The American Staffordshire Terrier, also known as the AmStaff, is a medium-sized, short-coated American dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, but not the United Kennel Club, which instead allows American Staffordshire Terriers to be registered under the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.
The height of an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier is tall and weighs between . The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the breed as "confident, smart and good-natured". American Staffordshire Terriers are not to be confused with American Pit Bull Terriers, though the American Pit Bull Terrier has similar ancestry they are two distinct breeds. It also should not be confused with the "Staffy" Staffordshire Bull Terrier of the United Kingdom.
History
Some varieties of bull-and-terrier from the British Isles began to find their way into America as early as 1850. The name Staffordshire Terrier was approved because the ancestors of the breed originally came from Staffordshire, England. The name of the breed was revised on January 1, 1969, to American Staffordshire Terrier to distinguish it from the British Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is a completely different type of purebred show dog that was recognized in England in 1935.
The AKC opened the AmStaff Stud Book to UKC dogs a few more times until the 1970s. Since then, both parents had to be AKC registered in order to register the offspring. Breed selection was based entirely on conformation and established breed standards that, for decades, has transformed the American Staffordshire Terrier into a much different breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Temperament
According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are "smart, confident, good-natured companions. Their courage is proverbial. A responsibly bred, well-socialized AmStaff is a loyal, trustworthy friend to the end."
Description
According to AKC's published breed standard which was approved June 10, 1936, the "American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial." His head should be medium in length with a broad skull, a distinct stop, and pronounced muscles in the cheek. The ears should be set high on their head and can be cropped or uncropped, but the latter is preferred. Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about at shoulders for the male and for the female is to be considered preferable. The nose should always be black. Many coat colors are accepted. However, dogs with liver or black-and-tan coat, and dogs with more than 80% white are discouraged.
Health
Their life expectancy is generally 12–16 years with good care. The breed may be vulnerable to skin allergies, urinary tract infections (UTI), and autoimmune diseases. Spondylosis and osteoarthritis are common in older dogs. Other notable issues may include congenital heart disease, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, thyroid dysfunction, and cerebellar ataxia.
Skin allergies: are one of the common health concerns observed in American Staffordshire Terriers. These allergies can be triggered by various factors such as environmental allergens, food allergies, or flea bites. Symptoms may include itching, redness, rashes, and hair loss. Regular grooming and a well-balanced diet can help mitigate the risk of skin allergies and promote healthy skin and coat.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): can also affect American Staffordshire Terriers. UTIs occur when bacteria or other pathogens enter and multiply in the urinary tract. Symptoms of a UTI may include frequent urination, discomfort, blood in the urine, and accidents in the house. Prompt veterinary care and maintaining good hygiene practices can aid in preventing and treating UTIs.
Autoimmune diseases: are another concern for this breed. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. American Staffordshire Terriers may be prone to autoimmune disorders such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). These conditions require medical intervention and close monitoring by a veterinarian.