<C>Height:</C> 18 to 19 inches (male); 17 to 18 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 55 to 70 pounds (male); 40 to 55 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The American Staffordshire was developed from Staffordshire Bull Terriers, pit fighting dogs brought to the United States from England. He is larger and heavier than his British cousin. After dog fighting was banned in the United States in 1900, two strains of these dogs were developed. The American Staffordshire was bred for showing, while the American Pit Bull Terrier was bred with dog-aggressive temperaments for success in illegal dog fighting.
<b>Description:</> The American Staffordshire is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog, extremely strong for his size. He has a broad, powerful head, short muzzle, and very strong jaws. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional. The eyes are round and black. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The short, sleek coat comes in many colors. The tail tapers to a point.
<b>Notes:</> Beware of hip dysplasia. Buy only from OFA certified stock. Can be difficult to housebreak. This breed has a very high tolerance of pain. The American Staffordshire is quite adaptable to changes in ownership.
<b>Personality:</> Very courageous and tenacious. Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property. Can be willful. Needs a firm hand. A discriminating, intelligent guard dog that can easily tell the difference between friend and foe. Devoted and sometimes very friendly, but not recommended for most people. Although good with children from his own family, some American Staffordshires will threaten and attack friends if the family is not present. (Some sources say the breed is very good with other people if well trained...) Never leave unfamiliar children alone with these dogs. Originally used as fighting dogs, the powerful American Staffordshire may go for the throat with strange dogs. Socialize very thoroughly when young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog under control when other dogs are present.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Very wary of strangers; highly protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Very high.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Not generally trustworthy with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The ears are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers warm climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, guarding, police work, weight pulling, and agility.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
