Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s, AmStaffs have evolved into smart, confident, good-natured companions. Today, they're known as gentle, playful lovers, making them a wonderful breed for many families.
In this post, we share insights from almost 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective American Staffordshire Terrier owners. Whether you're considering owning or rescuing an American Staffordshire Terrier yourself or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with this affectionate breed.
As Sniffspot user Kassie says, "I love how she has endless energy and love."
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to 452 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their American Staffordshire Terrier, we learned these dogs are playful, friendly, and loyal. Unlike barkless breeds, AmStaffs may be vocal, but they're not typically excessive barkers.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is very friendly and social with strangers and very friendly and social with children. When living with an American Staffordshire Terrier, 81% of our owners said a large house with a fenced yard is the best environment. Additionally, 32% of owners said an apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable.
This AKC breed is moderately trainable and learns commands with consistent training. Owners say the American Staffordshire Terrier learns best with positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards), consistent daily training routines, and the use of training aids (e.g., harnesses, leashes, training collars).
When it comes to exercise, 46% of Sniffspot owners say their American Staffordshire Terrier benefits from moderate amounts of exercise, like regular walks and play sessions. The Sniffspot American Staffordshire Terrier community would recommend this dog breed to first-time dog owners, though prospective owners should be aware of potential breed restrictions in some areas.
Originally bred in England for blood sports like bull-baiting, these dogs were crossed with terriers to enhance their agility and fighting prowess. Despite their fighting origins, they were selectively bred to be human-friendly, as dogs that harmed people during fights were eliminated. When these dogs arrived in the United States, they were used for fighting but also found roles as versatile working dogs on the new American frontier.
The divide between the American Staffordshire Terriers and the American Pit Bull Terrier breeds became formalized in the early 20th century. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) initially rejected the pit bull for registration due to its association with fighting, it eventually recognized the breed under the name "American Staffordshire Terrier" in 1936.
This name change was meant to distance the breed from its fighting past. Over time, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier diverged, with the AKC officially distinguishing them by adding "American" to the name. Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a recognized breed with a distinct lineage, while the term "Pit Bull" remains more general and sometimes includes American Staffordshire Terriers in non-AKC registries.
While pit bulls were bred for gameness and vary greatly in appearance, Staffies were selectively bred for a consistent appearance and overall soundness. Despite their different paths, Staffies have retained their deep affection for humans, a trait rooted in their history with people.
While the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier share common ancestors, they are now considered separate breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the AmStaff as a distinct breed, while the term "Pit Bull" remains more general and sometimes includes American Staffordshire Terriers in non-AKC registries.
It's important to note the differences between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. While both are sometimes referred to as "Staffies," the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a British breed that is typically smaller and more compact than the AmStaff. The AmStaff stands 17-19 inches tall, while the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is usually 14-16 inches tall.
We compiled Sniffspot community submissions on their own dog breeds to determine these American Staffordshire Terrier dog traits and characteristics:
AmStaffs are known for their glossy coat and muscular build. They have a short, stiff coat that's easy to maintain, unlike long-haired breeds that require more intensive grooming. Their coat contributes to their distinctive appearance and adds to their appeal as a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming.
As an American Staffordshire Terrier owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips as well as expectations from current American Staffordshire Terrier owners. Understanding the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club can help you provide the best care for your AmStaff.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
American Staffordshire Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means American Staffordshire Terrier owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. AmStaffs have a short and smooth coat, ideal for easy maintenance. Their coat is considered moderate shed, which is less than many long-haired breeds.
To keep your American Staffordshire Terrier's coat healthy and up to breed standards, commit to occasional baths and weekly brushing. Of the various kinds of coat maintenance for common breeds in the terrier group, the coat grooming needs for American Staffordshire Terriers are considered low maintenance. Their short, stiff coat typically only needs a quick brush to remove loose hair and maintain its glossy appearance.
American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Staffies are considered a relatively athletic, high-energy breed, requiring a great deal of exercise.
Staffies make great pets, and they thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Staffies report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.
When medium breeds like Staffies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out on undesirable behaviors like barking, reactivity, and chewing. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid falling into bad habits. A well-socialized AmStaff with proper exercise is less likely to develop behavioral issues. Their springy gait makes them excellent jogging or running companions for active owners.
What should you feed your American Staffordshire Terrier to keep him healthy? As a Moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 59% of our community feed their Staffie commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Staffies should eat up to 2 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 70 lbs. However, your American Staffordshire Terrier's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). Above all, a reported 65% of our American Staffordshire Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Your dog's risk for these challenges increase as they age.
Similarly, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation and lack of appetite. Lastly, 32% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners claim their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma — common AmStaff health concerns.
Canine hip dysplasia is another concern in this breed. Regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage this condition. Despite these potential health issues, AmStaffs are generally considered a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years.
If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your AmStaff's vet.
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Staffie is whether or not they fit with your current family. How friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers compared to other medium-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Staffie's protective instinct into loving and playful family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like reactivity and anxiety.
It's worth noting that AmStaffs are a people-oriented dog breed. They form strong bonds with their families and are often referred to as "nanny dogs" due to their patience and gentleness with children.
Our community American Staffordshire Terrier owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a Staffie puppy or a grown American Staffordshire Terrier adult, training is a large part of owning a medium breed. When you fail to train your Staffie properly, they're more likely to display undesirable behaviors like reactivity, anxiety, and so on. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Staffie.
As a terrier breed, American Staffordshire Terriers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Staffie community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
As dogs bred for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting, Staffies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
We asked Sniffspot Staffie dog owners what they love the most about their American Staffordshire Terrier pups, and here's what they had to say:
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Similarly, Staffie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with an American Staffordshire Terrier:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 58% of our Sniffspot community, American Staffordshire Terriers are a great first-time dog. This comes from their needs and moderate exercise needs.
While AmStaffs can make great pets for first-time owners, it's important to be aware of potential breed bans or restrictions in your area. Their breed popularity has led to some misconceptions, so first-time owners should be prepared to be ambassadors for the breed.
American Staffordshire Terrier owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Staffie owners. These American Staffordshire Terrier breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
Understand the breed's history and needs.
Make sure this is the right breed for you.
The average lifespan of an American Staffordshire Terrier is typically between 12 - 15 years years.
An adult American Staffordshire Terrier weighs between 40 - 70 lbs and stands between 17 - 19 inches tall at the shoulder. This makes them slightly larger than their British cousins, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who typically stand 14 - 16 inches tall.
American Staffordshire Terriers require low maintenance grooming. Their short, stiff coat is one of the easiest canine coats to maintain. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. AmStaffs have a short coat, which is well-suited for protection from the elements. They are considered moderate shedders.
To maintain your American Staffordshire Terrier's coat, it's important to bathe regularly and consider professional grooming once a year. However, compared to long-haired breeds, the kinds of coat maintenance required for AmStaffs are minimal.
American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Staffies are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Staffies are excellent companions and flourish with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Staffies note that their dogs particularly enjoy chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, playing with squeaky toys, and tug-of-war.
If medium breeds like Staffies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly and social with children.
Our research indicates that American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Staffie is crucial. A significant 66% of our community feeds their Staffie commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Staffies should consume 1 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 70 lbs pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your American Staffordshire Terrier's sex, activity level, and age.
The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is particularly prone to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite and skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Our data shows that 28% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Staffie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 22% reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Finally, 20% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners indicated their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma, which are common Staffie health concerns.
Are American Staffordshire Terriers the same as Pit Bulls?
While American Staffordshire Terriers are often grouped under the general term "Pit Bull," they are a distinct AKC breed. The term "Pit Bull" is not a specific breed but rather a category that can include American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and sometimes other bully breeds.
The AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed with its own breed standards. It's important for owners to understand these distinctions, especially when dealing with breed-specific legislation or restrictions.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a wonderful breed that offers a unique combination of strength, affection, and loyalty. As a distinct AKC breed, AmStaffs have carved out their own identity separate from Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, though they share common ancestors.
While their muscular build and history may intimidate some, well-socialized AmStaffs are known to be smart, confident, good-natured companions. Their glossy, short coat makes them low-maintenance in terms of grooming, especially compared to long-haired breeds.
However, prospective owners should be aware of the challenges that come with this breed, including potential breed restrictions and the need for proper socialization and training. Despite these challenges, for those willing to put in the effort, AmStaffs can be affectionate, loyal, and rewarding pets.
As with any dog, it's crucial to understand the breed's needs, health concerns, and characteristics before bringing an AmStaff into your home. With proper care, training, and love, an American Staffordshire Terrier can be an excellent addition to many households, bringing joy and companionship for years to come.
Whether you're a current American Staffordshire Terrier dog owner or you're considering adopting an AmStaff, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for American Staffordshire Terrier owners:
Remember to check local regulations regarding breed-specific legislation, as this can affect American Staffordshire Terriers in some areas.
Sources:
"American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Information." (American Kennel Club)
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