American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed is a mix of old Terrier breeds and old Bully breeds. They first came to America in the late 1800s where they were known as Pit Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers, and Yankee Terriers. The American Staffordshire Terrier is slightly bigger than the English Staffordshire Terrier.

American Staffordshire Terrier owners should have bully dog experience and be up for lots of consistent training. The Staffy breed does best with owners who are physically active and willing to devote lots of time to owner interaction outdoors. They need strong leadership from their owners. Bully dog owners often become advocates for the dogs, helping to change the public perception of the dogs.

Athletic, energetic, and boisterous to the point of comedy sometimes, the American Staffordshire Terrier dog enjoys vigorous exercise. They need owner interaction in their exercise regimen, not just access to the outdoors. Training, free running, and leash walking should all be in the dog’s daily routine. They are people dogs and love to be part of the family, so training sessions that involve family members will give the dogs confidence and help with their physical and mental health.

While adaptable dogs, the AmStaff breed does better in homes with access to ample outdoor space, such as in rural or suburban areas. A fenced-in yard is a must for this breed.

The short and stiff coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is easy to maintain by brushing it with a soft bristle brush. This will remove dirt and distribute the oil on their skin to keep their coats glossy. Baths are only needed if the dog gets dirty.

Early socialization for American Staffordshire puppies and dogs is important, especially given the stigma around the dogs. They will train with gusto most of the time, but they can have a stubborn streak that might take creative motivation to work around. American Staffordshire dogs can default to terrier-like behaviors such as digging and chewing if they are bored or lonely.

If properly socialized and trained, American Staffordshire Terrier dogs can be wonderful companion dogs for families. They are large and heavy dogs, though, and are natural-born protectors, which might make them less ideal for families with small children. They do best with families where children are older and can respect the dog’s boundaries.

The cost of an American Staffordshire Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.