American Staffordshire Terrier
Moderately Easy Training: The American Staffordshire Terrier must be taught at an early age not to pull on the leash, as it becomes very strong when fully grown. It can learn a great deal if consistently trained. Intense socialization at an early age is important. American Staffordshire Terriers are obedient and have a very strong desire to please their owner. Training should be patient, respectful, and firm. This stocky dog should be muscular, giving the impression not only of great strength for its size but also of grace and agility. Its gait is springy. Its low center of gravity helped it stay on its feet in a fight, and its nimbleness helped it avoid its opponent's teeth. Its own jaws are strong with great power. Its coat is short, close and glossy. Typically docile and playful with its family, the American Staffordshire terrier is also generally friendly toward strangers as long as its owners are present. It is generally very good with children. It is a protective breed and can be aggressive toward other dogs — especially those that challenge it. It is stubborn, tenacious and fearless. For all of its tough persona, the most important thing in life to this breed is its owner's fond attention. The American Staffordshire Terrier derived from crossing Bulldogs with an older Terrier line. They are closely related to the American Pit Bull Terrier, from whom they were bred apart in the 1960’s. The American breed was reared largely for illegal dog fighting (the ‘Pit’ in Pit Bull likely derives from fighting pits) in the United States and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1936. American Staffordshire Terriers became popular with ranchers and farmers for protection, companionship, and catching hogs and cattle. Despite its media reputation for ferociousness, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an affectionate dog which has risen to popularity as a pet. The American Staffordshire Terrier’s natural aggression is directed toward other dogs, not humans, and even this can be overcome with training. They often serve as search dogs or police dogs. Popsicle, a drug sniffing American Staffordshire Terrier, became famous for sniffing out and locating one of the largest cocaine busts in the history of the FDA.
| 10: | Zeus |
| Other names: | Amstaff, Stafford, Staffy |
| Popularity: | 2022: #87 2021: #81 2020: #82 2019: #85 2018: #85 2017: #83 2016: #81 2015: #77 |
| 03: | Bailey |
| 06: | Henry |
| 08: | Murphy |
| Exercise Needs: | 4 stars Daily exercise is paramount. Without it the American Staffordshire Terrier will become hard to handle. They need to be taken on long daily walks/jogs or runs. |
| Grooming: | 1 stars Low Maintenance: The Am Staff is usually easy to groom. Brush his coat a couple of times a week to help manage shedding. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually twice a month. |
| Size: | Medium |
| Stranger Friendly: | 4 stars |
| 01: | Buddy |
| 02: | Leo |
| 04: | Buster |
| Playfulness: | 4 stars |
| 07: | Riley |
| Breed Group: | Terrier (AKC:1936) |
| Intelligence: | 4 stars Ranking: #34 Full Ranking List |
| Puppy Prices: | Average $1500 - $2500 USD On average an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy will cost $2000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $1500 and $3,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. |
| Shedding Level: | 1 stars Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Barking Tendencies: | 3 stars Occassional |
| Litter Size: | 5-10 puppies |
| Weight: | 57-67 pounds (25-30 kg) |
| 09: | Sam |
| Dog Friendly: | 1 stars |
| Life span: | 12-14 years |
| Colors: | Black Blue Brown White |
| Name: | American Staffordshire Terrier |
| Watchdog Ability: | 3 stars |
| 05: | Jackson |
| Adaptability: | 3 stars |
| Apartment Friendly: | 2 stars Staffordshire Terriers will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do alright without a yard. This breed prefers warm climates. |
| Height: | Male: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Female: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) |
| Origin: | United States |
| Rank: | Boy Names |
| Temperament: | Attentive Courageous Devoted Friendly Loyal Tenacious Intelligent |
| Trainability: | 4 stars More + Less - Moderately Easy Training: The American Staffordshire Terrier must be taught at an early age not to pull on the leash, as it becomes very strong when fully grown. It can learn a great deal if consistently trained. Intense socialization at an early age is important. American Staffordshire Terriers are obedient and have a very strong desire to please their owner. Training should be patient, respectful, and firm. |
| Cat Friendly: | 1 stars |
| Child Friendly: | 4 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Health Issues: | 3 stars Some are prone to heart murmurs, thyroid problems, skin allergies, tumors, hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and congenital heart disease. Hypoallergenic: No |