How to Identify an American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, also called the AmStaff, is a bull-type terrier breed and part of the terrier group. [1] Originally the same breed as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the AmStaff broke off as a larger and distinct breed in the United States. [2] Though their background is one of fighting, nowadays, they make good companions. [3] AmStaffs share much in common with some other breeds, but by learning to recognize the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify an American Staffordshire Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Structure

  1. American Staffordshire Terriers are medium- to large-sized dogs. Males have a height of 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) and weigh 55–70 pounds (25–32 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing at 17–18 inches (43–46 cm) with a weight of 40–55 pounds (18–25 kg). [4]

    Did you know? When American breeders bred larger Staffordshire Bull Terriers, this new breed eventually became notably distinct. The new breed is what is now know as the American Staffordshire Terrier. [5]

  2. An AmStaff's head is medium in length with a distinctly pronounced stop and cheeks. It still appears broad while being deep. [6]
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  3. The eyes of an American Staffordshire Terrier are a round shape and set wide from one another. A bit down in the skull, they are usually dark in color and rim. [7]
  4. AmStaffs may have either cropped or uncropped ears. The former stand erect, while the latter are half-pricked or folded as a rose ear and a bit short. The ears are never fully dropped, however. [8]
  5. Just as the head, an American Staffordshire Terrier's muzzle is medium in length. On its top side, it is rather rounded. It ends with a black nose and has strong, well-defined jaws and even, closely-drawn lips that cover the teeth, which meet with the upper set hanging in front and outside of the lower set tightly. [9]
  6. The paws of an AmStaff are compactly arched and a moderate size. They do not turn in or out. [10]
  7. Without being docked, an American Staffordshire Terrier's tail is a short length when compared to the overall size of the dog. It is set on fairly low and does not curl but tapers to the tip. [11]
  8. AmStaffs are stocky, muscular, proportionate, and strong yet agile. They have a heavy neck, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, a rather short back, straight forelegs, and muscular hindquarters. Their gait does not roll; instead, it is made of noticeably springy movements. [12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. When it comes to the American Staffordshire Terrier, color is of little importance. One may be any color, including solid colors or patterns, such as parti-color or patched. [13]
    • Be aware, however, that dogs which are solid or more than 80% white or are liver or black and tan are not as common. [14]
  2. An AmStaff's coat is close to the skin and very short. It feels a bit stiff but rather glossy. [15]
  3. American Staffordshire Terriers' coats are very simple to care for. They only shed on occasion and will suffice with weekly brushing and baths when found necessary. [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Note of Temperament

  1. Though not as active as some other breeds, American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate exercise. As long as they are given ways to vent their energy daily, any possible destructive habits can be prevented. [17]
  2. AmStaffs may show signs of aggression toward other animals, particularly other dogs. They can also have a high prey drive, encouraging them to chase small animals such as cats, so they must be on-leash when around them to prevent injuries. [18]
    • Understand that most dogs of this breed will not start fights on their own. However, they will not hesitate to finish a fight if acted upon first. [19]
  3. Many American Staffordshire Terriers are highly intelligent and capable of learning many things, but their strong will and stubborn tendencies may complicate training in some dogs. If trained with confidence and firm leadership, this is less likely to be an issue. [20]
  4. American Staffordshire Terriers love companionship and require socialization to be given the opportunity to show this. They are generally good-natured and vastly loyal. [21]
  5. Though this varies depending on the individual dog, AmStaffs typically have the potential to be fine guard dogs due to their protective nature. Some are reserved toward strangers, and their loyalty can lead to the desire to protect their family. [22]
    • The dog's behavior around strangers truly varies based on the individual, however. Some AmStaffs may love strangers, while others are more reserved yet polite around them. [23]
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      Tips

      • Think about DNA testing if you'd like to know your dog's breed. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.
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      Warnings

      • AmStaffs are typically one of the first breeds that come to mind when one thinks of a "pitbull", and because of this and the poor reputation of pitbulls, they may be banned in some areas. [24] Make sure that you're familiar with the breed bans where you are.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AmericanStaffordshireTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-staffordshire-terrier-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
      11. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
      12. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/american-staffordshire-terrier-temperament/
      14. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier
      15. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier

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