American Staffordshire Terrier
If you're looking for a loving, easy-to-handle watchdog, the American Staffordshire terrier, also known as the AmStaff, is a good choice. They are descendants of the terrier and the bulldog. The Staffy has a long history, and American Staffordshire terriers are the first pit bull accepted by the American Kennel Club.
Breed Profile
Height
Males: 18-19
Females: 17-18
Inches
Weight
Males: 55-70
Females: 40-55
Pounds
Life Span
12-14
Years
Health
health
Hip Dysplasia or Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?
This condition is denoted by a malformation of the respective sockets and joints.
Clinical Signs:
Your pup is less active than usual
Difficulty standing up
Limps or wobbles when walking
Signs of pain when walking
Treatment:
Joint supplements
NSAIDs
Physical therapy
Potential weight reduction
Surgery
Other Risks:
Obesity
Injuries
Average Vet Bill:
$7,000
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hypothyroidism
What is it?
This condition, which can also affect humans, is marked by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone.
Clinical Signs:
Weight gain
Lack of energy
Loss of fur
Intolerance to the cold
Treatment:
Thyroid replacement hormones, administered orally
Other Risks:
More frequent ear infections
High blood cholesterol
Average Vet Bill:
$150
Amount a Spot accident & illness plan would cover*
90% = $135
80% = $120
70% = $105
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been met.
Other potential health risks for American Staffordshire terrier
Heart disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can cause blindness
Cerebellar ataxia, which causes a lack of coordination
Skin allergies
Cruciate ligament rupture, which causes knee problems
Eligible vet bill
$500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
What is the personality of an American Staffordshire terrier?
A dogs’ personality can be a big factor in whether your home will be a good fit for them. If you have a family, whether of other pets or humans, it can also affect how they integrate into your home.
AmStaffs are sweet dogs. They love their owners and families and are very loyal to them. They are gentle and playful with their families, and they can also be docile around strangers if their dog owners are present with them. They are also very brave dogs.
AmStaffs are good and loving pets. This type of dog is even known as the “nanny dog,” thanks to their gentle nature with their people.
How does the American Staffordshire terrier respond to people?
Properly socialized Staffordshire Terriers can be pretty friendly with strangers, especially if their pet parent is around. Early socialization is best to ensure the American Staffy deals well with people. They do make great watchdogs or guard dogs because they can be protective of their families.
AmStaffs make good family pets. They’re gentle with kids, and they will protect them from harm.
Even though an AmStaff makes a good family dog, you should watch your children as they play with any dog to ensure no one gets hurt, including your pup.
Do American Staffordshire terriers get along with other dogs?
Unfortunately, AmStaffs aren’t usually big fans of other dogs. They will be polite with the proper socialization and training, but hanging out at the dog park probably isn’t their favorite thing to do.
American Staffordshire terriers don’t usually get along with strange dogs. If you’re with them and they are well-trained, they should behave well.
Is the American Staffordshire terrier easy to train?
AmStaffs are intelligent but stubborn. They can be trained, but you need to have a firm hand and a few treats. They aren’t big fans of being forced to do things.
Lifetime Care
How to care for an AmStaff
Staffordshire Terriers are great dogs, and they deserve the best treatment and care.
What does an AmStaff look like?
There are many other types of bull terriers, like the American Pit Bull Terrier, but each has distinct traits. American Staffordshire terriers tend to have larger bones and heads than their cousins. They are stocky but very agile and usually look extremely muscular.
What Is an AmStaff’s Coat Like?
AmStaffs have short, sleek coats that come in a wide variety of colors and markings. Their short coats mean they are susceptible to hot and cold weather, so you may see American Staffordshire terriers wearing clothes more often than you might expect.
Potential coat colors:
Black
Brown
Red
Blue
Brindle.
Common markings are:
Brindle points
Black masks
Patched
Spotted
Blue masks
White markings
Learn more about the cost of caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier.
Are American Staffordshire terriers Hypoallergenic?
No, these dogs are not hypoallergenic, as they regularly shed.
How often should they be groomed?
AmStaffs don’t need much brushing since their coats are so short. However, brushing every week or so does help remove dirt and other small particles that get on their coats.
Like most other dogs, you should check their ears regularly for infections, and they need regular teeth cleaning. They also need their nails clipped every now and then.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your American Staffordshire terrier
AmStaffs need a lot of training, and they love the mental stimulation it provides.
Obedience training is necessary since AmStaffs often need a lot of guidance.
Introduce your American Staffordshire terrier to other pups and people as early as possible to ensure they are properly socialized.
What foods can’t my AmStaff eat?
There are certain foods that all dogs must avoid in order to stay happy and healthy. These include:
Exercising tips to keep your dog fit and healthy
Like most dogs, this breed needs daily exercise, and they have moderate energy levels. They would love to join you for a long walk or maybe play a good game of fetch. They might also like playing tug-of-war, but you may want to get a toy intended to give them a challenge.
Friends for a lifetime
Although most dogs in the pit bull line have bad reputations, dogs like the AmStaff can be very loving and sweet, as long as the owner puts in the time and the effort to train them properly.
American Staffordshire terriers love their families. Their strength and agility made them great in dog fights. However, you can train them for better goals, although you will probably always lose a game of tug-of-war with your pup. They will play well with children, but you should always watch them.
Sources:
American Staffordshire terrier Dog Breed Information | akc.org
American Staffordshire terrier Dog Breed Hypoallergenic, Health, and Life Span | PetMD
American Staffordshire terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals
Breed Standards: Staffordshire Bull Terrier | United Kennel Club (UKC)
Rankings of Dog Breeds Suffering From Hip Dysplasia | Animaroo
American Staffordshire Terrier Thyroid Disease Information | Oxford Labs
People Food Dogs Can Eat and Can't Eat | American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Prevention, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | American Kennel Club
Hypothyroidism In Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals