Brief Description
Behaviour: Amstaffers describe their dogs as keenly aware of their surroundings, game for anything, and lovable 'personality dogs' around the house. Amstaffs like mental and physical challenges. They are highly trainable, as their many forays into showbiz suggest (source: American Kennel Club).
Ancestors of the Amstaff were bred for their ability to fight. In order for the Amstaff to grow up to be a people-friendly, lively and courageous companion and hobby dog, its place is in a normal home environment, where it becomes accustomed to people and normal life, even before weaning and moving to new home. An Amstaff need to be raised well to be a socially acceptable and comfortable companion and hobby dog.
Health: Most important health concerns include cancer as well as orthopedic, cardiac, and dermatologic conditions.
Get a GRIHP!: Comprehensive information on the breed's health can be found in the Get a GRIHP! on the American Staffordshire Terrier article (to be added soon).
Breed Standards
The basis of breed/conformation shows is the judging of pedigree dogs against the 'Breed Standard', which is a picture in words that describes the range of features that are deemed appropriate for the breed.
Two of the major international standards are:
Health Strategies
Research Projects
Parent Breed Club
Staffordshire Terrier Club of America
Other breed clubs: see Connections below
Other Resources
Finnish Kennel Club Breeding Database - American Staffordshire Terrier
Swedish Kennel Club Breeding Data (Avelsdata; in Swedish). Find the breed in the link 'Raser' on left.
Information Lacking?
We are constantly adding and updating the breed information - please contact us if you have updates, links, or other information to add!
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