How big do Amstaffs get?
The average adult weight of a female American Staffy is from 22 to 27kg. Males tend to weigh between 25 and 30kg. Their height ranges from 43 to 48cm at the shoulder (again, males tend to be a little taller than females). The best way to estimate your dog's expected adult weight is to have a look at their mother and father.
How much does a American Staffy cost?
Amstaff pups in Australia vary considerably in price, depending on pedigree, but can cost up to $3000.
Do Amstaffs shed hair?
American Staffies are generally considered a low shedding breed. A gentle brush once a week with a grooming glove or bristle or pin brush is ideal.
Are American Staffies good pets?
Amstaffs can make excellent pets. They are incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs, so long as they have been well-socialised and properly handled and trained. Their extreme strength means that the need for proper socialisation and training should not be underestimated, and they should never be left unsupervised around children. They have very high energy levels, and combined with their high intelligence, they need a family who can provide them with the physical exercise and mental enrichment they require.
How much exercise do Amstaffs need?
Amstaffs need regular, vigorous exercise. Their strength and intelligence means they have enormous amounts of energy and need plenty of opportunities to run free and exercise.
How long do Amstaffs live?
The American staffies lifespan is 10-12 years on average. As with any breed, they will live much longer if you take good care of them, never let them become overweight, and keep their teeth in top condition!
How do I choose an American Staffy breeder?
When looking for an American Staffy, your options are to: a) adopt from a rescue (this is our top recommendation!) b) buy from an or online marketplace or pet store (NOT recommended!), or c) Research a reputable breeder. Never purchase a puppy without inspecting the breeder's premises and asking the 10 Breeder Checklist Questions first. Good breeders socialise their animals, house them humanely, allow you to inspect their premises, and select for healthy traits and good temperaments, and away from aggressive traits. They also screen potential families to ensure that the home they can provide suits the needs of the breed. Read our Guide to Finding a Good Breeder for more tips.
Do Amstaffs bark much?
American Staffies are a vocal breed and mary bark, cry and even scream! As with any dog, if not afforded plenty of physical and mental stimulation, they can be prone to problematic behaviours including excessive barking, digging and chewing.
Is an American Staffy the same as a pitbull?
While the pitbull terrier is part of the ancestory of the modern Amstaff, American Staffies have been a distinct breed since 1935 when the kennel club in Britain formally recognised the breed, separating them from the dogs now referred to as 'American Pit Bull Terriers'. Confusingly, some registries that register pit bull terriers still consider Amstaffs to be part of the family, and will register them as pit bulls. However, the American Kennel Club closed the studbook for the American Staffordshire Terrier in the 1970s, meaning that now only dogs whose parents are Amstaffs can be considered part of the breed.
What's the difference between a Staffy and an American Staffy?
The English staffy and the American Staffy share a very close history. They both descend from the fighting dogs bred from Bulldogs and terriers in the 19th century. Some of these 'bull terriers' immigrated with their owners to America after the American Civil War ended in 1865, and the 'Staffordshire Terrier Club of America' was founded in 1936. The English and American versions of the breed became very different as the years went by, with the American Staffy being bred larger and heavier, and with a more powerful head. The differences became so distinct that in 1972 the American Kennel Club changed the name of the breed to the 'American Staffordshire Terrier', and a separate standard was admitted to the kennel club for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
