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American Staffordshire Terrier
Photo: Pleple2000 · GFDL

Dogs

American Staffordshire Terrier

Other names: American Staff, Amstaff, Amstaff Terrier, Staffordshire terrier, Staffie, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Stafforshire Bull Terrier

Obedience, agility, watchdog, weight pulling, performing tricks, Schutzhund.

Size
Medium
Height · Male
46–48 cm
Height · Female
43–46 cm
Weight · Male
25–35 kg
Weight · Female
18–28 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Litter
5–10 puppies
FCI
FCI group 3 · 3 · n.º 286
AKC
Terrier Group · #64
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Traits

Activity

Energy level
Playfulness
Jogging partner

Social

Affection with family
Good with other dogs
Good with other pets
Friendly to strangers
Social needs

At home

Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance
Tendency to bark
Tendency to dig
Drooling
Snoring

Care

Ease of grooming

Training

Trainability
Learning ability
Intelligence

Guarding

Guard dog
Watchdog

Temperament

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a very even and stable temperament, which makes him a very reliable companion. This breed does do well around small children, but should not be left unsupervised around them, as this is a very powerful and rambunctious breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier can get along exceptionally well with other dogs, however the fighting strain of dogs should never be placed in a home with another dog as they still retain that aggressiveness. Proper research is necessary to be sure of the temperament of the dog.

Care

The Staff needs a daily outlet for his energy, preferably in the form of a long walk on leash or a vigorous game in the yard. This breed is best suited temperamentally to sharing his family's home. Coat care is minimal.

The American Staffordshire Terrier requires quite a bit of exercise being so energetic and lively. This breed does best with at least a medium sized yard and does not do well in apartment life as they have the tendency to become bored and can become very destructive at the expense of the owner. At least two hours of exercise per day is required for this extremely lively breed. Long walks and/or runs are recommended as well as free roam in a fenced area.

Exercise, fenced yard, leashed, socialization, and training.

Health

The American Staffordshire Terrier does not require much grooming at all being very shorthaired. They shed very little, however depending on the climate they can become an average shedding breed. To remove dead or loose hairs, a rub down with a harsh and dry towel, or a specially made rubber glove would be sufficient. Dry shampooing is recommended as opposed to bathing, however an occasional bath is all right.

Training

It needs training mandatory, since an eralier age. It must be taught not to pull in leash since a pup, for not having problems when will grow up and it will have a very big force and will be hard to control. It is an intelligent, nimble dog, which understands very fast what is required. Trained since a cub, it can assimilates much information and great results will be obtained. It shouldn't be trained for attack, because it has an inborn aggressive character.

Coat & grooming

This dog doesn't need a special care. The dead hair will be removed with a rubber brush or glove, from time to time.

Fun facts

A strong, determined, intelligent breed, AmStaffs (as they are often called) like to dig, and are also athletic climbers and jumpers, so they need a more secure environment than some other breeds. Ask responsible breeders for guidance about this. Be sure

American Staffordshire Terrier breeders

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No verified breeders for this breed yet. Are you a breeder? Register.

Looking for more breeders? Ask the Clube Português de Canicultura (CPC) for the list of registered breeders of your breed. Visit, meet the parents and ask for health tests.

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