American Staffordshire Terrier

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American Staffordshire Terriers are loyal to their family. See this guide for more AmStaff facts and breed information.
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:

12 to 16 years

Size:

Medium

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Temperament:

StrongProtective Of FamilyIntelligent

Coat Color:

BlackWhiteBrownBlueFawn SableBlue FawnRed BrindleBlue Fawn BrindleLiverBlack BrindleFawn BrindleBlue BrindleLiver BrindleFawnRedSeal BrownRed SableBrown Brindle
Blue Ribbon

Best For

American Staffordshire Terriers are best for experienced pet parents who can provide them with early (and consistent!) training, socialization and plenty of exercise. A serious-but-playful breed, they thrive in single-pet homes with spacious yards where they can burn off energy through play.

American Staffordshire Terrier Traits

American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament

American Staffordshire Terriers are not lazy dogs, but they’re not super energetic dogs, like Border Collies, either. At the end of the day, they’re content to curl up next to you. These super-smart dogs love to play with their families and let their goofy side really show. Some have even earned the nickname “gentle giants” because they’re so good with older children and tend not to be bothered by the hustle and bustle of a busy household.

How to Care for a American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier puppy is a loving, loyal family pet. But they need a lot of socialization with other pets and animals from a young age, so they don’t become too wary of strangers. They’re very smart and take well to training and just need short walks every day to stay happy. These dogs may be medium-sized in height and weight, but they’re big on personality and will quickly become your best friend.

American Staffordshire Terrier Health

American Staffordshire Terriers have a lifespan of 12-16 years, but the breed can have a few health issues. To help them have the longest life expectancy possible, work with an AmStaff breeder who screens for these issues. Also, visit your veterinarian regularly. And if you’re adopting your pup, be sure to get a copy of the vet wellness exam. 

  • Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can be a common problem with AmStaffs. This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly. Look for a breeder who tests for this issue. Dysplasia typically isn’t preventable, but your veterinarian can recommend treatments to help keep it from affecting your dog’s quality of life. Keeping your pup at a healthy weight can also help. If the condition is severe, surgery may be needed. 
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is another musculoskeletal problem that can affect American Staffordshire Terriers. This condition can be hereditary and causes degenerative changes of the elbow joint, leading to lameness and arthritis as dogs mature. For dogs with mild symptoms, joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications may help provide relief, but surgery is an option for dogs who are more severely affected. 
  • Heart Disease: Heart failure is a leading cause of death in older American Staffies. This is often caused by a weakened valve and can be detected as a heart murmur during a regular vet checkup. If caught early, medications may be prescribed. Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help protect your pup from heart disease. 
  • Allergies: White and blue/gray AmStaffs are especially prone to allergies, which can lead to hair loss and reddened skin. Veterinarians can help you keep the allergies under control with either a change in diet or medications. 
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):  American Staffordshire Terriers are predisposed to PRA, a hereditary condition that can cause blindness in affected dogs. The earliest sign of PRA is often a loss of night vision, which can progress to complete blindness. The condition is not painful, but there is no treatment for it. Responsible breeders should have their dogs screened for PRA and not breed dogs who are carriers for the condition. 

American Staffordshire Terrier History

The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of several dog breeds with a darker origin. They were bred as fighting and baiting dogs in the 18th and 19th centuries. The AmStaff’s exact genetic lineage is debated, but most agree that the Bulldog from 200 years ago makes up part of their genetic history. Others believe that the extinct White English Terrier and Black and Tan Terrier were also part of the AmStaff’s bloodline. Whichever specific breeds were used, for a time, the dogs were used mostly for dogfighting in the UK, even after the blood sport was outlawed.

The breed arrived in the United States in the mid-1800s. Some say that once in the US, they were used mostly for farming and hunting rather than fighting. Over time, they were bred to be taller, larger dogs and were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1936 as the Staffordshire Terrier. In 1972, the AKC recognized two distinct breeds: the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Today’s AmStaff is much friendlier and calmer than their 18th-century fighting ancestor.

Fun fact: Some people mistake American Staffies for American Pit Bull Terriers, but they’re not the same dog. The AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier, but not the American Pit Bull Terrier (but the breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club). Generally, AmStaffs are less bulky, although similar in strength. Now, this is where it may get confusing: The term “pitbull” is also a generic term for all bully breeds, including the AmStaff. (Bully breeds are all the dogs who share a common, extinct ancestor called the Molossus.)

Where is the best place to find an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. The average American Staffy price can be anywhere from $250-$2,000 for a puppy, depending on the breeder, pedigree papers and health screenings. Puppies with the most impressive pedigrees might even cost $10,000 or more. You can also find a purebred to adopt with the help of American Staffordshire Terrier rescue organizations and local shelters. Or, search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

Are American Staffordshire Terriers Pit Bulls?

American Staffordshire Terriers are pitbulls, but they’re not Pit Bulls. Confusing? The American Pit Bull Terrier is a separate breed from the Amstaff. (APBTs are not recognized by the AKC, but they are recognized by the United Kennel Club.) The breeds do look similar; some people try to use the red nose as a distinguishing mark of the APBT, but this isn’t reliable. The red nose was mostly bred out of the AmStaff, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a American Staffy with a red nose. “Pitbull”—one word—is a generic term used to describe a group of dogs known as the “bully breeds.” Because AmStaffs are a bully breed, they can also be described as a pitbull.

Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed?

Yes, American Staffordshire Terriers shed. Although they have short coats, they can still shed more than you’d think. Granted, shedding isn’t as much of a problem as it can be for long-haired breeds, especially those who have seasonal shedding (spring and fall). But you can still find a lot of fur on the floor and might find yourself vacuuming frequently.

What are the most popular American Staffordshire Terrier mixes?

The most common American Staffordshire Terrier mixes are:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier-Labrador Retriever Mix (Labrastaff)
  • American Staffordshire Terrier-Boxer Mix (Bullboxer Staff or Boxer Staffy)
  • American Staffordshire Terrier-German Shepherd Mix
  • American Staffordshire Terrier-Pit Bull Mix (Staffy Bull Pit)
  • American Staffordshire Terrier-Husky Mix

Note: These are not purebred dogs but mixed breeds.

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Top Takeaways

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a brave, loyal dog who can thrive in both small apartments and larger homes with a yard. They need an hour of exercise a day to stay happy and lots of playtime and bonding moments with you. But the AmStaff does need a lot of socialization from a young age so they get along well with strangers and other animals. This means they might not be the best choice for a first-time pet parents. But anybody who’s willing to put in the time will find that the investment is more than worthwhile.

Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, who is a consultant for DogLab; and positive-reinforcement dog trainer Ali Smith, who trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and is the founder of Rebarkable.

Breed characteristic ratings provided by veterinarian Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.

The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.

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Top American Staffordshire Terrier Names

These are the top American Staffordshire Terrier names as chosen by Chewy's pet parents!

Female Names

  • Luna
  • Bella
  • Nala
  • Nova
  • Daisy
  • Stella
  • Lola
  • Willow
  • Lucy
  • Roxy

Male Names

  • Zeus
  • Loki
  • Rocky
  • Blue
  • Duke
  • Bruno
  • Milo
  • Apollo
  • Diesel
  • Ace