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title: "American Staffordshire Terrier | Pedibase"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Dogs
# The American Staffordshire Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
An athletic, loyal and affectionate terrier that requires a firm, gentle and responsible education.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €105/monthPuppy €500 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 113](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=american-staffordshire-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Excellent
Strengths and weaknesses
- Loyalty: He develops a deep attachment to his family and seeks shared activities.
- Intelligence: He learns quickly when rules are consistent and methods are positive.
- Sporting versatility: His strength and endurance allow him to take part in various activities after growth.
- Easy maintenance: His short coat only requires weekly brushing and routine care.
- Physical strength: Its strength requires controlled handling, serious socialization, and suitable equipment.
- Strong-willed temperament: It can be stubborn if the training framework lacks consistency.
- Activity needs: A lack of physical and mental exercise can encourage frustration and undesirable behaviors.
- Legal constraints: Owning it in France involves specific obligations that must be anticipated.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Experienced owners: They will know how to manage its strength with consistency, calmness and positive methods.
- Active households: It enjoys long outings, games and suitable sporting activities.
- Responsible families: Good organization and attentive supervision help bring out its affectionate temperament.
- People with plenty of time: Regular presence facilitates its education, socialization and daily exercise.
Not recommended for
- Unaccompanied novice owners: His strength, temperament and regulatory status require solid knowledge.
- Very sedentary people: He needs sustained daily activity to stay balanced.
- Households refusing legal constraints: The procedures, the muzzle and the rules of movement are not optional.
- Coercive training: Brutal methods undermine trust and can worsen undesirable reactions.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
46 cmAmerican Staffordshire Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 43–48 cm
- Weight
- 25–30 kg
- Coat
- Short, hard, close and glossy
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the American Staffordshire Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The American Staffordshire Terrier descends from Bull-and-Terrier type dogs developed from Bulldogs and Terriers formerly used in fights. Modern selection was structured in North America at the beginning of the 20th century, with the objective of establishing a more homogeneous, powerful and balanced dog. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1936 under the name Staffordshire Terrier, then the name American Staffordshire Terrier was adopted in 1972 in order to distinguish it from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes it under number 286 in group 3 of Terriers. The breed has been present in France since the end of the 1980s.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Compact, athletic and very muscular dog, the American Staffordshire Terrier gives an impression of power without heaviness. Its medium-length head has a broad skull, very muscular cheeks, a muzzle rounded on its upper part and dark, round, well-spaced eyes. The ears are short, set high and generally semi-erect. The back is short, the chest deep and the bone structure strong. The tail, short and set low, is carried without curling over the back. Its coat is short, harsh, close and glossy. Many colours are accepted, but coats with more than 80 % white as well as black and tan are not encouraged by the standard.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The American Staffordshire Terrier is loyal, affectionate, patient and close to its family. Intelligent, lively and courageous, it also has a strong will and can be stubborn. Properly socialized and trained without violence, it proves gentle, docile and friendly. Its protective instinct makes it a deterrent guard dog, but its aggressiveness must never be encouraged. Its balance depends on serious selection, early positive experiences and a consistent framework.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
At home, he can be calm, clean and reserved when he gets sufficient outings. He enjoys games, active walks and activities shared with his owner. Apartment living is possible, provided that several daily outings and real physical and mental exercise are planned. A fenced garden is an advantage but does not replace walks. Meetings with children and other animals must remain supervised, especially because of his power. In France, dogs of this breed registered in a recognized genealogical book fall under the second category and are subject to the applicable legal obligations, notably a holding permit, behavioral assessment, insurance, leash and muzzle in the places provided for by the regulations.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must begin from the youngest age and combine firmness, consistency, gentleness and rewards. Early socialization with people, dogs, varied environments and noises is essential. Brutal methods are counter-productive and can reinforce undesirable reactions. Recall, leash walking, self-control, giving up and acceptance of the muzzle must be worked on progressively. His great intelligence makes learning easier, but his strong-willed temperament requires an available, consistent owner capable of channeling his energy.
Budget
## Price and budget for the American Staffordshire Terrier
The price varies depending on registration with the LOF, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the quality of health selection, the pedigree, the age and the dog's intended purpose. The acquisition cost must be supplemented by the regulatory, food, veterinary and training expenses specific to this powerful breed.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally robust and its athletic build allows it to remain active for a long time. Careful selection and regular veterinary monitoring remain necessary to limit the joint, neurological, endocrine, ocular and skin conditions reported in the breed.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
This muscular and active dog needs a complete, digestible diet that is sufficiently rich in good-quality proteins. The energy intake must support its activity without promoting weight gain, with particular attention during growth.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
Often nicknamed Amstaff, the American Staffordshire Terrier must not be confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier, even if their history shares common origins. Its current name dates from 1972. Despite an sometimes reductive image, a well-selected subject, correctly socialized and handled with responsibility can be a stable family companion and very attached to its loved ones. In France, its regulatory status involves specific procedures that the future owner must know before acquisition.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the American Staffordshire Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the American Staffordshire Terrier a good family dog?
Yes, when it comes from a reputable selection, is socialized early and trained consistently. It is affectionate and loyal, but its strength requires responsible supervision around children and other animals.
### Can it live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it benefits from several daily outings, suitable exercise and mental activities. A garden does not replace walks or interactions with its owner.
### Is it suitable as a first dog?
It is generally not recommended for novice owners because of its strength, determined temperament, training needs and the legal obligations applicable in France.
### What activity does it need?
After growth, it needs daily active walks, controlled games and possibly a suitable dog sport. Strenuous exertion and repeated jumping should be avoided in puppies.
### Is the American Staffordshire Terrier categorized in France?
An American Staffordshire Terrier registered in a recognized pedigree book falls under the second category. Its ownership is subject to specific conditions and obligations; the regulations in force should be checked with the competent authorities.
## Find a American Staffordshire Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most American Staffordshire Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/nouvelle-aquitaine) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Occitanie18](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/occitanie) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Hauts-de-France18](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/hauts-de-france) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Normandy10](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/normandy) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/bourgogne-franche-comte) [American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in Pays de la Loire5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/pays-de-la-loire)
### American Staffordshire Terrier breeders by country
[113 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier) [88 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/italy) [27 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/germany) [22 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/austria) [19 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/netherlands) [9 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/finland) [4 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Slovenia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/slovenia) [4 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/spain) [3 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/hungary) [3 breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in Romania](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier/romania)
[All breeders of American Staffordshire Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a American Staffordshire Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier)
## Compare American Staffordshire Terrier with other breeds
- [Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs. American Staffordshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/staffordshire-bull-terrier-vs-american-staffordshire-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Bull Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bull-terrier)
[Staffordshire Bull Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/staffordshire-bull-terrier)
[Pitbull
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pitbull)
[Airedale Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/airedale-terrier)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
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