American Staffordshire Terriers have short, slick coats, so they’re easy to groom—even though their “pokey” hairs can sometimes be difficult to get out of your clothes. The KONG ZoomGroom is ideal for brushing your American Staffy because the rubber-based brush removes dead hair and leaves the rest behind. They don’t need to be brushed very often, however. A light brushing once a week is typically enough.

Their short coat means shedding is less of a problem than you’d find with longer-haired breeds. However, they still shed those short hairs a lot, so be prepared to vacuum your floors frequently.

Here are some more grooming tips for your AmStaff:

• Baths: The AmStaff needs a bath about once every two to four weeks. Of course, if they go outside and get dirty, you might need to bathe them more frequently.
• Nail trims: Most dogs the size of American Staffies only need a nail trim every four to six weeks at the most. If they’re outside a lot, they may wear their nails down naturally. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor when they walk, this means it’s time to trim them.
• Brushing teeth: It’s ideal to brush your dog’s teeth daily. Start brushing their teeth when they’re young, to get them used to the process. Your veterinarian can help teach you the best technique. Don’t forget to take your dog in for professional teeth cleaning at the veterinarian’s office once a year.

Training an American Staffordshire Terrier breed needs to be consistent, and using positive reinforcement methods will help you attain the best results. Positive reinforcement training uses treats, toys and lots of praise to reward your pup for a job well done. You’ll want to start training early while your AmStaff’s a puppy, even as young as 8 weeks of age. American Staffies  may try to push your boundaries, so be firm in your training—but stay positive. AmStaffs are very smart, and when they take to training, they can learn new tricks every day.

Early training should include socialization with other animals and people. Getting them familiar with guests while they’re young will help them be used to company when they’re older. Remember to keep everyone safe while socializing your dog, so you can develop a lot of positive associations early on. You might even want to work with a professional dog trainer to help you discover the best socialization techniques for your pup.

American Staffordshire Terriers are loving dogs, so they respond well to lots of positive, verbal praise. But keep in mind that each dog is an individual, and sometimes it can be tough to figure out exactly what motives your strong-willed dog. Don’t rule out toys as a possible motivator. Sometimes they’ll respond more to a fun game with their pet parent (like a game of tug-of-war) than they will to a treat. If you engage their natural desires during training, such as utilizing games of tug-of-war, they might be extra enthusiastic about learning.

American Staffordshire Terriers thrive with a complete, balanced diet. They’ll typically do well with a high-quality, commercial dog food. Make sure you factor in your AmStaff’s age when choosing their food and diet. Look for food designed for their stage in life, whether they’re a puppy, adult dog or senior. Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific nutrition needs.

When choosing their feeding schedule, don’t forget to calculate the calories from treats. You might also distribute some of their meals through interactive feeding toys to help give them some mental exercise while eating. Try a slow feeder and see which your dog likes best. But again, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the ideal food and treats for your dog based on their individual needs.

American Staffordshire Terriers are high-energy dogs, so a calm walk around the park won’t be your pup’s only form of exercise. If you’re looking for a jogging buddy, look no farther than your AmStaff. Your pup needs at least an hour of exercise every day, so mix it up with jogs, walks and games. (They love to catch Frisbees!)

Looking for ways to shake up your routine? Play to your pup’s strengths! American Staffies are strong dogs, so they often enjoy games that focuses on pulling. A game of tug-of-war using a rope toy is a simple way to get in some good exercise. This breed might also enjoy interactive feeding for some mental stimulation and a dig pit (like a sandbox just for them) in the backyard to play in.

Some AmStaffs love bikejoring because it gives them a chance to use their natural power. Bikejoring is dog-powered mountain biking, where one or two dogs pull in front of a bike (like sledding, but without the snow—and with wheels). This can be an individual sport with timed trials or an off-road competition. Your AmStaff will need to get used to a harness designed for the sport, and you’ll also need a special attachment for your bike. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your dog is socialized and healthy enough to enjoy the sport.

They may also enjoy many other sports as forms of daily exercise, including agility sports.

American Staffordshire Terriers are loving dogs who thrive on family time. They’re happiest when they can just spend time with their immediate family, whether at home or outside. AmStaffs do well in families with older children but without other pets. (They get all your attention that way!) And they are happiest in homes with lots of land to run and play in. They may do OK in apartments as long as they’re able to get in plenty of exercise every day.

Remember, these are strong and smart dogs, so they may not be ideal for first-time pup parents. They need someone who understands the unique qualities of this breed and is confident they can bring out the best in this pup.

AmStaffs are often affected by breed-specific legislation that is designed to reduce the number of dog attacks in communities by certain dog breeds, so check with your city ordinances or home owner’s association regulations to make sure you’re following the set guidelines before bringing your pup home.