Back to Dogs
United States•terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
popularGood with Kids
Smart, confident, and good-natured. AmStaffs are loyal, trustworthy companions known for their courage and affectionate nature with family.
Weight18-32 kg39.5-70.5 lbs
Height43-48 cm17-19"
Lifespan12-16 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
ConfidentSmartGood-naturedLoyalCourageous
Height
43-48 cm17-19"
Weight
18-32 kg39.5-70.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
American43-48 cm17-19"Compatibility
How well American Staffordshire Terrier matches your lifestyle
??%
Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well American Staffordshire Terrier matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
- +
- +
- +
Things to Consider
- !
- !
Exercise
Activity requirements for American Staffordshire Terrier
high energy60-90 min/day
The American Staffordshire Terrier is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
1-2 hours daily of vigorous exercise and play
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for American Staffordshire Terrier
Low Maintenancefur coat
American Staffordshire Terriers require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for American Staffordshire Terrier
Eager to Please
The American Staffordshire Terrier is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for American Staffordshire Terrier
Medium Breed2 meals$40-100/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in American Staffordshire Terrier
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for American Staffordshire Terrier
Monthly costs
Food
$40-100
Insurance
$33-77
Supplies
$15-30
Monthly total
$88-207
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$432-720/yr
Parasite prevention
$360/yr
Annual total
$792-1,080/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for American Staffordshire Terrier's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
6 references for American Staffordshire Terrier
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - American Staffordshire Terrier
Health·OFA-CHIC
Dog Allergies
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Heart Disease in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research