TerrierUSA

American Staffordshire Terrier

Built like a bouncer, convinced it's a lap dog.

Weight: 40–70 lbs
Height: 17–19 in
Lifespan: 12–16 yrs

In short

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a muscular terrier developed in the United States from English bull-and-terrier dogs. Adults weigh 40–70 lbs and live 12–16 years. They are people-loving and eager, but many are selective with other dogs, so early socialization and careful dog-to-dog introductions matter for life.

Is it right for you?

A great match if you…

want an affectionate, physical, people-first dog
enjoy structured training and tug games
can manage dog introductions thoughtfully

Think twice if you…

want a dog-park regular that loves every dog
rent where breed restrictions apply
leave the dog alone for long days

The daily plan

Exercise: 60–90 min
Training: 2–3 × 5–10 min
Treat limit: 100–150 kcal

At a glance

TrainabilityWilling learner7.5/10

EnergyActive7.0/10

Calm at homeCalm indoors9.5/10

SheddingLight shedder3.0/10

What sets it apart

01
Broad, powerful head
Strong jaws and pronounced cheek muscles mean toys get destroyed fast; buy durable ones.
02
Compact muscle
A stocky, heavily muscled body packs a lot of pulling power, so leash manners come first.
03
Short, stiff coat
The glossy coat needs little care but offers almost no protection from cold.

Size & coat

Specification	Male	Female
Weight	55–70 lbs	40–55 lbs
Height	18–19 in	17–18 in
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Coat	Short, stiff, glossy single coat

Side profile 17–19 in at the shoulder

Back in stock soon

Personality

AmStaffs are affectionate, clownish and physical, happiest leaning on their people. They bring big enthusiasm to everything, including greetings. With structure they are steady, confident house dogs.

With kids

Typically patient and fond of kids, but their strength and enthusiasm can knock small children over, so supervise.

With other pets

Can be dog-selective, especially with same-sex dogs, and may chase cats. Introduce slowly and never assume.

With strangers

Usually friendly once introduced, though some are watchful. Good manners around guests need practice.

Alone time

Bonds strongly and dislikes long stretches alone; a bored AmStaff will chew. Build up crate or room time gradually.

Training

AmStaffs want to please and learn quickly with clear, upbeat training. Harsh corrections backfire; enthusiasm and structure win.

How often

2–3 sessions of 5–10 minutes a day, ending each one on a win.
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)

Use 8–16 weeks to meet many calm, friendly dogs and people. Keep dog exposure positive and controlled, since dog selectivity often appears at maturity.
Self-control

Loose-leash walking and a calm greeting (four paws on the floor) matter most. Teach a reliable 'leave it' and a cue to disengage from other dogs.
What it works for

Most work hard for food and for tug. Use small, high-value pieces for new skills and a tug game as a jackpot. Keep treats within 10% of daily calories.

Exercise

AmStaffs need strength and stamina outlets: brisk walks, structured play and a job to do. Short bursts of hard play suit them better than long-distance running in heat.

Exercise a day 60–90 min

CouchModerateAthlete

Good outlets

Brisk walks or hikes
Flirt-pole and tug sessions
Weight pull or dock diving

Brain work

Obedience or rally practice
Food puzzles
Nose work

Best home

Apartment OK with daily outlets; a fenced yard helps. Check rental and local rules, as some restrict the breed.

Watch for Short coat and muscle mass make them prone to overheating and chilling, so limit hard exercise in heat and use a coat in cold.

Feeding

Adult maintenance for a typical American Staffordshire Terrier (40–70 lbs) lands around 975–1,500 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.

Puppy (to 12 mo)

Daily calories: 1,225–1,875 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 16–20%
Treat limit, all treats: 125–190 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 6–9 pieces a day

Adult Maintenance

Daily calories: 975–1,500 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 14–18%
Treat limit, all treats: 100–150 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 5–8 pieces a day

Active / Working

Daily calories: 1,350–2,050 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 18–22%
Treat limit, all treats: 135–205 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 7–10 pieces a day

Senior

Daily calories: 850–1,300 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 12–16%
Treat limit, all treats: 85–130 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 4–7 pieces a day

Compare every life stage

Life stage	Daily calories	Protein	Fat	Treat limit (all treats)	Saylor's liver, suggested / day
Puppy (to 12 mo)	1,225–1,875 kcal	26–30%	16–20%	125–190 kcal	6–9 pieces
Adult Maintenance	975–1,500 kcal	24–28%	14–18%	100–150 kcal	5–8 pieces
Active / Working	1,350–2,050 kcal	26–30%	18–22%	135–205 kcal	7–10 pieces
Senior	850–1,300 kcal	24–28%	12–16%	85–130 kcal	4–7 pieces

The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.

Health & grooming

AmStaffs are hardy but prone to skin allergies, hip and elbow problems and an inherited form of ataxia. Keep them lean and choose a breeder who health-tests.

Watch for	Ask the breeder or vet for	When
Hip and elbow dysplasia	OFA hip and elbow evaluations	Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder for results)
Cerebellar ataxia (NCL-A)	DNA test for NCL-A (ARSG)	Once, in breeding dogs
Heart disease	Cardiac exam by a veterinary cardiologist	Before breeding; ask the breeder
Skin allergies	Vet skin check if itching, licking or ear infections start	As needed
Autoimmune thyroiditis	OFA thyroid panel	From 12 months; repeat periodically

Official health tests for breeding dogs

The OFA's CHIC program asks American Staffordshire Terrier breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.

Hip evaluation
Heart exam
Thyroid panel
NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)

Also recommended

Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
Elbow evaluation

See the full list on OFA.org

Grooming Moderate, year-round; minimal grooming

Brush weekly with a rubber curry or bristle brush. Bathe only as needed. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly, brush teeth several times a week and watch the skin for redness or itching.

History

1800s

Bull-and-terrier roots

English bull-and-terrier dogs came to the United States with immigrants, and American breeders developed a larger, heavier dog.
1936

AKC recognition

The AKC recognized the breed as the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936, registering it as a show and companion dog.
1972

New name

The name changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972 to set it apart from the smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Questions owners ask

Are American Staffordshire Terriers easy to train?

Usually yes. They are eager and food-motivated, but strong and enthusiastic, so start leash manners and calm greetings early.

Are American Staffordshire Terriers good with kids and other pets?

Often great with kids, though supervision is needed because of their strength. Many are selective with other dogs and may chase cats, so introduce carefully.

How much exercise does an American Staffordshire Terrier need?

About 60–90 minutes a day, mixing brisk walks with tug, flirt-pole play or a sport. Mental work helps settle them.

Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed?

Yes, moderately and year-round. Grooming is easy: a weekly brush and an occasional bath.

What health problems do American Staffordshire Terriers have, and how long do they live?

Most live 12–16 years. Common issues include skin allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease and an inherited ataxia that a DNA test can screen for.

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier good for apartments or first-time owners?

It can be, with daily exercise and training. First-time owners should be ready for a strong dog, and renters should check breed restrictions.

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

Back in stock soon

We're restocking. When it's back, a American Staffordshire Terrier needs only 5–8 pieces a day, well inside the 100–150 kcal treat limit.

See the product

Where the American Staffordshire Terrier ranks

Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.