The American Staffordshire Terrier or AmStaff is one of the largest of the Terrier breeds and the general public often has a much misaligned view of this breed. This is a very loyal and loving dog to its owners and is both lively and intelligent and thus is easily trained to a high level, but is also badly treated by some owners which has led to a bad reputation for some dogs which is an aspect of a bad owner not a bad dog.
General Facts of the American Staffordshire Terrier
Lifespan
From 12 to 16 years
Height
Male and female dogs grow to around 17 to 19 inches or 43 to 49cms.
Weight
Male and Females can weigh anywhere from 40 to 70lbs or 18 to 32kgs.
Breed
This is a Terrier breed as recognized by the American Kennel Club, however the United Kennel Club recognises the breed as an American Pit Bull Breed.
In the UK it is known as a Terrier Breed linked to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
What does the AmStaff look like?
The American Staffordshire Terrier known by some as the AmStaff, The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated breed.
At 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder these dogs only just come into the Top Lap Dogs category of a Lap Dog, but only for those people capable of taking the muscular weight of 40 to 70lbs and because these dogs are so loving they will want to sit on your lap.
They have a deep broad skull with the typical pronounced Bull Terrier cheek muscles. Ears are set high facing forward half flopping slightly or erect depending upon their interest. Preferably NOT cropped as shown below.
They have a well defined jaw often with what appears to be a smile. The neck is heavily muscled tapering wider from the back of the head to the shoulders which are well muscled into medium length legs coming down from a broad deep chest. Feet are short with well spread toes.
The back slopes to a full waist with powerful hips and thighs to short back legs and a low set tapering tail of medium length.
History of the American Bull Terrier
Many varieties of Bull Terrier arrived in the America’s from the mid 1800’s. Originally referred to as the Staffordshire Terrier by the UKC and the AKC the name was chosen with the acceptance of its historical roots from Staffordshire, England.
Because there was a seemingly large number of Staffordshire type terriers including the Pit Bull it was decided in January of 1969 that to help distinguish the breed from its close relatives that it should be called the “American Staffordshire Terrier”.
Nicknamed the AmStaff by lovers of the breed they are keen to show that the breed has very different characteristics to the Pit Bull varieties.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, it is not recognized by the United Kennel Club, which registers it under the American Pit Bull Terrier breed instead.
Temperament and Traits of the AmStaff
Fans of this breed call themselves AmStaffers and they say that whilst these dogs are a strong muscular breed they are also a soft loving animal, affectionate with human family members who love cuddling up on the couch or playing games in the yard.
Full of personality these dogs are highly trainable, loving the mental and physical challenges that such things such as agility training can require.
These are great family dogs but will also firmly attach themselves to just one person that will spend their time with them.
They are loveable but not ideal for the elderly seniors as they need to be able to expend energy on a daily basis.
Here at Top Lap Dogs we have an AmStaff cross and she is fantastic with our Grandkids who at this time are under 5 years old. We trust our AmStaff more than our Shih Tzu with kids.
Health
A North American study showed that around 25% of these dogs have hip dysplasia at some point and around 16% of them have Elbow dysplasia. See our Health Concern Page.
When young this breed can be prone to allergic skin diseases and demodicosis. Another study in America revealed that 20% of juvenile American Staffordshire Terriers, under two years old, suffer from demodicosis of varying levels, also known as red mange.
Furthermore, older Amstaffs may develop conditions such as osteoarthritis and spondylosis but this is not unusual for dogs of this size.
Otherwise though these dogs are a fit and healthy bunch with generally few other problems.
Conclusions about the AmStaff as a pet.
It is difficult here to convey how loving and devoted these dogs can be when treated properly. A shift change in attitude is needed by some people who are simply scared by their presence. If you are adopting one of these try to take them from a young age and they will be your forever dog.
These are strong dogs with lots of energy so if you are elderly or infirm they may not be the dog for you but as a family pet or even as a single person, if you have energy these dogs will join in with whatever fun you are having.
Remember to give them regular exercise to keep them fit and active. Keep regular veterinary visits for health check-ups as an early detection of any health problems and proper vaccinations.
They require a sensible approach to discipline simply because they are big heavy fast dogs but the rewards of a faithful and loving dog will abound in bucketful’s.
