Discover Everything About American Staffordshire Terrier
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The American Staffordshire Terrier, often called Amstaff, is a breed characterized by its muscular strength, elegant lines and confident charisma. The body is strong and athletic, giving this breed remarkable agility and strength. The head is broad with a short, strong muzzle, and the ears are set high and may either be left untouched or, as in some cases, cropped. The eyes are dark and round, and they give the Amstaff an intelligent and attentive expression. The fur is short, smooth and dense and feels firm. The American Staffordshire Terriers belong to FCI Group 3, which includes terriers. There are no official distinctions between show and performance lines within the breed.
| Height | 43 - 46 cm (Female), 46 - 48 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 23 kg (Female), 28 - 40 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, brave, loving |
| Coat | Short, smooth, dense |
| Coat Color | Diverse; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red and more. |
| Price | 1000 - 2500 € € |
History
The American Staffordshire Terrier has its roots in England in the early 19th century. Crossing between the Old English Bulldog and various terrier breeds led to the development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the direct ancestor of the Amstaff. In the 1800s, these dogs were brought to America, where breeders began breeding larger and heavier versions, which eventually became known as American Staffordshire Terriers. They were originally used for dog fighting and as rat catchers, but when dog fighting was banned, their popularity as family dogs began to increase. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed in 1936. It is important to note that the American Staffordshire Terrier is often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier, but they are separate breeds.
The American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred for dog fighting, but was later valued as a family and guard dog.
USA
1800
Character & Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fascinating dog that forms a very close bond with its family. He is known for his loyalty and protective instinct. His loving nature makes him a great companion, especially if you are looking for a dog that will be loyal to you. In terms of temperament, the Amstaff is an energetic dog. He is not hyperactive, but he needs regular exercise to stay healthy both physically and mentally. He loves being outside and is always ready for adventure and games. It is noteworthy that although he is a strong and powerful dog, he is very gentle with his family and often does not know how strong he actually is. The Amstaff's intelligence and attentiveness are impressive. He is capable of learning complex tasks and is often very eager to please. Although he bonds closely with his family, he may need some time to get used to new people. He tends to be alert, making him a natural watchdog. However, it is important to emphasize that he is not an aggressive dog as long as he is properly socialized and trained. The American Staffordshire Terrier can learn to stay alone with proper training, but it should be noted that he is a breed that bonds strongly with his people and is happiest when included in their activities. He is not necessarily a dog for people who work very long hours or are away often. One of the characteristic features of the Amstaff is its strong prey drive. He may show a strong interest in small animals, meaning he may not be the best candidate for a home with small pets such as cats or rabbits unless he is socialized early and properly. There are no official distinctions when it comes to lines, but it is important to note that some Amstaffs may have stronger working characteristics than others. This can affect their temperament and training needs. It is therefore advisable to do careful research and speak to reputable breeders before purchasing an American Staffordshire Terrier.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred as a fighting dog, but is now valued as a loving family dog and is even used as a therapy dog in some countries?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
American Staffordshire Terriers are active dogs with great endurance. Stimuli can be associated with very high arousal. Therefore, good socialization is important. Depending on the federal state, there may be restrictions on keeping them.
Housing & Care
The American Staffordshire Terrier can be kept both in the city and in the country, provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is a family dog and loves to be involved in activities. He generally gets along well with children, but because of his strength he should always be supervised, especially with smaller children. When it comes to other pets, such as cats, it is important that the dog is properly socialized early on. In some federal states, this breed is considered a listed dog and special requirements must be observed.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an intelligent and active dog that requires a lot of physical and mental activity. It is well suited for dog sports such as agility, protection or obedience. However, note that Amstaffs can sometimes have a tendency to become ball junkies, so it's important to keep play in moderation and teach the dog that there are other interesting activities too. It is also crucial that the Amstaff learns frustration tolerance and impulse control. Positive reinforcement and patience are crucial in parenting. It is important to set clear boundaries with your dog and be consistent.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of the American Staffordshire Terrier. Due to their tendency to skin allergies, it may be advisable to use hypoallergenic feed. It is important to keep an eye on the amount of food as this breed is prone to obesity. When it comes to grooming, Amstaffs are pretty easy to care for. Their fur is short, dense and smooth, with no undercoat. They shed moderately, so brushing them regularly is enough to remove dead hair. The climate in Germany should not be a problem for the Amstaff, but they should wear a coat in winter in very cold weather.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Community Posts
Sell American Staffordshire Terrier Puppies
Breeding American Staffordshire Terrier? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
American Staffordshire Terrier Breeders Near You
Find verified American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in your region
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.