Honest FAQ for American Staffordshire Terriers

What kind of temperament and personality does the American Staffordshire Terrier have?

The most descriptive words that come to my mind regarding Staffordshire Terrier temperament and behavior are:

powerful, vigorous, athletic, strong-willed, dog-aggressive

I give you my honest opinions about American Staffordshire Terrier temperament and personality traits and characteristics – positives AND negatives – in my dog breed review, American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament and Personality Traits (What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em).

Where did the name American Staffordshire Terrier come from?

The American Staffordshire Terrier began as an (unnamed) blend of bulldog and terrier, pitted against bears, bulls, and other dogs... for entertainment/gambling. The combatants often fought until one or the other was dead.

When these dogs were brought to the US, underground fighting continued to flourish. The American Kennel Club didn't want to register fighting dogs, so in the 1930s a group of breeders broke away and focused on developing a more uniform appearance and more mellow temperament for the conformation ring. Their dogs were eventually accepted for AKC registration as American Staffordshire Terriers, the Staffordshire  acknowledging the breed's roots in Great Britain.

The original dog was christened the American Pit Bull Terrier, and today its breeders focus on working/performance activities such as weight-pulling, protection dog sports, and hunting. Unfortunately, some loathsome breeders STILL breed Pit Bulls for illegal fighting.

So the American Staffordshire Terrier and the APBT are kissing cousins, but no longer the same breed.

How big are American Staffordshire Terriers? Height and weight?

About 17-19 inches at the shoulder, and 55-75 pounds, which puts them in the MEDIUM category. However, the most heavily-muscled individuals seem more like LARGE dogs.

What colors do Staffordshire Terriers come in?

Loads of colors and patterns, including brindle, red, fawn, blue/gray, white with colored patches, and others.

Do American Staffordshire Terriers come in different "types"?

No, the reason breeders wanted to separate their dogs from the Pit Bull Terrier is to concentrate on a uniform appearance and temperament for the dog show ring. Thus, you'll see Pit Bulls in different sizes and shapes, but AmStaffs are typically more uniform.

How much exercise do Staffordshire Terriers need?

Moderate exercise: long brisk walks, a decent yard for romping, along with active games of fetch and tug. If you don't provide enough exercise and mental stimulation, a Staffordshire, especially an adolescent or young adult, might vent his pent-up energy by ripping the drywall off your house.

Do Staffordshire Terriers need a fenced yard?

Absolutely. Preferably with a high solid fence. Why? and best and worst fences.

Are Staffordshire Terriers easy to train?

Yes and no. If you are an assertive person who can establish a healthy leader-follower relationship, an American Staffordshire Terrier is very trainable.

But if you're just a casual, live-and-let-live kind of person, a strong-willed AmStaff may walk all over you. You must remember that these powerful dogs can seriously injure or kill other living creatures. If you recognize this and are determined to take charge and do everything you can so that YOUR Staffordshire Terrier is well-trained and safe around others, excellent!

Are Staffordshire Terriers easy to housebreak?

They're about average, no real problems.

Are American Staffordshire Terriers friendly with people?

Many Staffordshires are friendly and good-natured with everyone. Others are very loyal to their own family, and a bit standoffish (though still polite) with strangers.

Are Staffordshire Terriers good watchdogs? Well-bred individuals will bark a warning, but shouldn't be threatening to dismember someone who is simply knocking at the door or walking along the sidewalk!

Some Staffordshires have protective instincts. But without actual protection training,  they are not effective protectors. But they're fantastic deterrents... as long as you stay in charge and immediately stop any unwarranted aggression.

You might be wondering, "But what about those Staffordshire Terriers who attack people?"

By and large, those aren't American Staffordshire Terriers. Most of them are Pit Bull Terriers from terrible breeding lines, or else Pit Bull crosses or mixes.

Are Staffordshire Terriers good with children?

American Staffordshire Terriers from responsible breeders are usually very tolerant with children.

And yet... I don't recommend Staffordshires for children younger than about age 10. This is a very strong, vigorous breed that could knock over a smaller child. In addition, all of the bulldog breeds can have issues of resource guarding, which means being possessive of their food and chew toys. I don't allow children (or other pets) near a Staffordshire Terrier who is engrossed in his food or bones.

Are Staffordshire Terriers good with other dogs?

American Staffordshire Terriers may or may not live peacefully with other dogs. Some are more dominant than others. If your other dogs are a different breed, are the opposite sex, and have a submissive personality, things might go without incident.

Just remember and respect the breed's roots, and don't put other dogs at risk if your AmStaff is even a little bit iffy.

Are Staffordshire Terriers good with cats?

Some Staffordshires are fine with cats. Other Staffordshires are decidely not.

How much do American Staffordshire Terriers shed?

Staffordshire Terriers are average shedders, which might surprise you if you thought shorthaired breeds shed less. Not true at all. AmStaffs actually shed more than you might think, and those short coarse hairs can stick tenaciously to your clothing and furnishings.

Are Staffordshire Terriers hypoallergenic? Good for people with allergies?

If you're allergic to dog dander, no. If you're allergic to canine saliva, no. American Staffordshire Terriers are not hypoallergenic dogs.

How much grooming do Staffordshire Terriers need?

Just an occasional quick brush to sweep the dirt, dander, and loose hair off your dog's skin.

What's a good training schedule for training American Staffordshire Terrier puppies?

Here's the puppy training schedule I use for Staffordshire Terriers: Puppy Training Schedule.

What behavior problems do Staffordshire Terriers tend to have?

American Staffordshire Terrier puppies and teenagers can be boisterous. They may drag you around on the leash, jump on people, and also chew destructively if you make the mistake of leaving them alone and loose in the house, instead of properly crated/penned.

Once through the difficult adolescent period, as long as you've established the right leader-follower relationship and you're providing sufficient exercise and companionship, Staffordshire Terriers don't misbehave much. Their adult behavior issues center around dominance or aggression, usually toward other dogs.

What health problems might Staffordshire Terriers have?

Loose hip and elbow joints lead to lameness and crippling arthritic pain. Hypothyroidism may require a daily thyroid supplement. Skin problems are very common in American Staffordshire Terriers. Heart disease is a growing concern.

What breeds are similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier?

• The American Pit Bull Terrier shares the same history as the American Staffordshire Terrier, until the 1930s when the breeds separated.
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is smaller than an American Staffordshire, yet has a higher energy level and wants to go-go-go.

Where can I buy an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy?

First I can tell you where you shouldn't  buy from. The riskiest place to get a Staffordshire puppy is from a pet shop, or from a breeder who doesn't compete with his dogs in anything,  whether it be the conformation ring or performance activities. This same breeder also doesn't X-ray his dogs' hips before breeding them, even though hip dysplasia is a serious issue in the breed.

So where should you buy? I stick with American Staffordshire Terrier pups from breeders who show their dogs in conformation, maybe even work them in performance activities, and can show me official OFA or PennHip certificates of their dogs' hip health.

Read this article.

Where can I adopt an older Staffordshire Terrier?

I am a strong advocate of adopting dogs from Rescue groups and shelters. But with this breed, I personally wouldn't do that. I would too concerned about the background of that dog. But of course you might feel differently.

So... rescue group or humane society/shelter? Read my article.

I just got a new Staffordshire Terrier. Which pages should I read first?

• Staffordshire Terrier Health, which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and daily health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Staffordshire Terrier puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Starting off right is essential.
• Training Staffordshire Terriers, which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Staffordshire Terrier puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know, and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on.

Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets?

Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Staffordshire Terriers have pros and cons, and female Staffordshire Terriers have pros and cons. Visit Male Dogs versus Female Dogs

There's an adorable Staffordshire Terrier puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true?

No responsible Staffordshire Terrier breeder would ever place one of their Staffordshire Terrier puppies in a pet shop for resale. To find out more about pet shop puppies, visit Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store.

How do I pick the best American Staffordshire Terrier puppy from a litter?

You can do puppy personality tests. Visit How To Choose a Good Puppy.

What's the best dog food for AmStaffs?

3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food.

I have to take my Staffordshire Terrier to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need?

The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically – but unfortunately most vets are not telling you this, because a good chunk of their income depends on frequent vaccinations. Please don't get any more shots for your Staffordshire Terrier until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations.

What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Staffordshire Terrier, and when should it be done?

Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. Visit Spaying Your Female Dog or Neutering Your Male Dog for the straight scoop on the safest (and riskiest) times to spay or neuter.

I have a question about American Staffordshire Terriers that I don't see answered on your web site.

It's probably answered in one of my free online books.