American Staffordshire Terrier

Size: Large
Other Names: AmStaff, Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull
Country of Origin: United States
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

Height:

19–21 inches

Weight:

62–88 pounds

Color(s):

Any solid, partial, or patched color; less–desirable colors are greater than 80% white, black and tan, and liver

Coat:

Thick, shiny hair, short

Description:

Early Bulldog–Terrier crosses were brought to the US with the British and Irish settlers, especially after the Civil War, where they were mainly used as fighting dogs, but also as hunting dogs and farm and guard dogs.  The American Staffordshire Terrier is often trained for community service tasks such as pet therapy and Search and Rescue.  In places that breed–specific legislation has been passed to ban or restrict the ownership of Pit Bulls and "Pit–Bull–Type" dogs, almost always bans the American Staffordshire Terrier as well.  The American Staffordshire Terrier is an offspring and sister breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Special Note: Much confusion still remains in regards to the Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  The name "Staffordshire Terrier" was adopted by some Pit Bull Terrier owners and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.  Later, the word "American" was added to reduce confusion with its smaller British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Not all breeders, however, agreed with the standard adopted by the AKC, and continued to use the name American Pit Bull Terrier for their lines.  The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are considered to be the same breed in England, although they are considered separate breeds in the United States.

Temperament:

The AmStaff is courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted.  They are natural family dogs, as they are bred to be extremely friendly towards people.  If properly introduced in his puppy years, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be good with children, and can get along with other dogs, cats, and any other animal.

Training:

The American Staffordshire Terrier is highly responsive during training, and also learns quickly from his human's subtle behaviors.  Positive reinforcement training should begin at 8 to 10 weeks of age.  American Staffordshire Terriers can be aggressive if not socialized properly.  It is a bad sign if an AmStaff displays overly protective and/or aggressive behavior, especially if accompanied by fearlessness.

Care & Grooming:

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a companion dog, and requires a very large amount of time for rough, or hard–working play, such as weight pulling and agility training.  He likes to run with a proper harness, or pull a skateboard or roller blading kid.

Shedding:

Low; the short coat leaves little hair around the house.

Health:

American Staffordshire Terriers may be affected by hip dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease, and cerebellar ataxia in some lines.  Responsible breeders test hips, heart, and for NCL/ataxia.

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Litter Size:

5–10 puppies