<b>Appearance</b>
American Staffordshire Terriers overview
Weight: 45-70 pounds (25-30 kg)
Height: 17-19 inches (43-48cm)
Coat: Thick, shiny hair,short
Litter size: 5-15 puppies
Life span: 9-18 years
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a medium sized dog that ranges from 40 to 50 cm (16 to 19 inches) at the withers, and weighs from 26 to 30 kg (57 to 67 pounds).
The dog is of square build, and gives the impression of great strength, agility, and grace for their size. They should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. The chest is deep and broad, but should not be too wide. The neck should be strong, and well arched.
The coat is short and glossy. Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver are not to be encouraged.
<b>Temperament</b>
These dogs should be courageous, tenacious, friendly, extremely attentive, and extraordinarily devoted.
An Amstaff with cropped earsBred to be extremely friendly towards humans, American Staffordshire Terriers are natural guard dogs. An overly protective and/or aggressive behavior, accompanied by fearlessness, is generally a bad sign. This dog should be protective of its family and home, knowing when to protect and knowing when to relax. These dogs are good with children and owners, can get along with dogs, cats and any other animal if raised properly and introduced through puppy years.
These dogs learn quickly from the subtlest of our behaviors. They are thus not only highly responsive during training, but also pick up good habits for example, being house-trained. This can become a problem when an owner unknowingly allows the dog to pick up bad behaviors.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a loyal companion dog.