The American Staffordshire Terrier is never aggressive towards humans, a good AmStaff views every person as a friend and is not a one person dog: this is a loyal and devoted family dog that does well with children especially. They are tenacious and sure of themselves, have a keen sense of knowing friend from foe, and will certainly protect their family if the time comes. They should have immense courage in all situations, and nerves of steel. This is not a breed who is cowardly, unsure, shy or flighty. The breed is best described as attentive, highly alert, very social with people, bold, confidant and very good natured. Some American Staffordshire Terriers get along well with other dogs (often of the opposite sex), however their dog fighting ancestry from the American Pit Bull Terrier makes most AmStaffs a strong-willed, no-nonsense kind of dog who does not back down from another dog when challenged or dominated. Though a good American Staffordshire Terrier will not look for a fight, if confronted by another dog he will engage without hesitation. Regardless of if your American Staffordshire Terrier gets along with other dogs it is imperative that they never be left alone unsupervised (this is a disaster just waiting to happen). We have had American Staffordshire Terriers since 1998, and have learned this lesson the hard way. We have had several dogs that grew up together, spent years and years living with one another in the house, yet we have still had a fight occur (eventually...even if it took years and years to happen). We will tell you first hand that breaking up a dog fight between AmStaffs is devastating and almost impossible. Because of this, we never leave AmStaffs unattended with one another, no matter how well they get along, and I tell anyone with a puppy from us to please do the same. It is very simple to just crate your AmStaffs when you are not home to watch them interact, and that way they are safe and sound. I absolutely do not agree with "dog parks" and recommend my puppy owners steer clear of them (I have seen a great deal of very rude and misbehaved dogs at these dog called "dog parks" and your AmStaff is not going to put up with a strange dog's unruly or dominating actions). Though this is a highly intelligent, thinking dog; they can at times be very stubborn and may be difficult for first time owners to train. Proper socialization and obedience training is imperative, starting as young as possible. Obedience training not only strengthens your bond with your AmStaff, it ensures that your dog is well behaved and obeys simple commands that you will use everyday. No one enjoys a dog that bolts when let off the leash and doesn't come back when called, jumps up and claws people to greet them, rowdiness, or one that drags his or her owner down the street because the dog was never taught to heel (and believe me, this breed is strong enough to drag even a large man, so the heel command should certainly be taught). With this breed being so willing to please, you can continue more advanced training to enjoy sports such as agility, rally obedience, competition obedience, weight-pulling, tracking, schutzhund and an array of other activities. This powerful breed needs plenty of exercise and activities to keep them from becoming hyperactive, destructive, or overly rambunctious. A bored dog will eventually end up tearing your sofa to shreds, eating the drywall, or digging up your entire yard. If you are wanting a dog to sit all day long out in your backyard, or be cooped up 24/7 inside your house, then the AmStaff is NOT for you. However if you love to jog, bike,hike, camp, fish, or enjoy training (i.e. obedience, agility etc.), and plan to be active with your AmStaff - then the breed will make the most wonderful companion, and he/she will be so happy about it (they thrive on their family's attention and aim to please).