What is The American Staffordshire Terrier Life Expectancy? [Answered]

The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the 1800s in the United States.

They were raised to hunt pests and undertake agricultural work from their English counterparts, the British Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

AmStaffs are born in litters of 5-10 puppies and attain adult size at the age of 12 months, however development can take up to 18 months.

Outside, a white and gray American Staffordshire Terrier dog stands.

This is a muscular American Staffordshire Terrier.

A male American Staffordshire Terrier stands 18-19 inches (46-48 cm) tall and weighs 50–70 lbs (23–32 kg), whereas a female AmStaff stands 17-18 inches (43-46 cm) tall and weighs 45-60 lbs (23–32 kg) (20-27 kg).

American Staffordshire Terriers, often known as American Staffy, have a robust, stocky body with a large, round head and square jaw.

They have short, triangular ears that are somewhat flopped and situated high on the head.

The coat of the AmStaff is short, sleek, and glossy, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

A black-and-white American Staffordshire Terrier dog smiles as he runs through the grass in the sun.

Running with an energetic American Staffordshire Terrier

The AmStaff dog breed is recognized for its bravery, loyalty, and general friendliness while being tenacious.

The biting force of American Staffies is 235 PSI, and they can run at speeds of 25-30 mph (40-48 km/h).

They require a high-protein dog diet to maintain their health due to their high energy level.

In general, AmStaffs are a healthy breed with a lifetime of 12-16 years when properly cared for.

Because this breed is prone to obesity, heart problems, and joint difficulties as it ages, caring for American Staffies necessitates a nutritious, low-fat diet.

They also require plenty of exercise, play, socialization, and outlets for their biting and chewing impulses.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about caring for your American Staffordshire Terrier!

What is the average lifespan of an American Staffy?

Staffies in the United States have an average lifespan of 12-16 years if properly cared for.

Because the breed is prone to growing overweight and developing heart and joint problems as they age, maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet is essential.

Overview On Breed Characteristics

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a devoted, lively, and affectionate dog who enjoys spending time with humans.

They have a lot of muscle for their stature, which can make them difficult to walk if they aren’t properly taught.

They also have powerful jaws, which they will utilize to relieve boredom by chewing.

An American Staffordshire Terrier that isn’t physically and mentally occupied enough has destroyed a lot of furniture.

A confident, firm trainer who can match the physical demands of the breed without severe punishment will reward a calm, obedient dog who is comfortable with nose work, agility exercises, and athletic competitions, as well as just snuggling up on the sofa.

Although they are used as watchdogs, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s guarding abilities is more dependent on intimidation than anything else due to their natural love of humans.

Intruders are deterred by their large size and reputation as violent dogs, despite the fact that this reputation is unfounded in most cases as a fighting dog.

There are many similarities between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Both have been used in illegal dogfighting rings, prompting breed-specific legislation that prohibits their use.

American Staffordshire Terriers, on the other hand, are gentle, lovable animals who are incredibly loyal and obedient when raised in a loving household with adequate training and socialization.

American Staffordshire Terrier Facts

Despite having been bred separately for more than 50 years, American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pitbull Terrier have a lot in common.

Because they are classed as a “Pit Bull” breed, they are subject to breed-specific legislation.

Some insurance companies refuse to cover this breed of dog.

Make sure you check your local legislation and insurance coverage before adopting one.

Bull-baiting and bear-baiting were harsh sports in which American Staffordshire Terriers participated, and they are still utilized today in illegal dog fighting rings.

As a result, they have an unfair reputation as vicious canines.

The breed is unusually strong for its size and will pull on leashes if not properly trained.

In a yard with a sturdy, high fence, they love to run about and burn off energy.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, smooth coat is relatively easy to groom, and the breed does not have a “doggy odor,” therefore bathing is only required as needed.

American Staffordshire Terriers are normally quite friendly towards humans, despite the fact that they can be good watchdogs by pure intimidation.

History Of American Staffordshire

The origins of the present American Staffordshire Terrier can be traced back to England, where they were a hybrid between Bulldogs and Terrier dog breed.

Because of their mixed heritage, they’ve been given titles like Bull-And-Terrier Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, and Half and Half.

They were eventually dubbed Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Because of their fondness for humans, these dogs were used by butchers to handle bulls, hunters to bring down wild boars, and farmers to assist with farm chores and act as ratters, guard dog and family friends.

Due to their persistence, courage, and powerful build, they were later used in the barbarous games of bull-baiting and bear-baiting.

When these blood sports were eventually outlawed, they were repurposed for use in dogfighting rings, which unfortunately continues to this day in illicit tournaments.

They have a reputation as a violent terrier breed as a result of their human mistreatment.

They were given the names American Pit Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, American Bull Terriers, and Yankee Terriers as a result of their popularity.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized them as American Pit Bull Terriers around the turn of the century.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) authorized the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936.

The name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1976 because Americans had developed a larger dog than the original Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the two breeds needed to be distinguished more clearly.

Some breeders, on the other hand, favored the UKC’s appellation of American Pit Bull Terrier and preserved it.

Despite being bred separately for almost 50 years, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier share a lot of characteristics today.

Although American Staffordshire Terriers are slightly larger than American Pit Bull Terriers and appear to have more placid demeanor, there are few differences between the breeds.

American Staffordshire Terriers are now used as watchdogs, help police officers, and compete in weight pulling and agility events, in addition to being household pets.

They still have a bad reputation as aggressive dogs, and they are commonly included in Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) that makes them illegal, and some insurance companies refuse to cover them.

Before you decide to adopt an American Staffordshire Terrier, check your local laws and insurance policy, and if you disagree with BSL, contact your legislators.

Size Of American Staffordshire

Male American Staffordshire Terriers are typically between 17 and 19 inches tall, while females are typically between 16 and 18 inches tall.

The average weight of an American Staffordshire Terrier is 40 to 60 pounds, though some may be heavier or lighter.

Personality Of American Staffordshire

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a popular family dog who enjoys being around people.

Whether it’s during a strenuous play session, a long walk, or simply cuddling up on the couch, American Staffordshire Terriers are never happier than when they’re spending time with their families.

In reality, despite their image as guard dogs, they are more prone to lick and affectionately greet strangers.

Intruders are scared off by their intimidating appearance and undeserved reputation as vicious “Pit Bulls.”

However, many owners of American Staffordshire Terriers believe that their dogs are excellent judges of character and understand people’s intentions, and that as a result, they make excellent watchdogs.

If bored, American Staffordshire Terriers will pull, chew, dig, and bark.

As big, athletic dogs, they can be difficult to walk, and if allowed, they will drag their walker wherever they go.

They need a confident, assertive trainer who can keep them on a leash, establish boundaries, and provide appropriate mental and physical stimulation.

They also require early socialization with people and other animals.

While the breed is naturally affectionate to people, if they aren’t socialized, they can be aggressive with other dogs.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a smart dog that enjoys being trained and is eager to please.

They appreciate having a job, whether it’s jogging with you, doing nose work, running agility courses, or participating in other canine sports.

A trainer who can meet the physical demands of the American Staffordshire Terrier while keeping them active and under control will have a lifelong devoted, affectionate, and obedient friend.

American Staffordshire Terrier Health Issue

Although the American Staffordshire Terrier is a generally healthy breed, they are prone to a few health issues that you should be aware of.

This breed is prone to skin allergies, urinary tract infections, and autoimmune diseases.

They may develop osteoarthritis or spondylosis later in life.

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, demodectic mange, cerebellar ataxia, congenital heart disease, and luxating patella are some of the other health issues that might affect American Staffordshire Terriers.

Care Of American Staffordshire

Because American Staffordshire Terrier puppy are prone to bad breath, their teeth should be cleaned at least once a week, if not more frequently, to prevent bad breath germs from growing.

They should have their nails clipped as needed, which can be difficult because American Staffordshire Terriers dislike having their paws touched.

Starting combing and petting them when they’re young is a fantastic idea.

Their ears should be checked for wax buildup and debris on a regular basis and cleansed as needed to avoid ear infections or bug infestation.

Maintain regular veterinary visits and, for further at-home care, follow your veterinarian’s advise.

Feeding Of American Staffordshire

American Staffordshire Terriers should be fed a diet designed for a medium-to-large dog with moderate energy levels.

Consult your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your American Staffordshire Terrier and what size amounts they require.

Their needs will change as they become older, so make the required adjustments from puppyhood to adulthood and old age.

Grooming And Color Of The Coat Of American Staffordshire

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s short, smooth coat comes in a range of hues, including blue, fawn, white, black, and red.

They can be a combination of white and different colors, or white and brindle. If more than 80% of the coat is white, the AKC considers it a defect.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s thick, shiny hair loses heavily twice a year as the seasons change and lightly the rest of the year.

Brushing it at least once a week will assist to catch some of the shedding fur and maintain the coat lustrous.

Bathing should only be done as needed, which shouldn’t be more than a few times a year unless the dogs are particularly unclean.

This breed doesn’t have a lot of “doggy odor” and may spend a long period without a bath.

The grooming requirements of American Staffordshire Terriers are rather modest.

Other Pets And Children

Even with children, American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded for being loving family dogs.

However, they are best suited to families with children above the age of six.

This american staffordshire bull terrier breed is muscular and may play vigorously, which might result in injuries.

Because young children like poking and prodding animals, teaching them how to care for them is very important.

Other dogs are frequently disliked by American Staffordshire Terriers.

They were bred to fight, and despite various breeders’ efforts over the years to erase these characteristics, the breed can still be reserved.

With each individual dog, meeting other dogs in public might be a hit-or-miss affair.

Other pets, such as cats, may be seen as prey by American Staffordshire Terriers.

The American Staffordshire Terrier’s tendency to not get along with other pets can be reduced through early socialization and growing up with other animals, but they may be best suited to one-pet households.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)