
- Confident
- Smart
- Good-Natured
- Loyal
- Courageous
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18 to 32 kg40 to 70 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 16 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training an American Staffordshire Terrier
Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.
Sensitive and Eager to Please
Start here
AmStaffs are sensitive and eager to please. Use reward-based training for best results.
Extensive Socialisation
Critical to socialise with other dogs from puppyhood. Dog-on-dog aggression can develop without proper socialisation.
Strength Training
Teach lead manners early, they are powerful dogs that need to learn not to pull.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your American Staffordshire Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsLow
- StrangersModerate
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. High-intensity exercise including running, fetch, and strength activities.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing and occasional baths.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Stiff, GlossyBlue, Fawn, Red, Black, Brindle, White, Any combination with white
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Hereditary joint condition causing pain and mobility issues
Skin Allergies
Moderate
Environmental and food allergies causing itching and skin problems
Cardiac Disease
Moderate
Heart conditions including murmurs and cardiomyopathy
Where they come from
History
Developed in 19th century America from English Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Originally bred for farm work and companionship after bull-baiting was banned. The AKC recognised the breed in 1936, distinguishing them from the Pit Bull Terrier.
- Sergeant Stubby · The most decorated war dog of WWI, served 18 months in combat and saved his regiment from surprise attacks
- Petey · Famous ring-around-the-eye dog from Our Gang/Little Rascals
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