American Staffordshire Terrier

[Troy]

The American Staffordshire Terrier

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=46 )

Group: Group 2 (Terriers)

General Appearance: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline.

Characteristics: (Not specified.)

Temperament: Keenly alive to his surroundings. His courage is proverbial.

Head And Skull: Head medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop. Muzzle medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Nose definitely black, Dudley nose undesirable.

Eyes: Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. Light or pink eyes undesirable. No pink eyelids.

Ears: Set high. Ears should be short and held rose or half pricked. Full drop to be penalised.

Mouth: Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Undershot or overshot mouths undesirable.

Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.

Forequarters: Shoulders strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping. The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pasterns upright. No resemblance of bend in front. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development.

Body: Back fairly short. Slightly sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Well sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Chest deep and broad. Loins slightly tucked.

Hindquarters: Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out.

Feet: Of moderate size, well-arched and compact.

Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked. Tail too long or badly carried undesirable.

Gait/Movement: Must be springy but without roll or pace.

Coat: Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.

Colour: Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80% white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.

Sizes: Height and weight should be in proportion.

Height:

Dogs approx 46-48 cms (18-19 ins) at shoulders

Bitches approx 43-46 cms (17-18 ins) at shoulders is considered preferable.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the American Staffordshire Terrier

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders

American Staffordshire Terrier Puppies For Sale

[atua]

I will bite the bullet and have a go.

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

My relationship with the Amstaffs is I am a first time owner and absolutely loving it.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

I think it was developed in America and they were developed and they are the show line of the pitbull.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Reasonably common but not as common as some other breeds such as Border Collies etc

4. What is the average lifespan?

12-14 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Happy, outgoing, playful, alert, loving and devoted. Can have dog aggression issues if not socialised from a young age.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

not too sure on an exact amount but at least 30 minutes a day I would dare say

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes if they are prepared to attend dog obedience classes as they are a very fun loving breed. They can be very dominant so you would have to make sure that first time owners completely understand the need for this breed and willing to do things with it to keep it occupied.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Long periods it depends I guess what you mean by long periods... If brought up with being home alone then I guess they would cope providing they had a few toys. I have 2 dogs so i really am not sure. She cries if i take the other dog out and leave her at home on her own but I would too.

9. How much grooming is required?

Once a month bath and the odd brush I guess. It is recommended that they be bathed every 12 weeks but mine gets bathed every month

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I would say yes to this question as they are a very happy dog that love to be apart of the family and can get over excited. If not trained I guess they would be fairly full on and rowdy.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

I think these guys need to get their eyes tested???? Could be wrong

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

The eye testing should come back clear if it is a test done in the amstaffs. The buyer should also make sure that the dog will come with pedigree papers as BSL could at any time decide to take your amstaff away as a pitbull.

Correct me if I am wrong guys but I gave it a crack.

Breeders would I pass your test lol

[hyjak]

1. What is my relationship with the breed?

I am also a first time Amstaff owner.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Essentially the 'cousin' of the APBT, they have however been developed along different lines to the APBT and for a variety of different purposes.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Increasingly popular, unfortunately sometimes for the wrong reasons.

4. What is the average lifespan?

12-14yrs

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Can be very dominant but with the right training and socialisation you will be rewarded with a great companion.

Have the potential to be DA (dog aggressive) but not an absolute given with all dogs.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

30min to an hour is good to keep them in shape.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

NO! There are so many potential problems for a first time dog owner, not recommended IMO.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Like all dogs to some degree but they are a people dog not a stick in backyard and feed dog.

9. How much grooming is required?

Minimal maybe a brush a week and bath every month. I call it "wash n wear".

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I would say no as long as they are supervised around the vulnerable you should be fine.

They are very adaptable to different situations.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip and Elbow dyplasia, Ataxia, eyes (blindness)

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Should be asking to see the scores for Hip and Elbows, eyes clear and also asking whether your pup is ataxia clear by parentage. As with all dogs if the breeders say they don't test, politely hang up and look elsewhere.

Please research thoroughly if considering an Amstaff as your next pet, whilst they are great pets you must be comfortable with who they are and what they are capable of.

[Rysup]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have been a breeder/exhibitor of other breeds since 1992, but got my first Amstaff in 2004.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

USA. Developed as a show dog.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Very - lots of BYB dogs around, lots of litters from registered breeders too.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10-11 years would be my guess

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

I find them to be devoted to their humans. They have huge potential for dog aggression, and I personally would never trust an Amstaff with an unknown dog.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

30 mins to an hour a day.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Would not be my choice for a first time dog owner, but if they are keen, religious about attening Obedience and put in the ground work, then yes.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes. So long as you know their boundaries. Some dig, some chew, some pull clothes off the line. They can be quite destructive if not given enough to entertain them.

9. How much grooming is required?

Hardly any!

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes absolutely. I have a 4 year old son, and our current boy is just too much for him to handle. There is a lot of dog in a reasonably small package, and they pack a lot of oomph into that too.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hips, Elbows, Ataxia, Hearts, Eyes are things most breeders should be testing for.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

You would only want to buy Ataxia clear or carriers. All other tests the parents should have acceptable results.

[ILuvAmstaffs]

QUESTIONS

What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner

How common is it in Australia?

Quite common I think

What is the average lifespan?

Seems to be quite varied. Maybe around 12 years?

What is the general temperament/personality?

Loves people more than anything & is a real class clown. Personality +

How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

My boy has ED, so might not be a greta example, but he doesn't need much exercise at all.

Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I think it would be better if they had atleast owner other medium-large breed, but probably could if they were commited to learning about the breed & prepared to heavily socialise their pup & attend training.

Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, ours will sleep all day when we are at work.

How much grooming is required?

Occassional brushing if you want to.

Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Probably when young, but if well trained wuld see no problem.

Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

ED is one I have experience of. The rest as previously posted.

[Cosmolo]

From a breeders perspective, what do you recommend to puppy buyers with regards to dog to dog socialisation, both as puppies and as adults? Do breeders prefer single dog homes? Would you ever rehome littermates together?

[Staranais]

I have a question for those who have owned both Amstaffs and staffordshire bull terriers - how do these breeds differ in temperament? I have heard the Amstaff tends to be slightly more protective and more suspicious of strangers than the SBT, is that generally true?

Also one more question, are there any breeders in Australia breeding Amstaffs for working purposes, or who have titled their dogs to a high level in dogsports such as obedience/agility/tracking etc?

Thanks!

[ILuvAmstaffs]

OH has owned both & he tells me our amstaff is more sensible & the one thing he often remarks on is the fact that the amstaff is nowhere near as protective as his sbt. By that he means that if there was a noise outside, his sbt would charge outside to investigate whereas our amstaff is by far more layed back. Both were & are extremely friendly to people invited into the house though.

[amstaffchick]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Breeder, exhibitor , solid AST lover and owner to far too many lol

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

USA basically ...

3. How common is it in Australia?

Very common but strangely enough they still fetch a high price which is only making them even more common as the B-yarders jump on the band wagon!

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 - 15 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Ted to be DA with strange dogs, but are extremely loyal to their packs ( others may differ here ) but i know my gang adore each other and they also adore my CC and Tentie, My gang are extremely good watch dogs, they will do anythiing for their mum and they just love to please, great family dogs but they require a firm hand they are not the sort of breed i recommend be babied.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

i would say an hour a day if u only have one or 30 mins a day if u have two ( u will find having two they work each out all day long ) but my guys get twice an hour a day of additional exercise.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

NO, not easy but not undo able....nothiing easy about a dog that requires some knowledge when it comes to socialization ...In the wrong hands this could turn into trouble....

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I can only speak from my own experiences but i find the breed hates being alone, they can become destructive if left alone for long periods .

9. How much grooming is required?

Not a lot, although they tend to shed white hairs like a dog possessed lol

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes on the infirm ppl but if the dog is in the right home with the right ppl then young kids are not a problem....My guys adore kids and they change the way they play when kids are around....

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

HD, ED, eyes hearts and ataxia, overall the breed is very healthy.

[atua]

I have a question for those who have owned both Amstaffs and staffordshire bull terriers - how do these breeds differ in temperament? I have heard the Amstaff tends to be slightly more protective and more suspicious of strangers than the SBT, is that generally true?

Also one more question, are there any breeders in Australia breeding Amstaffs for working purposes, or who have titled their dogs to a high level in dogsports such as obedience/agility/tracking etc?

Thanks!

Hi there,

I have found the amstaff more stubborn than a sbt. I have my first amstaff though and it could be her because she is very dominating.

I havent found anywhere to do weightpulling with my girl yet but when I find somewhere and when she is old enough I am very interested. As for obedience shes only just gone one and I am doing trial training with her at the moment. She is very willing to work and I believe she will excel in the obedience ring. Hopefully in another few months I will be able to take her in trials.

[Sandra777]

I havent found anywhere to do weightpulling with my girl yet but when I find somewhere and when she is old enough I am very interested.

Google Alaskan Malamute & Siberian Husky Social Club - they have weightpull every month at the Oakley Obedience grounds in Brissie. Probably not in summer though You'll find plenty of Amstaff & Staff people there - we usually outnumber the Mals & Sibes

[Cosmolo]

Are there any breeders who could answer post #6 for me :D

[kman80]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if an experianced amstaff owner can help me with a unusual behaviour that I experianced from my 17 month old male. He has growled really agressively at me twice now. He has never growled like he did at me, he doesn't usually growl, not even others dogs that bark at him. The first time was when he didn't hear me come home from work. He normally hears my car and is usually by the back sliding door before I get inside! So when I got home I went around the back to see what he was up to. I got to about 10metres from him and he growled at me as if I was a complete stranger! The weird part was that he could see me but still growled. The sound was like he wanted to attack me! As soon as I called his name, within a few seconds of him growling, he stopped and started wagging his tail like normal. He then came to me like nothing happened.

So on the weekend, I thought I would walk around the back without him hearing me. Sure enough when I sneaked up to him, I was about 5 metres away, he growled at me like he wanted me to go away! As soon ad I called his name ge was back to normal.

I just don't understand this particular behaviour because both times he could quite clearly see that it was me. I'm not sure if my dog has bad eyes and needs glassed bacause he was a problem seeing past 5 metres or if he didn't like me sneaking up on him. I have tested this a few more times and didnt growl all times only twice. Both times when he growled I am sure he was sleeping, so I'm not sure if this was anything to do with it. Normally when he's asleep he has no problems with me waking him up.

Does any one have any suggestions or possibly experianced similar??

[Staffwild]

Are there any breeders who could answer post #6 for me

I personally have no problem in rehoming two dogs from the same litter, and I don't have a problem rehoming a Amstaff into a home where there is a existing dog, HOWEVER, I do require the owners to have runs or seperate yards that they can leave the dogs seperated in whilst not home to prevent any issues. I have found that the slightest stupidest thing can spark off a domestic which can escalate to a serious fight if not nipped in the bud quickly...............

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Breeder, exhibitor.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

USA ~ AKC registered name

3. How common is it in Australia?

Extremely common, but sometimes it seems for the wrong reasons. BSL has caused the Amstaff to become popular.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10+ years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Good family dog, protective of their family and slightly standoffish towards strangers until they know its all ok. They are a confident breed and will not back down to a challenge from another dog, but should not go seeking trouble.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Physical and mental exercise is important, 30mins to 1hr of both should keep them happy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

If the owner is prepared to be challenged and has a good support base and knowledge on how to deal with a breed that can be dominant if allowed to be.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I feel they are people dogs, and as such require to have company of their humans during the day, otherwise they do become destructive if left alone to their own devices.

9. How much grooming is required?

Little grooming, a quick brush here and there and a wash when smelly is all they require.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

If raised correctly, I don't think so. They are usually very gentle with children.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Ataxia, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Eyes, Hearts,

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Health Testings, Temperament of parents, suitability to the new owners lifestyle.

[Staffwild]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if an experianced amstaff owner can help me with a unusual behaviour that I experianced from my 17 month old male. He has growled really agressively at me twice now. He has never growled like he did at me, he doesn't usually growl, not even others dogs that bark at him. The first time was when he didn't hear me come home from work. He normally hears my car and is usually by the back sliding door before I get inside! So when I got home I went around the back to see what he was up to. I got to about 10metres from him and he growled at me as if I was a complete stranger! The weird part was that he could see me but still growled. The sound was like he wanted to attack me! As soon as I called his name, within a few seconds of him growling, he stopped and started wagging his tail like normal. He then came to me like nothing happened.

So on the weekend, I thought I would walk around the back without him hearing me. Sure enough when I sneaked up to him, I was about 5 metres away, he growled at me like he wanted me to go away! As soon ad I called his name ge was back to normal.

I just don't understand this particular behaviour because both times he could quite clearly see that it was me. I'm not sure if my dog has bad eyes and needs glassed bacause he was a problem seeing past 5 metres or if he didn't like me sneaking up on him. I have tested this a few more times and didnt growl all times only twice. Both times when he growled I am sure he was sleeping, so I'm not sure if this was anything to do with it. Normally when he's asleep he has no problems with me waking him up.

Does any one have any suggestions or possibly experianced similar??

If you can organise for someone with knowledge (dog trainer etc) to view the situation. I would have an issue with this situation if it was one of my dogs, if it is as you described, there is a problem either health or temperament wise........

[Pointees]

OH has owned both & he tells me our amstaff is more sensible & the one thing he often remarks on is the fact that the amstaff is nowhere near as protective as his sbt. By that he means that if there was a noise outside, his sbt would charge outside to investigate whereas our amstaff is by far more layed back. Both were & are extremely friendly to people invited into the house though.

Hey there Staffy owners,

My OH and I are looking into getting a Staffy in the next 2-3 years, I know, its some time away, but he is VERY excited, and this is making him happy to see that I am writing to ask a few questions.

Would a Staffy pup go well with an English Pointer bitch? My girl is currently a year and a half, so will be close to 4 years old by the time we get a Staffy.

What colours are most common? I tend to see a lot of Black and Brindle ones.

How do Staffy's go with rabbits and horses?

Are they better off raised inside with the family or outside? In other words do they love to be in with the "pack" all the time or do they rather be more independant. I tend to have my dogs sleep inside when I am home, and outside when I'm not (unless its raining or looks like it will rain, then they are crated to avoid a ruined house.

What is the general diet these little ones eat? I tend to feed two cups of dry to my girl, and meat daily, along with yoghurt, cheese, milk, egg, dog rolls, etc for variety.

How do they tend to go in dog obedience? And do they do recall well? I like to be able to let my dogs run around the horse paddocks, or go to the oval and play some soccer.

Another VERY important question, can they easily jump up onto a couch or bed? I don't mind lifting them up, but I would rather they are able to jump from time to time. As I said, VERY important question.

Thanks in advance guys!!

[Steve]

In case any of you have missed it - Please pop in here and have a go at our health survey for your breed.

http://www.mdba.net.au/

[Raya]

Hello its sad to see its been 2 years since the last reply Hopefully we can liven things up in here lol I have a amstaff named Minx and we love her to bits she is highly trained and come everywhere with us we are mlooking at getting another one soon before Minx gets to old, Id love to hear about everyone else's amstaffs :D

[shelby-001]

Hey Raya,

We have two Amstaffs... Boof n Lilly. They are from the same parents but out of different litters.

If you find the Amstaff Pics thread it is a little more active

How old is Minx?

Boof is 19 months old and Lilly is 12 months on Thursday

Cheers Aleesha

[Raya]

Hey Shelby Minx is 6 years old and the best dog Ill post some pics soon :D I will look for the amstaff pic thread thanks for that

Cheers Lisa