The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of several breeds commonly known as pit bulls. In the early part of the twentieth century the breed gained social stature and was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1936. The name was changed to reflect difference from the much smaller Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The American Staffordshire Terrier is social with all people, especially children, however they have a keen sense of friend from foe and will act as a guardian if need be. They are very family oriented and as loyal as any dog could be. A properly bred American Staffordshire Terrier is never aggressive, threatening, or shy toward humans. Any AmStaff exhibiting these traits is not correct for the breed's temperament and is absolutely inexcusable. The breed is powerful and muscular, and at times can be highly stubborn and may be a challenge to train. Proper socialization and obedience training is an absolute must starting as a puppy. Animal aggression or same sex dog aggression is not unusual for the American Staffordshire Terrier, though decades of breeding for the purpose of exhibition in dog shows has toned down the animal and/or dog aggression of many bloodlines. Every American Staffordshire Terrier pedigree can be traced back to American Pit Bull Terriers imported from Ireland and England (John P. Colbly brought several of his American Pit Bull Terriers to the USA). John P. Colby’s "Primo" was selected as the first standardized model for the American Staffordshire Terriers by the American Kennel Club.
Colby's Primo
The American Kennel Club at one point considered the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier to be the same breed. Decades of selective breeding have changed that and they are recognized as separate breeds, even though genetically the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are one in the same. The breed was developed by crossing terriers with bulldogs, and were widely used as working farm dogs, family companions and as show dogs. Below you can view a photo gallery of some of the American Pit Bull Terriers that developed the American Staffordshire Terrier as well as some historical pictures of American Staffordshire Terriers after the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Official Standard of the American Staffordshire Terrier
General Impression: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Head Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high.
Ears Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized.
Eyes Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids.
Muzzle Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black
Neck Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.
Shoulders Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins slightly tucked.
Body Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Legs The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No semblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Color Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Size Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.
Approved June 10, 1936
General Impression: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Head Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high.
Ears Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized.
Eyes Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids.
Muzzle Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black
Neck Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.
Shoulders Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins slightly tucked.
Body Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Legs The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No semblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Color Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Size Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.
Approved June 10, 1936
