American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a stocky, solidly built, loyal companion. They are known more colloquially by their nickname, AmStaffs. As AmStaffs have a bit of a sly smirk on them, and as friendly as they can be, these kind of dogs were originally bred to be bloodsport animals in 19th century England. Bulldogs and Bull Terriers, along with the AmStaff, were some key breeds who endured these events. This unhappy, brutal reality meant dogs were bred to endure physical spectacles for an audience, often set loose against a bear or another dog. Thankfully such experiences have been banned and now we have the American Staffordshire Terrier as an obedient family dog, a bit more of a mellow companion.

American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular, courageous, and have a certain sense of “gameness” in their look. They have a thick jaw and head with little ears. AmStaffs are a little bit bigger than their breeding kin, the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. When the breed came over to America, the names Pitbull Terrier and Pitdog stuck to them. 

This dog breed has a pretty short, stiff but glossy coat that comes in varying colours, patterns, too! They are agile but graceful, very aware of their surrounding, up for any sort of challenge or adventure, and have a bit of a fun personality. AmStaffs may have had a rocky start with people early on in their breeding but with the right kind of gentle, positive, and loving approach, they truly make for excellent guardians and companions. 

Did you know?

The most decorated American war dog was Sgt. Stubby, an American Staffordshire Terrier who served in the K-9 unit in World War I.