Updated October 14, 2024
Updated October 14, 2024
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.
Strong, Protective of Family, Intelligent
Male: 55-70 pounds
Female: 40-55 pounds
Male: 18-19 inches
Female: 17-18 inches
12 to 16 years
Black, White, Brown, Blue, Fawn Sable, Blue Fawn, Red Brindle, Blue Fawn Brindle, Liver, Black Brindle, Fawn Brindle, Blue Brindle, Liver Brindle, Fawn, Red, Seal Brown, Red Sable, Brown Brindle
Think of the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) as a weightlifter. They’re muscular, strong and a bit of a show-off. (They enjoy flexing for everyone.) But you don’t mind—it gives you a sense of security no matter where you go. It’s kind of nice to have your very own bodyguard. But you know something no one else does: Your AmStaff’s a big ol’ softie whose favorite wubby is a stuffed moose. (You even caught them napping with it once.) Smart and playful with a no-nonsense side, you can’t imagine a better pup to call your own—or keep an eye on your front door.
One look at the American Staffordshire Terrier, and you’ll know this dog is fearless. The AmStaff’s intelligent, dark eyes reveal they’re always aware of their surroundings. Their high-set ears come to alert when you’re near, as they’re instantly ready to play. Their medium-sized, stocky bodies come in a variety of colors and patterns. These muscular dogs may look imposing, but they’re loveable and loyal.
The American Staffy's small ears are set high on their broad head, and the AKC breed standard allows for the ears to be cropped or uncropped. If left uncropped, the ears shouldn't droop. Ear cropping involves surgically cutting away the outer part of a dog’s ear. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.
Their eyes are round and dark.
The American Staffordshire Terrier's nose is black and set proudly over a strong jaw.
The AmStaff's coat is short, glossy and feels stiff when touched.
The AmStaff's coat comes in a range of 18 colors, including shades of black, blue, bronze, fawn, liver (chocolate), red, brown and white. Their coat can also have a range of markings, including black, blue or white masks, brindle (subtle tiger stripes) or tan points, patched or spotted markings.
The AmStaff breed's tail tapers to a point and is set low on the body. They shouldn't hold their tails high or have their tails curled.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.