The American Bulldog Cross Staffy [Complete Guide]

Despite being a medium-sized breed, the American Bulldog Staffy is a powerful dog that is a cross between the American Bulldog and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Although he was bred as a working dog, his devoted and loving temperament makes him an excellent family pet.

He gets most of his attributes from the Staffy, but both parent breeds are descended from the same ancestors and have a lot of comparable traits, thus the crossbreed’s lineage is consistent.

Because he is highly devoted and usually quite affectionate with humans, the American Bulldog Staffy is considered a great companion dog.

He can get along with other dogs and animals, but he must be socialized early if you want him to get along with others; else, he may become aggressive toward other animals in an attempt to protect you.

This breed is quite active.

They can play for hours and it may appear difficult to exhaust them with walks.

They can live in flats because of their size, but they do benefit from a lot of outside activity and would be best suited to a family home with plenty of outdoor area.

American Bulldog Cross Staffy : Overview

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, often known as the Stafford, is a medium-sized shorthaired purebred dog breed that originated in the English Midlands’ Black Country.

Their origins may be traced back centuries, when the Mastiff and English Bulldog were closely related and the sport of bull and bear baiting necessitated enormous dogs weighing 100–120 pounds amongst larger dogs.

Bull-baiting was made illegal in the 1830s, and dog fighting became a hidden sport.

For its gameness and agility, breeders moved away from the bulkier bulldogs traditionally utilized for bull-baiting and inserted terrier blood into the mix.

The ancient hybrid cross of bulldogs and terriers was known as half-and-half and half-breeds, but was more popularly known as the bull and terrier, which was not a standardized breed but the start of multiple breeds.

Following the 1835 ban on blood sports and pit fighting, dog breeders made alterations that resulted in breed refinement over many generations.

By the mid-1860s, James Hinks had developed a new breed known as the ‘Bull Terrier.’

However, the Stafford’s reputation as a fighting dog in the early 19th century made it difficult to achieve approval as a standardized purebred.

Little is known about the Stafford’s ancestral origins, aside from individual types and styles of dogs that varied by geographic region; progeny from one area may have a higher percentage of terrier than bulldog, whereas other reports claim that bulldog to terrier was preferred over bull and terrier to bull terrier was preferred.

DNA studies have shed some light on the hybridization mystery of bull and terrier hybrids, suggesting a New World dog.

American Bulldog Cross Staffy : History

The offspring of bulldog terrier hybrid crossings were known as half-and-half and half-bred, but they were more popularly known as the bull and terrier, which was not a true breed but the forerunner of multiple breeds, some of which are now known as pit bulls.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes five distinct breeds that descended from the bull and terrier breeds, in the following order: Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Miniature Bull Terrier.

The same five breeds are also recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and Fédération cynologique internationale (FCI) (FCI).

The United Kennel Club recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) (UKC).

Only four breeds are recognized by the English Kennel Club, and the AmStaff and APBT are not accepted.

Appearance of the American Bull Staffy Breed

American Bull Staffy Appearance The American Bull Staffy is a mix between an American Bulldog and an American Staffordshire Terrier, with the former retaining the majority of its appearance.

The American Bull Staffy is a medium-sized dog with a deep, broad head and a stocky, muscular body.

The muzzle is average in length and rounded below the eyes on the top sides. Small, black eyes with a round shape that are positioned low and spaced widely.

The ears of the American Bull Staffy are clipped to prick up and put high on the head.

An American Bull Staffy has a large and deep chest, as well as strong and straight forelegs.

The height of this hybrid stand is between 17 and 19 inches, and it exudes strength and agility.

The thighs and rear legs, which are heavily muscled, have a lot of propulsive force.

The tail is small, tapered, and positioned low in the body.

What is the price of an American Bulldog and Staffordshire Terrier Mix puppy?

The American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier hybrid is a working and companion dog that combines the traits of two prominent parent breeds.

You should expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 for a healthy puppy, and you should be wary of anyone offering puppies for less than this.

There are a lot of breeders of this breed, so you should have no trouble finding one with a solid track record, great ratings, and who has done all of the necessary health and other exams.

The American Bulldog and Staffordshire Terrier Mix: 3 Facts

1.Bulldogs are the source of both parent breeds.

Both the American Bulldog Puppy and the American Staffordshire Terrier are thought to have originated from bulldog breed.

In fact, they’re most likely descended from English bulldogs, which implies the two-parent varieties have a lot in common.

They are both strong and powerful, with high-intensity energy, and are regarded excellent security dogs and companion companions.

Despite the fact that the Staffy contributes a lot of the mix’s features, notably physical ones, you’re dealing with a Bulldog strain.

2.It’s Critical to Socialize

The great majority of issues resulting from the parent breeds and the mix are caused by poor or non-existent socializing.

Dogs must be socialized in order to learn how to act and react in the presence of humans and other animals.

When children are exposed to this type of socialization at a young age, it becomes instinctive for them to be confident and friendly rather than cautious and hostile.

It’s also worth noting that the male Bulldog, in particular, does not tolerate other male dogs well, especially at home, and some canines will never allow another male dog into their pack.

3.They’re Shedders with a Lot of Power

The breed’s short coat is a result of both parent breeds, and while many potential owners assume that short hair means little or no shedding, this is far from the case.

Because of the length and thickness of their fur, the American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier mix sheds a lot, and the hair may be rather annoying and itchy.

To assist maintain the dog’s coat, owners are encouraged to use a slick brush, which will help prevent shedding and foster a healthier, better-looking coat.

Temperament and Intelligence of the American Bulldog and Staffordshire Terrier Mix

Opinions on Staffies and Bulldogs are split.

The breeds are robust, and without socialization, they can demonstrate antisocial and destructive behavior.

Owners and past owners like to perceive of them as loyal and caring, although the breeds are strong.

You shouldn’t have any troubles in this area if you socialize your mix when he’s a puppy.

The breed is also extremely lively and has a muscular body.

As a result, it’s probable that when he’s playing, he’ll come into contact with tables, chairs, and even people or other pets.

Because of his stocky build, your puppy is unlikely to detect collisions, but you will.

Allowing him to get lots of daily exercise and letting him run around in the yard for five minutes can assist.

Does American Bulldog Cross Staffy Dogs Make Good Family Pets?

In certain ways, this breed is ideal for families with children as a pet. They are extremely alert and aware of their environment.

They are also very devoted and protective of their loved ones.

They appear to have an innate ability to detect hazards and will safeguard children in their care.

They are, on the other hand, muscular, energetic, and can play like a bulldozer.

A youngster can be easily knocked down or stood on if they get in the path of your American Bulldog Staffy when they are playing.

Although the breed is normally gentle with children, they can’t always stop themselves when they become aroused and agitated.

Is American Bulldog Cross Staffy good with other animals?

Both parent breeds were utilized to catch enormous animals and to hunt them down.

They were later utilized in dogfighting.

This is most likely where the breeds receive their reputation for being dangerous, and while some owners do continue to breed and retain them for these purposes, you shouldn’t have an issue if you stay away from shady breeders.

However, the breed does have a proclivity for chasing other animals.

This should not be an issue if you obtain a Bulldog Staffy puppy.

You’ll be able to introduce them, discourage rough play, and make sure the dog gets along with cats as well.

Male bulldogs, on the other hand, don’t always get along with other male dogs.

This can happen at the park and, more importantly, at home.

If you acquire or purchase an older male mix breed and already own a male dog, you must first introduce them before considering owning both.

When dogs are out of the cage or pen, they should always be watched among smaller animals.

What You Should Know Before Getting an American Bulldog/Staffordshire Terrier Mix?

The American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier Mix is a breed with a lot of personality.

It has a lot of energy, and it has dietary needs to match that.

There are a few things to think about before bringing one into your family.

American Bulldog Cross Staffy Requirements for Food and Diet

Because this breed is high-energy and high-intensity, it has a high food requirement, particularly to keep muscles and bones strong.

Protein aids in the maintenance and growth of muscle, which this breed has in spades, so you’ll need to select a high-protein diet for him.

Low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense diets are advantageous since they allow you to feed an optimum quantity of protein without gaining weight.

You should avoid tinned food and stick to dry food because this breed is notorious for being gaseous.

Some dogs of this breed can thrive on a diet that combines dry and wet food.

American Bulldog Cross Staffy Exercise

The breed is not for the faint of heart, and they have a lot of energy to expend on a daily basis.

You should be prepared to exercise your dog for at least an hour, and giving them at least two periods of vigorous exercise every day will benefit them.

This will keep them cognitively and physically active, prevent them from chewing and damaging things out of boredom, and make them simpler to control.

Both parent species do well in agility and, despite their stocky and muscular frame, can build up a head of steam and attain reasonable speeds.

Agility classes, once again, are a great method to burn off surplus energy.

The breed has a powerful jaw that will grip any toy. Prepare to lose if you want to play tug of war or a comparable game.

American Bulldog Cross Staffy Training

The American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier mix is a dog that is reasonably easy to teach due to their energy and desire to please their owners.

You may, however, run into some difficulties.

The breed has a reputation for being arrogant and obstinate.

This means that, without being physically confrontational, you must express yourself as the pack leader and demonstrate your power.

If your dog perceives you as domineering, he will want to please you and be more receptive to training.

Because the mix is also very observant, your dog may spend a lot of time observing his surroundings, teaching him new commands or tricks may be best done in a calm place with no external distractions.

To assist inculcate excellent behavior, be persistent, begin training at an early age, and offer healthy snacks as well as lots of physical praise.

Take your puppy to puppy courses and local dog parks for walks so he may meet other dogs and people.

This allows you to avoid jumping up and other bad habits that can be difficult to break as your dog gets older.

Taking Care Of Your American Staffy

Because of their short hair, many potential owners feel the American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier hybrid will be a low-shedding breed.

They are, however, prone to a lot of shedding so watch for very carefully.

To maintain their coat and keep it healthy, use a soft bristle brush.

Excessive dirt should not be picked up by the coat since it will not stick to the hairs’ surface, and bathing your dog should only be done when absolutely required because it can harm and deplete the natural oil that protects them and can cause itchy skin.

Brush your dog’s teeth twice or three times a week to avoid dental disease, examine their ears and eyes for signs of infection or injury, and cut their nails as needed – usually when they make a clicking sound when walking on a hard surface.

Long nails aren’t normally an issue for this English Staffy because they naturally file down as they walk on pavement and other rough surfaces, but they may need to be clipped sometimes.

Situations and Health Concerns For Your American Bulldog Cross Staffy

Mixes, often known as hybrid breeds, are thought to be healthier than purebreds.

The mating of several breeds can result in “hybrid vigor,” which simply implies that they are healthier and less susceptible to hereditary illnesses.

This mix is no exception, and it is widely regarded as a sturdy and healthy dog breed but has behavioral changes.

However, any potential issues should always be determined by looking at the parent breeds.

Hip dysplasia and luxating patella are common in both parent breeds.

Female vs. Male American Bull Staffy

Adult males of the American Bulldog Staffy weigh slightly more than females, though this can be reversed in the Bulldog breed.

The male American Bulldog Staffy, on the other hand, is more dominating, and keeping a male of this breed with another male dog can be problematic, however this depends on the individual dog.

Aside from that, both genders are treated equally.

The American Kennel Club (AKC)

The English bull and terrier crosses known as Staffordshires initially came in North America in the mid- to late-nineteenth century.

Because they did not want to be affiliated with dog fighting, neither the AKC nor the UKC would sanction, recognize, or register fighting dogs or pit-bull types.

The Staffordshire Terrier was not recognized by the AKC until 1936, long after blood sports were outlawed and legislation was passed, and the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972.

Two years later, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Stafford) was recognized.

Steve Stone founded the US Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club on January 14, 1967, in an attempt to gain AKC recognition for the Stafford.

At the time, there were few Staffords in the country, with the majority coming from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries.

The club’s initial attempt to increase membership and acquire AKC certification was a rally conducted in the summer of 1967, which resulted in 14 memberships and eight Staffords being registered.

By the conclusion of the year, there were 39 registered dogs.

The number of memberships and registered pups grew at an exponential rate, but it would take nearly a decade of sanctioned shows and demonstrating consistency in the breed standard through careful breeding techniques before the organization received formal AKC approval.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was formally recognized as the official AKC Parent Club representing the Staffordshire Bull Terrier by the AKC in 1974.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the AKC’s 120th breed recognized on March 5, 1974.

Breed Specific Legislation

Because they have common ancestors dating back to the early 1800s, when pit fighting was a prominent sport, Staffords are frequently confused with pit bull-types.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) lobbied the British Parliament in 2018 to add the Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the list of restricted dog breeds in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home all objected to the proclamation.

The CDC and the ASPCA are among several agencies and organizations that have spoken out against the “theory underlying breed-specific laws—that some breeds bite more frequently and cause more damage than others, thus laws targeting these breeds will reduce biting.”

Other Famous Dog Breeds Across The Globe

• American Pitbull Terrier
• French Bulldog
• Shih Tzu
• American Bully
• Chow Chow
• German Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Yorkshire Terrier

Final Thoughts

The American Bulldog Staffordshire Terrier cross is a hybrid of two clever and powerful breeds.

It has a robust and stocky physique with short hair, and it resembles the Staffy more than the Bulldog in terms of appearance and physical aspect.

The breed comes in a range of colors and markings, and while the American Bulldog and Staffordshire Terrier have had a poor reputation in the past, owners will attest to their loving and devoted character, as well as their gentleness towards children.

Because of their size and strength, they should be handled with caution if you have children, yet this breed may truly become a vital and cherished member of the family.

Just make sure to groom it on a regular basis and give it plenty of exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)