American Staffordshire Terrier
Bad rep dog with a good heart
Am Staffs 101
Terrier groupFew breeds elicit stronger emotions than Pit Bulls, and that’s also true of the American Kennel Club version of the dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier. AmStaffs, like Pit Bulls, are intensely devoted to their families.
AmStaffs have a smooth easy-care coat in a wide variety of markings and colors. They’re playful dogs who don’t always know their own strength. These smart, confident dogs do best with families who work to ensure they behave like model citizens. They thrive with early socialization and manners training.
What we love about Am Staffs
The best ones are solid, funny and friendly
The AmStaff is a strong, athletic dog. Regular, heart-pumping exercise provides outlets for their muscular bodies and keen minds.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 17 to 19 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 17 to 19 inches
- Lifespan
- 12 to 16 years
- Weight
- 40 to 70 lbs
The American Staffordshire Terrier stands 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs 40 to 70 lbs. American Staffordshire Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do American Staffordshire Terriers get?
- American Staffordshire Terriers stand 17 to 19 inches tall and typically weigh between 40 and 70 pounds.
- How long do American Staffordshire Terriers live?
- The average lifespan of a American Staffordshire Terrier is 12 to 16 years.
- Are American Staffordshire Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
- American Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do American Staffordshire Terriers bark a lot?
- American Staffordshire Terriers typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This American Staffordshire Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
Mid-life American Staffordshire Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
Senior American Staffordshire Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Skin cancer poses very high risk. Arthritis is at high risk.
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Moderate Risk
Am Staff puppy
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
American Staffordshire Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Skin allergies and Ear infection and Gastritis are at moderate risk.
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Moderate Risk
Young adult Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
As American Staffordshire Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Skin allergies is at moderate risk.
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
Mid-life American Staffordshire Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Very High Risk
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Trauma
- Above Average Risk
Senior Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
Senior American Staffordshire Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Skin cancer poses very high risk. Arthritis is at high risk.
- Skin cancer
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Moderate Risk
Am Staff puppy
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
American Staffordshire Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Skin allergies and Ear infection and Gastritis are at moderate risk.
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
- Gastritis
- Moderate Risk
Young adult Am Staff
Risk level for common Am Staff conditions
As American Staffordshire Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Skin allergies is at moderate risk.
- Skin allergies
- Moderate Risk
- Foreign body ingestion
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your American Staffordshire Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 9 months)
- Skin allergies: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Gastritis: Moderate Risk
- Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
- Skin allergies: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Skin allergies: Moderate Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
- Senior (8+ years)
- Skin cancer: Very High Risk, Arthritis: High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Moderate Risk
The American Staffordshire Terrier was once so closely identified as the breed truly representative of the United States that recruiting posters for World War I featured an AmStaff. It’s no surprise, then, that when producers of “The Little Rascals” shorts wanted a dog American children would have, they chose an AmStaff, Pete, a white dog with a black ring painted around one eye.
American Staffordshire Terrier coat care and colors
The American Staffordshire Terrier provides no reason to complain when it comes to coat care – the breed’s sleek, short coat in a variety of patterns and colors requires little more than a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The AmStaff is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Avoid wrestling matches with adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.
Do AmStaffs need haircuts?
Do AmStaffs need haircuts?
How often should I bathe my AmStaff?
How often should I bathe my AmStaff?
Why type of coat does an American Staffordshire Terrier have?
Why type of coat does an American Staffordshire Terrier have?
Am Staff exercise & training
Am Staff fun facts
Top girl names for Am Staffs
of Am Staffs are female
of Am Staffs are male
Top boy names for Am Staffs
Nationwide loves American Staffordshire Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among American Staffordshire Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
American Staffordshire Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Am Staffs
Best. American Staffordshire Terrier insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free