American Staffordshire Terrier

Name: American Staffordshire Terrier
Official name: American Staffordshire Terrier
FCI Number: 286

The American Staffordshire Terrier (often called the Amstaff) is a medium-sized dog known for its strong, well-muscled build, broad head and strong cheek muscles. The breed originated in England and was bred by crossing a bulldog and a terrier. It was originally intended for bullfighting and dog fighting, but is now valued as a friendly, intelligent and courageous companion.

Character of the breed American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is known for its friendly and positive nature. It is a strong and courageous dog that is also devoted and loyal to its family. The Amstaff is intelligent and learns well, which makes it suitable for various types of training. He has a high energy level and needs plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep him happy. With good socialization from a young age, the Amstaff is often friendly with all people, but can also be very protective of his territory and family. Proper guidance and loving upbringing makes the Amstaff an excellent companion for active families who can provide love, exercise and mental stimulation.

The height of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium-sized breed of dog. The standard height at the withers for males is usually around 46-48 cm, while females tend to be around 43-46 cm. This size, along with their strong and compact build, gives the Amstaff a sturdy and brawny appearance.

The coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The Amstache has a short, smooth and shiny coat that is very easy to maintain. The coat is thick and close to the body, which accentuates its athletic build. This breed can have a variety of coat colours, including solid colours (e.g. white, black, red), spotted or brindle variants. Due to its short coat, the Amstaff does not need special maintenance and regular brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition and shiny.

Coat colour of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a diverse range of coat colours that include solid, spotted and brindle varieties. Typical solid colors include black, blue, red (reddish brown) and white. Spotted Amstaffs may have color combinations with white, such as white spots on a black or brown background. Striped Amstaffs have striped patterns of various shades, adding to their aesthetic variety. Each Amstaff has its own individual look due to the different color combinations that are the recognized standard of the breed.

History of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The history dates back to the 19th century in England, where it was bred as a fighting and working dog. Its ancestors came from a cross between the Old English Bulldog and various terriers, which created a strong, courageous and hardy dog, suitable for bullfighting and dog fighting. In the 19th century, several of these dogs were transported to America, where they were used as working dogs on farms, as hunting dogs, and even in family roles due to their loyalty and reliability. Over time, the Amstaff became a popular companion, but its image was affected by the negative perception associated with pit bull terriers, leading to controversy and regulation. Today, the Amstaff is a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is valued for its loyalty, intelligence, and ability to be an excellent companion for active families.

Advantages - why get an American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier makes a great companion due to its loyal, friendly and courageous nature. He is devoted to his family and gets along great with children. American Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent and teachable, which makes them easy to train. They are also very energetic and playful, making them ideal for active owners looking for a dog that will participate in a variety of physical activities. They have a short coat that does not require too much care, which is practical for those looking for a low-maintenance dog. Overall, they are affectionate and protective dogs that can be great companions in different types of households.

Disadvantages - why not to get an American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier may not be suitable for every owner for several reasons. It requires a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, which can be challenging for owners with less active lifestyles or limited time. These dogs can have strong hunting and territorial instincts and this can lead to problems with other animals. American Staffordshire Terriers also require consistent and firm training to avoid behavioral problems that can stem from their strong and sometimes stubborn nature. In addition, due to their historical abuse as fighting dogs, some people and communities may be prejudiced against them or ban them. Prospective owners should be prepared for possible negative perceptions and legal restrictions associated with ownership of this breed.