A strong, determined, intelligent breed, American Staffordshire’s like to dig, and are also athletic climbers and jumpers, so they need a more secure environment than some other breeds. Ask responsible breeders for guidance about this. Be sure to check with city and county authorities to see whether there are any regulations regarding ownership of this breed in your area. Beware of hip dysphasia; buy only from OFA certified stock. Can do well in most climates with adequate shelter. Be aware of possible overexertion in hot weather and of chilling in cold weather. Some lines may be prone to skin allergies. Ask breeders what types of health screening they do for their breeding stock.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog, extremely strong for his size. It has a broad, powerful head with highly pronounced cheek muscles, and very strong jaws. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional. If the ears are not cropped, they should be either rose or half prick, not pendulous. The eyes are round and dark, set far apart. Pink eyelids are considered a fault in conformation. The nose is black and the teeth should form a scissors bite. The chest is broad, with straight forelegs, and the top line slopes slightly from the withers to the rump. The relatively short tail tapers to a point and is not docked. The short, sleek coat comes in many colors and color combinations, though all white, more than 80% white, black-and-tan, and the liver is discouraged.

Children: Good with children. Friendliness: Loves everyone. Trainability: Moderately easy to train. Independence : Moderately dependant on people. Dominance: High. Other pets: May be aggressive w/same-sex dogs. Usually friendly w/non-canine pets. Combativeness: If properly socialized will develop quite acceptable behavior. Noise: Low level barking, prefers to growl. Grooming: Almost No Grooming Needed. Trimming and Stripping: No Trimming or Stripping of the coat needed. Coat: Short Coat. Shedding: Average Shedder. Docking / Cropping: Now illegal in Australia. Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise needed. Jogging: A good jogging companion. Indoors: Very active indoors. Apartments: Will be fine in an Apartment if sufficiently exercised. Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient. Climate: Does well in most climates, Large drinkers. Owner: Not recommended for novice owners. Longevity: Fairly long lifespan (about 12 - 15 years).

Courageous and tenacious. loving, affectionate, and sensitive. Devoted and intelligent, and wants to please his master, but can be willful. Requires a firm hand and an owner willing to invest time and energy in positive, patient obedience training. Very people-oriented, the American Staffordshire needs lots of interaction with and attention from his owner. Do not get this breed unless you want to spend lots of time with your dog

If you want to get two dogs, the best combination is one male and one female. Some AmStaffs can be trained to get along with cats and other non-canine pets.

The AmStaff is a discriminating, intelligent watchdog, which is loyal and will protect his family. However, the AmStaff is generally friendly with friendly strangers. It is wise to socialize your dog more so with family and close friends rather than strangers.

Obedient. Agile. Watchdog. Weight pulling. Performing Tricks and Schutzhund.
American Staffordshire’s are also being used increasingly in America, in Search and Rescue and explosive detection roles.

The roots of the American Staffordshire Terrier can be traced through early Mastiff warriors, to the original Bulldogs in England, which were used in the bloody sport of bull baiting. As bear and bull baiting declined in popularity, interest in dog fighting increased. Breeders wanted to create more agile fighting dogs for this sport, so they crossed their Bulldogs with game terriers to create what was then known as the Bull and Terrier Dog, Half and Half, Pit Bull, or Pit Bullterrier. Actual breeding records were closely kept secrets, so much of the Bull and Terrier's early history is a mystery. The Bull and Terrier later became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier in England.

When British settlers came to America, they brought their dogs of various sorts with them, including Bull and Terrier types. These energetic, intelligent animals helped out as general farm dogs, guardians, stock dogs, and even as wild pig and bear hunters, in addition to continuing their role as pit fighters. In the US, the breed has been called Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and Yankee Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Over the years, the American breed became generally larger and heavier than his British cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. With their great spirit, energy, and affection for their family, the American Staffordshire Terrier has been described as the "All American Dog".

In 1936, the American version was accepted into the AKC under the name Staffordshire Terrier (though foundation stock for the breed included American Pit Bull Terriers before the stud book was closed). However, some American Pit Bull Terrier breeders were concerned that joining the AKC would move the breed too much towards conformation showing, and away from its working roots, so they remained outside the AKC and kept the name American Pit Bull Terrier. At this point, the Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier began more strongly to diverge. In 1972, the Staffordshire Terrier was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier to better distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. There are still some dogs dual registered and even triple registered in the AKC as American Staffordshire Terriers, and in the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) as American Pit Bull Terriers.
Today's American Staffordshire Terrier is primarily a show dog and family companion. His working abilities and athleticism also help him excel at many sports, including obedience, agility, and weight pulling. Because of the breed's affection for people, some American Staffordshire’s have become therapy dogs.

The American Staffordshire Terriers was officially recognized in Australia on 1st January 1987.

The first Amstaff was imported from Hawaii in November 1986 by Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch of Radcliff’s Victoria, their kennel prefix being "Amstaff". The basis of there future breeding program was to start with this import, Rock Islands O'Omua O Hawaii.

Bob and Ruth’s next import was the lovely brindle dog, Ka Hanahou's Lei O Makana. He was to become the first Australian champion, and with the early imported bitch was to produce the first Australian bred litter.

In 1989 in Queensland, Dr Glucina of the "Araganu" prefix began to import Amstaffs into Australia.
Time he imported American champion "Steel Towns Diamond Boy" and "Ka Hanahou's Seamist",
and two bitches "Cock n Bulls Poppycock" and "Haw N Blue Knightmist". All having cropped ears, so unfortunately unable to be shows in Australia.
In the following years imported semen produced some worthy Amstaff litters.

In Queensland Greg Gorden imported frozen semen from Am Ch Pacific Distant Thunder. And later, in co-ownership with Lynda Craw (Lyntiki), the blue dog "Am Ch Pacific Hot Pursuit" (imp USA).

Interest in the Amstaff within Australia is steadily on the increase. This versatile breed can be utilized as a family companion, a show dog and as an obedience dog. The breed is continually creating interest in and out of the show ring, and this, combined with a responsible breeding program will ensure a steady development of the America Staffordshire Terrier in Australia.
Mr. & Mrs. Murdoch, although from Red Cliffs, Victoria, would come to Adelaide each year for the Adelaide Royal Show with their Amstaff.

"A truly unique breed. Trustworthy and honest with a character so loveable they are hard to resist".