American Staffordshire Terrier
Other names: Amstaff
The American Staffordshire Terrier, or Amstaff as their fans call them, is a companion dog that is all too often considered dangerous. In reality, they are sociable, friendly and very affectionate. Their character selection limited their aggressiveness and made them softer. Only if they are provoked (e.g. with cruel methods), can aggressiveness reappear. This breed has a bad reputation due to the way people have treated them; there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.
Key facts about the American Staffordshire Terrier
Origins and history
Unlike most Terriers, the American Staffordshire Terrier was not born in Great Britain, but in the English colonies of North America and Canada, hence their name. Their ancestors are the "Bull-and-Terrier" and the Blue Paul Terrier, an extinct breed that was previously raised in Glasgow, Scotland, before spreading to the colonies.
At the beginning of the 1930s, two breeding movements were formed. The first one tried to create dogs corresponding to a precise standard, with a strong but very balanced temperament: the result was the American Staffordshire Terrier. The second movement, was looking for a fighting dog: a larger, more aggressive breed, with a stronger jaw grip. The result was the American Pit Bull Terrier, now only recognised by the American Kennel Club and not the FCI.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 3 : Bull type Terriers
Physical characteristics of the American Staffordshire Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 17 and 18 in
Male : Between 18 and 19 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 66 lb
Male : Between 55 and 66 lb
Coat colour
Their coat can be single-coloured, multi-coloured or variegated. All colours are accepted, however dominance of white and a liver colour is not encouraged. It should be noted that the blue American Staffordshire Terrier is very popular.
Type of coat
Their coat is short.
Their coat is coarse to touch, shiny, and lies flat and close to the skin.
Eye colour
Their eyes are dark.
Description
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a dog of great power in relation to its size: well-built and muscular, though at the same time agile and graceful. Their head, of medium length, appears large on all sides; the skull is broad. Their ears are set high. Their eyes are round, low and wide apart. Their jaws, especially the lower one, must be strong, to allow for a very good grip. Their muzzle should have a square appearance. The construction of their body is almost square-shaped. Their limbs are perfectly straight. Their tail narrows towards the tip, more or less at hock height.
Good to know
The American Staffordshire Terrier is part of the second category of ‘dangerous’ dogs, following the law of the 6th of January 1999.
It is thus necessary for the owner to apply for a detention permit from the town hall, which will only be issued following their participation in an aptitude training course and the results of the dog's behavioural assessment.
The aptitude training is completed with an authorised canine educator.
Their behavioural assessment should be completed between the age of 8 and 12 months with an authorised veterinarian.
The dog must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle in public places.
The dog's possession permit and vaccination record may be requested at any time by a public service employee.
In addition, be careful not to confuse the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (known as the Staffie) and the American Staffordshire Terrier, which are two very distinct breeds, be it by their physical characteristics or their temperaments.