Am Staffs 101

Terrier group

Few breeds elicit stronger emotions than Pit Bulls, and that’s also true of the American Kennel Club version of the dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier. AmStaffs, like Pit Bulls, are intensely devoted to their families.

AmStaffs have a smooth easy-care coat in a wide variety of markings and colors. They’re playful dogs who don’t always know their own strength. These smart, confident dogs do best with families who work to ensure they behave like model citizens. They thrive with early socialization and manners training.

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The best ones are solid, funny and friendly

The AmStaff is a strong, athletic dog. Regular, heart-pumping exercise provides outlets for their muscular bodies and keen minds.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
17 to 19 inches tall
Group Size Large

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Mature adult Am Staff

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Skin allergies

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Trauma

Senior Am Staff

8+ years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

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Skin cancer

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Arthritis

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Am Staff puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

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Skin allergies

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Ear infection

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Gastritis

Young adult Am Staff

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

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Skin allergies

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Foreign body ingestion

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Ear infection

Mature adult Am Staff

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Trauma

Senior Am Staff

8+ years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin cancer

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Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Am Staff puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

Young adult Am Staff

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Am Staff conditions

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Skin allergies

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Foreign body ingestion

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Ear infection

2-American Staffordshite terrier laying down GettyImages-1189928061

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3-Fun fact American Staffordshire terrier GettyImages-132044426

The American Staffordshire Terrier was once so closely identified as the breed truly representative of the United States that recruiting posters for World War I featured an AmStaff. It’s no surprise, then, that when producers of “The Little Rascals” shorts wanted a dog American children would have, they chose an AmStaff, Pete, a white dog with a black ring painted around one eye.

American Staffordshire Terrier coat care and colors

The American Staffordshire Terrier provides no reason to complain when it comes to coat care – the breed’s sleek, short coat in a variety of patterns and colors requires little more than a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The AmStaff is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.

Am Staff exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

While they’re happy to hang out with their families, American Staffordshire Terriers do best with moderate daily exercise. Because of their strength, good leash manners are must for walks.

Class clown

Trainability

American Staffordshire Terriers are devoted and smart, but they are strong dogs. Start leash manners early, and reward good manners.

Am Staff fun facts

Top girl names for Am Staffs

Top boy names for Am Staffs

Nationwide loves American Staffordshire Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Am Staffs

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