Muscular
and agile, the American Staffordshire Terrier may be viewed as the
show ring version of the American Pit Bull Terrier, as these two
breeds are nearly indistinguishable by sight. The American
Staffordshire Terrier, the accepted breed name for AKC dogs since
1972, is a stocky, sturdy animal standing about 18 to 19 inches; he
exudes strength for his size. The head is of medium length,
the skull is broad and the cheek muscles are duly pronounced.
The ears are set high and are either cropped or natural. The
back is fairly short, slightly sloping from withers to rump with the
loins slightly tucked. The ribs are deep in rear and well
sprung. Legs set rather wide apart to make room for the dog's
deep chest. The coat is short, close and stiff. The tail
is low set and not docked. While color is never an important
consideration in the breed, dogs must not be all white, over 80
percent white, black and tan nor solid liver.
The American
Staffordshire comes from the same lines as the American Pit Bull
Terrier, though the AmStaff is generally perceived as the more
sophisticated breed, the show-ring dog. Regardless, these dogs
are dominant, very bold dogs who are perfect family dogs and
gentlemen with familiar people. AmStaffs from good breeders
are great with children and are of the most stable dispositions.
These are high activity dogs who love to exercise and to be
outside. They do not get along with other dominant dogs, and
are less friendly with cats than most breeds.
