American Staffordshire Terrier
Also known as: AmStaff, Staffordshire Terrier (American variant), Pit Bull Terrier (historical/colloquial, though not an official AKC-recognized name)
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family: Very Affectionate (5 out of 5)
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children: Moderate (3 out of 5)
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs: Moderate (3 out of 5)
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers: Moderate (4 out of 5)
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.
Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.
Care Guide
- ●American Staffordshire Terrier grooming is simple and low-maintenance
- ●weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush removes dirt and distributes skin oils
- ●baths only needed for messes or when a 'doggy' smell develops
- ●short, stiff coat requires minimal upkeep
- ●nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent pain and mobility issues
- ●overly long nails can cause discomfort during walking and running
Colors & Markings
Colors
Markings
Health Information
The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally a sturdy and healthy breed, but responsible breeders prioritize screening for common genetic issues, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and skin allergies. A recent genetic test for cerebellar ataxia—a progressive neurological disorder affecting muscle coordination—allows breeders to prevent its occurrence in future litters. Regular ear checks and dental care are essential for maintaining the breed’s overall well-being, as with any dog.
Recommended Health Tests
📜 History
Frequently Asked Questions
🔗Related Breeds
Breeds similar to American Staffordshire Terrier
Overview
About This Breed
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a confident, good-natured, and intelligent breed with a strong bond to its family. Energetic and playful, they thrive on interaction and mental stimulation but can be reserved or wary around strangers or other dogs if not properly socialized. Their protective nature and loyalty make them excellent companions for the right owner.
🎭Temperament
Purpose
Originally bred for blood sports, including bull-baiting and dogfighting, later developed as a companion and working dog (e.g., search-and-rescue).
Breed for
Not specified
Best Suited For
Active families or individuals who can provide consistent training, socialization, and companionship; best for homes with secure yards and experienced dog ownership.
Ideal Owner Profile
This breed is best suited for an experienced, confident owner or family who can provide firm but fair leadership, ample exercise, and early socialization to ensure a well-adjusted, balanced dog.
Training Difficulty
Moderate
Care Difficulty
Low
Common Challenges
Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training, potential aggression toward other dogs if not socialized early, and managing their high energy levels in a controlled environment.
Trust & Transparency
About Our Data
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Accuracy Assured
Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.
Experience & Care
BreedsFinder focuses on practical, real-world guidance. While well-researched, our content is educational and should not replace advice from certified professionals.
Transparency
We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.