Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.

In this post, we share insights from almost 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective American Staffordshire Terrier owners. Whether you’re considering owning or rescuing an American Staffordshire Terrier yourself or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a Playful American Staffordshire Terrier.

As Sniffspot user Kassie says, "I love how she has endless energy and love."

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

American Staffordshire Terrier Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Terrier
• Size: Medium
• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
• Healthy Weight Range: 40 - 70 lbs
• Height Range: 13 - 16 in
• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Loyal
• Coat Type: Short and smooth
• Color: White, tan, black, brown, mixed

About American Staffordshire Terriers

According to 452 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their American Staffordshire Terrier, we learned these dogs are playful, friendly, and loyal.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is very friendly and social with strangers and very friendly and social with children. When living with an American Staffordshire Terrier, 81% of our owners said a large house with a fenced yard is the best environment. Additionally, 32% of owners said an apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable.

This dog is moderately trainable and learns commands with consistent training. Owners say the American Staffordshire Terrier learns best with positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards), consistent daily training routines, and the use of training aids (e.g., harnesses, leashes, training collars).

When it comes to exercise, 46% of Sniffspot owners say their American Staffordshire Terrier benefits from moderate amounts of exercise, like regular walks and play sessions. The Sniffspot American Staffordshire Terrier community would recommend this dog breed to first-time dog owners.

American Staffordshire Terrier History and Origin

Originally bred in England for blood sports like bull-baiting, these dogs were crossed with terriers to enhance their agility and fighting prowess. Despite their fighting origins, they were selectively bred to be human-friendly, as dogs that harmed people during fights were eliminated. When these dogs arrived in the United States, they were used for fighting but also found roles as versatile working dogs on the new American frontier.

The divide between the American Staffordshire Terriers and the American Pit Bull Terrier breeds became formalized in the early 20th century. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) initially rejected the pit bull for registration due to its association with fighting, it eventually recognized the breed under the name "American Staffordshire Terrier" in 1936.

This name change was meant to distance the breed from its fighting past. Over time, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier diverged, with the AKC officially distinguishing them by adding "American" to the name. Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a recognized breed with a distinct lineage, while the term "Pit Bull" remains more general and sometimes includes American Staffordshire Terriers in non-AKC registries.

While pit bulls were bred for gameness and vary greatly in appearance, Staffies were selectively bred for a consistent appearance and overall soundness. Despite their different paths, Staffies have retained their deep affection for humans, a trait rooted in their history with people.

American Staffordshire Terrier Traits and Characteristics

We compiled almost 10,000 Sniffspot community submissions on their own dog breeds to determine these American Staffordshire Terrier dog traits and characteristics.

• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Loyal,
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Grooming needs: Low maintenance
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Can be aggressive or fearful towards other pets

What to Expect as an American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Owner

As an American Staffordshire Terrier owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips as well as expectations from current American Staffordshire Terrier owners.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs | Low-Maintenance

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means American Staffordshire Terrier owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a short and smooth coat, ideal for easy maintenance. Their short and smooth coat is considered moderate shed.

To keep your American Staffordshire Terrier's coat healthy and up to breed standards, commit to occasional baths and weekly brushing. Of the coat types for common breeds in the terrier group, the coat grooming needs for American Staffordshire Terrier are considered low maintenance.

Exercise Needs | Moderate

American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Staffies are considered a relatively athletic, high-energy breed, requiring a great deal of exercise.

Staffies make great pets, and they thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Staffies report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.

When medium breeds like Staffies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out on undesirable behaviors like barking, reactivity, and chewing. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid falling into bad habits.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your American Staffordshire Terrier to keep him healthy? As a Moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 59% of our community feed their Staffie commercial dry kibble.

With moderate exercise, Staffies should eat up to 2 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 70 lbs. However, your American Staffordshire Terrier's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

Breed Health Concerns

The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). Above all, a reported 65% of our American Staffordshire Terrier owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Your dog's risk for these challenges increase as they age.

Similarly, 33% reported digestive issues like constipation and lack of appetite. Lastly, 32% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners claim their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma — a common Staffie health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your Staffie's vet.

How Friendly Are American Staffordshire Terriers?

Another important thing to consider when adopting a Staffie is whether or not they fit with your current family. How friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers compared to other medium-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With moderate training, you can hone your Staffie's protective instinct into loving and playful family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like reactivity and anxiety. Our community American Staffordshire Terrier owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

• "Very friendly and loving. Wants to learn and please. Very easy to command. Overall best breed in my opinion." (Christen)
• "He’s incredibly loyal and very friendly. Although bully breeds may have a negative reputation, he’s been snapped at by other dogs and remains neutral and friendly." (Caitlyn)

How to Train an American Staffordshire Terrier

Whether you're adopting a Staffie puppy or a grown American Staffordshire Terrier adult, training is a large part of owning a medium breed. When you fail to train your Staffie properly, they're more likely to display undesirable behaviors like reactivity, anxiety, and so on. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Staffie.

As a terrier breed, American Staffordshire Terriers benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Staffie community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (94%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior.
• Consistent Routines (55%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations.
• Training Aids (45%): Dog training aids like martingale collars, walking harnesses, and no-pull attachments.

As dogs bred for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting, Staffies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.

What Do Owners Love About American Staffordshire Terriers?

We asked Sniffspot Staffie dog owners what they love the most about their American Staffordshire Terrier pups, and here's what they had to say:

• "My dog is super sweet with the family, and she loves walks." (Chelsea)
• "This breed is intelligent and truly wants to be integrated into their human's lives." (Alisa)
• "He is so affectionate and loyal. He can be left alone for hours, or cuddle up right next to me. He’s down for anything I ask of him and he’s just the ultimate love bug. There is nothing like his love and big goofy smile." (Cailey)

Celine Druguet on Unsplash

What Are the Biggest Challenges for American Staffordshire Terrier Owners?

Similarly, Staffie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with an American Staffordshire Terrier:

• "Despite years of trying to train and desensitize, still very much hates other dogs and cannot be distracted in the moment." (Chelsea)
• "His weariness of other dogs makes it hard to go to parks or out to dog-friendly spaces." (Scierra)
• "Anxiety and skin sensitivity. Also everyone is scared of her so she is in turn scared…" (Kassie)

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 58% of our Sniffspot community, American Staffordshire Terriers are a great first-time dog. This comes from their needs and moderate exercise needs.

American Staffordshire Terrier owners say it best:

• "High energy working breed, loves pleasing but needs consistent stimulation and exercise for 2-3 hours a day. On the plus side, she also loves being a couch, potato, and snuggling whenever you’re not walking." (Kelly)
• "Mine is very protective if there is any off-leash dog." (Mollie)
• "Affectionate and loving. We have two who are service dogs and they are truly amazing!" (Lisa)

Advice for American Staffordshire Terrier Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Staffie owners. These American Staffordshire Terrier breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Be prepared to advocate for this breed.

• "Be a good advocate for this misunderstood breed by going above and beyond with training and courtesy to others." (Carey)
• "Be aware and prepared for people to misunderstand your thick-headed bully breed! Also be prepared to advocate for them." (Caitlyn)
• "You have to understand that this breed gets a bad rap so you need to be sure to protect them from people and be strong enough to show people your dog is under control. You need to always be in control of the dog and control the people around you. He/She can't speak for himself so the job is tougher. You need to be their advocate." (Michelle)

Socialize your Staffie early.

• "Socialize them with people and other animals as much as possible from a very young age." (Cheyenne)
• "If you have a puppy definitely socialize while they are 8-16 weeks. If you have an adult dog; learn about enrichment activities and outlets for their high energy." (A.B.)

Be proactive about skin allergies.

• "Start training and socializing EARLY and address any possible allergies as early as possible." (Andrea)
• "Get pet insurance, these dogs are likely going to have allergies of some kind that will be expensive to treat over the years!" (Vic)

Make sure this is the right breed for you.

• "You need patience and diligent training, but you’ll have the best dog on earth if you do that. Impossible not to fall in love with their goofy behaviors and loving energy." (Sarah)
• "Do it! Do it but be ready to advocate for your dog. A lot of pitties have traumatic backgrounds and it's our job as owners to make sure they are safe and respected. Some pitties are dog/people aggressive but that doesn't make them bad dogs. They just need someone to help them set their boundaries. Some pitties love dogs and people and it's our job to put them in an environment where they can be loved." (Mary)

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Staffordshire Terrier

What is the average lifespan of an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The average lifespan of an American Staffordshire Terrier is typically between 12 - 15 years years.

What is the size of an American Staffordshire Terrier?

An adult American Staffordshire Terrier weighs between 40 - 70 lbs pounds and stands between 18 -23 in tall.

How much grooming does an American Staffordshire Terrier need?

American Staffordshire Terrier dogs require moderate maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. American Staffordshire Terrier dogs have a short coat, which is well-suited for protection from the elements. They are considered moderate shedders.

To maintain your American Staffordshire Terrier's coat, it's important to bathe regularly and consider professional grooming once a year.

How much exercise does an American Staffordshire Terrier need?

American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Staffies are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.

Staffies are excellent companions and flourish with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Staffies note that their dogs particularly enjoy chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, playing with squeaky toys, and tug-of-war.

If medium breeds like Staffies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

How friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers with children?

According to our data, American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly and social with children.

How well do American Staffordshire Terriers get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that American Staffordshire Terriers are very friendly with other pets with other pets.

What should you feed your American Staffordshire Terrier to keep him healthy?

As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Staffie is crucial. A significant 66% of our community feeds their Staffie commercial dry kibble.

For optimal health, Staffies should consume 1 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 70 lbs pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your American Staffordshire Terrier's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for American Staffordshire Terriers?

The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is particularly prone to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite and skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Our data shows that 28% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Staffie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.

Additionally, 22% reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Finally, 20% of American Staffordshire Terrier owners indicated their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma, which are common Staffie health concerns.

Resources for American Staffordshire Terrier Owners

Whether you're a current American Staffordshire Terrier dog owner or you're considering adopting a Staffie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for American Staffordshire Terrier owners.

• Staffordshire Terrier Club of America
• Most Popular American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Names
• Bombshell Bullies Pit Rescue, Inc.

Sources:

"American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Breed Information." (American Kennel Club)