The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (aka the AmStaff) is a confident, affectionate, and deeply loyal breed. Not to be confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier or the English Staffy, these pups are a separate breed.
This is your essential guide to American Staffies, perfect for first-time and experienced pet parents. Lyka’s holistic approach covers all essential aspects of wellness for this loveable terrier: from deciding on the best food for your Staffy to supporting their mental health.
Top breed takeaways
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American Staffy temperament: American Staffies form strong bonds with their families and are famously affectionate. With their courageous, loyal nature, they make incredible protectors and companions. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential to help them develop into confident, well-behaved dogs.
These dogs are not suitable for every home and should always be supervised around children and other dogs. Setting clear boundaries and engaging in ongoing training helps them reach their full potential as family companions.
What does an American Staffy look like? American Staffordshire Terriers are a large and muscular breed, with a distinctive broad head, wide eyes, and a strong jaw. Their coat is short and presented in a wide range of colours, most commonly tan and white, or brindle.
How big does an American Staffy grow? As a large breed, the American Staffy can take up to 2 years to become fully grown in height and breadth. Their mature height and weight depend on their gender and size of their parents.
Approximate height:
46-48 cm (male)
43-46 cm (female)
Approximate weight:
25-32 kgs (male)
18-25 kgs (female)
How long does an American Staffy live? American Staffies have a lifespan of between 12-16 years. You can support a long and health life with a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on quality nutrition, regular exercise, and lots of mental stimulation.
Caring for an American Staffy puppy
Whether you're a first-time puppy owner or are just getting started with American Staffordshire Terriers, here's what to expect as a puppy parent.
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Feeding an American Staffy puppy
American Staffy puppies thrive on high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals for balanced growth, and a low glycemic load for sustained energy.
Puppies don’t need specific puppy food; it’s the right nutrient balance that counts. Lyka’s custom-portioned meals are tailored to your dog’s unique slow-growth needs, making it easy to nourish them as they develop.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
How to train an American Staffy
American Staffies are intelligent and spirited, loving a good challenge and lots of mental stimulation. They have a stubborn streak, so start training when they’re young to establish the boundaries of good behaviour.
Using force-free training and positive reinforcement is the gold standard with American Staffies, helping to build trust and respect. As these dogs can be strong-willed, patience and consistency are key. If they’re not sufficiently stimulated, they may turn to digging or chewing to release energy. Ensuring your pup is given the right nutrition can also support their receptivity to training and memory.
How to train an American Staffordshire puppy
If you’re preparing to welcome an American Staffy pup into your home for the first time, toilet training is probably top of the agenda.
Puppies can generally hold their bladder for one hour per month of age, so frequent bathroom breaks are part of the process. The occasional accident is inevitable, but with praise and consistency, they’ll soon master it.
Enrichment activities like obedience and self-regulation exercises keep your American Staffy mentally engaged and happy. The earlier you start, the quicker they’ll become well-behaved adults.
How much exercise does an American Staffy need?
Despite their stocky appearance this breed is athletic and full of energy. They need a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise and benefit from plenty of mental stimulation too. They’re an ideal breed for dog sports and activities that engage their mind and body, like disc dog (frisbee) or dock diving.
Teaching an American Staffy how to walk calmly on a lead is crucial for this strong, determined breed, giving you more freedom to vary their exercise with on-leash and off-leash activities. Without sufficient exercise and engagement, American Staffies can become bored, which may lead to unwanted behaviours.
How to groom an American Staffy
With a short coat of stiff hair, American Staffies have relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. A regular brushing helps remove dirt, debris, and loose hair while distributing natural oils for a healthy shine. Grooming is also the ideal time to check their ears, skin, and paws for any signs of injury or irritation.
Like all dogs, American Staffies need to have their nails trimmed frequently, so it’s wise to start this habit young. If you’d rather skip the hassle, professional grooming is a great option.
How often should I wash my American Staffy?
American Staffies only need a bath every 4-6 weeks unless they’ve rolled in something messy or smelly. Always use a dog-friendly shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Why does my American Staffy smell?
All clean and healthy dogs have a slight doggie aroma. But if your pup has a particularly unpleasant odour, it could be:
Ear infections. Look out for a dark brown, waxy discharge as this is a sign of ear mites. Speak to your veterinarian about treatment.
Read more: Why does my dog get ear infections? →
Oral health. Bad breath can be a sign of a dental issue like gingivitis. Remember to brush your American Staffy’s teeth regularly, and make an appointment with your vet if the issue persists.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it →
Digestive issues. Food that’s high in wheat, corn, or legumes (like beans, peas, and chickpeas) can lead to unpleasant gas or anal gland issues. Feed them a fresh, real food diet, like Lyka, which is more digestible.
Skin infections or allergies. All dogs can suffer from skin allergies. If hives are scratched, they can become infected and smell if left untreated.
Feeding your American Staffordshire Terrier
Every dog deserves balanced, nutritious food to fuel their minds and bodies. The best diet for American Staffies is made from high-quality protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense ingredients, like Lyka.
Every pup is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, that’s why Lyka calculates your dog’s custom-portions based on their age, weight, and activity level. Portion control helps your dog to maintain their ideal body shape and avoid excess weight gain, which can trigger other health issues.
Common health concerns for American Staffies
American Staffies from reputable breeders are generally healthy. Like all dogs, they can still develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Skin allergies
American Staffies can be prone to skin allergies, often triggered by food or an environmental allergen. Dogs who experience allergies typically have red, itchy, and inflamed skin, hives, or recurring ear infections. Consult your vet if your American Staffy shows signs of skin irritation.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos) →
Arthritis
American Staffies can develop joint conditions like arthritis — a painful condition that can impact a dog’s mobility and quality of life.
Read more: Arthritis in dogs: tips to naturally help your pup's sore joints →
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Chronic digestive upsets, like IBD or Chronic Enteropathy, can affect American Staffies. Gastrointestinal symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea. Speak to your vet if you’re concerned about their health.
Read more: Unlocking relief from IBD: the power of real food for dogs →
Cost of owning an American Staffordshire Terrier
If the thought of sharing your life with a loyal, loving American Staffy makes you smile, we’re right behind you: the bond with this breed is truly special. But it’s a lifetime commitment, particularly with a high-energy, intelligent breed like the American Staffy.
If you’re wondering how much an American Staffy is, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost up to $4,000. Along with the initial cost of buying or adopting a dog, there’s the ongoing cost of ownership like healthcare, food, training, exercise, and equipment. Maintaining your dog’s health with a holistic approach – including fresh, real food – is essential for their well-being and can help prevent common health concerns, like skin issues.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership
American Staffy FAQs
Are American Staffies hypoallergenic?
No, American Staffies shed their coats and are not considered hypoallergenic.
Do American Staffies get along with cats and other pets?
With careful introduction and training, they can do well with other pets but should not be left alone with them.
Is an American Staffy a good family dog?
They’re known for being loyal and affectionate but should always be supervised with children.
Where should my American Staffy sleep?
American Staffies love a cosy bed, whether it’s in their own space or with their humans. Keeping their sleep routine consistent is important.
Can American Staffy be good guard dogs?
Yes, they’re known for their courage and are often protective of their pack. They’re alert and vigilant and don’t back down when challenged.
When should I desex my American Staffy?
Most American Staffies are desexed once they stop growing. Consult your veterinarian who will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is an American Staffy pregnant?
An American Staffy’s pregnancy lasts about 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Parenting an American Staffy comes with many decisions. Lyka exists to make mealtimes easy, with tailored meal plans delivered to your door. We’re proud to be fuelling American Staffordshire Terriers across Australia — from energetic pups, all the way through to dogs in their golden years.
Join our pack of proud American Staffy parents today.
