American Staffordshire Terrier
Bred up from the Staffordshire bull terrier once it reached America, and it stands taller and heavier for it. Confident, strong through the chest, and people oriented.
Photo by Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0
Overview
The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from the bull and terrier crosses of nineteenth century Britain, brought to America and bred larger and heavier than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier it split from. The AKC recognised it in 1936 under a new name specifically to separate it from the fighting dog lineage.
It is powerfully built, forty to seventy pounds of muscle on a short frame, and it is one of the breeds most affected by breed specific legislation.
Temperament
Affectionate, confident and famously good with people. Well bred AmStaffs are people oriented to the point of being useless as guard dogs, and the breed has a long history as a family dog.
Dog aggression is the honest caveat, and it is a different thing from aggression towards people. The bull and terrier history selected for it, it appears in some individuals regardless of upbringing, and it means careful management around other dogs rather than an assumption that socialisation solves it.
Care and grooming
A short stiff coat, a weekly rub down, and very little else. They shed moderately.
Hip dysplasia, cerebellar ataxia and a hereditary cataract all occur, and the last two have DNA tests. Skin allergies are common in the breed. Ask a breeder for the ataxia result specifically.
Living and exercise
An hour a day of real exercise and something to work at. They are strong, athletic and they enjoy weight pull and spring pole work.
Breed specific legislation and insurance are practical realities for this breed in many places, and both should be checked before buying. Rental housing is frequently closed to them, which is a large part of why so many end up in shelters.
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