American Staffordshire Terrier
Also known as Amstaff
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
What the law says
Category 2 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): dog ownership permit, behavioral assessment, liability insurance, and a muzzle and a leash held by an adult in public.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A muscular, stocky yet agile terrier with remarkable strength for its size, a broad head, a short, smooth coat and a confident, affectionate nature. In France, an American Staffordshire Terrier registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) is a Category 2 restricted dog (dog ownership permit, muzzle and leash in public places); a dog of this type without a pedigree falls under Category 1.
History and origins
Descended from bull and terrier type dogs that came from England to the United States in the 19th century, where they were used in dogfighting. Later bred to be heavier than the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier and used as a farm dog and companion, it was recognized by the AKC in 1936 as the Staffordshire Terrier, renamed American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Ceroid lipofuscinosis (cerebellar ataxia)
- Skin allergies
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
American Staffordshire Terrier FAQ
How big does the American Staffordshire Terrier get?
The American Staffordshire Terrier stands 43 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the American Staffordshire Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the American Staffordshire Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the American Staffordshire Terrier need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Staffordshire Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Is the American Staffordshire Terrier a restricted dog in France?
Category 2 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): dog ownership permit, behavioral assessment, liability insurance, and a muzzle and a leash held by an adult in public. All about restricted dogs in France.
