American Staffordshire Terrier: The Tender, Tough Trooper

Muscular, compact, and athletic, the American Staffordshire Terrier looks tough as nails, hard as stone, and always ready to rumble, but really, they’re just a big softie. With their expressive eyebrows and human-like eyes, these tough troopers have a hard time hiding their sensitive side. They just always want pets, praises, and your undivided attention—and it’s impossible not to give in! With just a little begging look or a paw on your arm, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s tough exterior melts away, and all that’s left is a loyal, lovable little cutie. 

At Happy Paws, we’re dedicated to helping all dogs, from purebreds to certified mutts, live their happiest, healthiest lives. We’ve designed our dog supplements to target a range of trouble spots in your dog’s health—many of which include common issues for an American Staffordshire Terrier. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the affectionately named “AmStaff,” give you some information and tips on how to care for them, and help you decide which supplements are best for your little sensitive tough guy or girl, the American Staffordshire Terrier. 

Quick Facts

Origin: United States

Size: Medium

Breed Group: Terrier

Lifespan: 12–16 years

Coat: Short hair—minimal grooming needed

Temperament: Loyal, sensitive, goofy & driven 

Exercise Needs: Young to middle-aged AmStaffs are rambunctious balls of energy. Once they learn how to play, it’s nearly impossible to wrangle them in. Their compact frame is deceptively strong and their battery seems endless. Be prepared to break up with your couch. American Staffordshire Terriers do well with long walks, hikes, or nature strolls but may need a little more mentally stimulating exercise, like fetch or tug-of-war, to keep their minds engaged.

Training: Like other medium-sized terriers, the American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic dog with a quick wit. They are intelligent pretty early on, so obedience training can be effective during their puppyhood. If not properly trained, this high canine IQ spills over into unpleasant behaviors, like tearing up your favorite shoes, barreling through the house at four in the morning, or greeting guests with a body slam (they can really get up there!). So, harness this energy and intelligence through consistent exercise and training.

Dog Health: Like other medium-sized terriers, AmStaffs can suffer from unique health issues, like joint dysplasia, allergies, poor kidney health, and cognitive decline. Below, we’ll discuss effective supplements for these common concerns. 

Happy Paws for American Staffordshire Terriers

Enrich your AmStaff’s health with high-quality, tasty supplements like these!

In-Depth Look at Our Popular Supplements

If you have an American Staffy, chances are they are close by, giving you that irresistible “begging face”—which is next to impossible not to spoil, especially with treats. When your American Staffordshire Terrier gives you this look, treat them with healthy treats (that actually taste like treats).

Our high-quality, tail-waggin’ dog supplements use an array of all-natural, organic ingredients to enrich your Staffy’s health, while satisfying their taste buds. Here are a few supplements to help you care for your canine companion.

Calming Dog Chews: Made with naturally calming ingredients, like tryptophan and chamomile, these Calming Dog Chews rely on healthy, high-quality elements to help settle your dog’s nerves. It doesn’t take much to get this breed wired, so a simple, daily calming chew is all they need to relax and tap into their inner couch dog. 

Cognitive Dog Chews: Balance your dog’s mood, stress, and mental health with our Cognitive Dog Chews. These vegan, chicken-flavored treats use powerful blends of vitamins and antioxidants to care for your dog’s brain and neural health. 

Bladder Health Dog Chews: Bladder issues can pop up anytime during your dog’s life. Our Bladder Health Dog Chews help address the symptoms of poor renal health, like incontinence and urinary tract infections. Add these treats to your dog’s routine to enrich their kidneys with all-natural compounds, like cranberry, Kona berry, and nettle leaf. 

10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews: Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews use multiple essential nutrients to fortify your dog’s daily health and give them a well-rounded supplement. One vegan, lamb-flavored treat introduces ten key nutrients to keep your AmStaff healthy, happy, and active. 

Immunity Booster Dog Chews: Allergies are common for most dogs, and our Immunity Booster Dog Chews are here to help! These pumpkin-flavored soft chews use a range of adaptogenic mushrooms, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to enrich your dog’s immune system and build back stronger immunity.

Hip & Joint Dog Chews: Soothe the symptoms of joint dysplasia with our Hip & Joint Dog Chews! Packed with a blend of joint-friendly ingredients, this supplement helps reduce inflammation and support joint health, thanks to compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Common Health Concerns

Like other medium-sized terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers are often prone to common health issues like these:

Elbow & Hip Dysplasia: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), many medium-sized dogs are susceptible to various forms of joint dysplasia, which stems from genetic or environmental factors. This ailment occurs when the bone in a joint is misshapen, leading to an awkward fit in your dog’s hips and elbows. In their early years, your dog won’t notice this problem. But as they age, the misaligned joint can lead to pain, osteoarthritis, limping, and trouble standing up.

Separation Anxiety: AmStaffs are a very loyal breed. They are so loyal, in fact, they may get a little tense and nervous when you leave them alone. Specific training can help massage the symptoms of separation anxiety, while natural calming supplements can be a reliable tool.

Cognitive Decline: Even with steady exercise and a healthy diet, your dog can experience potential cognitive decline. This can result in low mood, minimal energy, and prolonged lethargy. 

Cardiovascular Disease: Unfortunately, heart failure is the leading cause of death in American Staffies. Regular veterinarian checkups can help better predict or respond to cardiovascular complications. It’s also best to feed your AmStaff a vitamin-rich diet that supports proper cardiovascular health. 

Allergies: Your American Staffordshire Terrier can have an overactive immune system, leading to a number of common allergies. Plus, with their short coat, these allergies can snowball into several types of dermal dilemmas. Signs that your dog has allergies include frequent skin infections, fur loss, constant licking, itching, scratching, or red, inflamed skin.

American Staffordshire Terrier Overview

American Staffordshire Terriers share their lineage with several other English-borne terriers, like the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Bull Terrier. Along with a similar lineage, all of these breeds also share a dark history—one that involves bullbaiting and illegal dog fights. 

In the mid-19th century, the AmStaffs’ ancestors made their way to the Americas, where their eager, work-happy personalities meshed well with farming life—and made hunting trips more successful. But, over the years, the AmStaff sneakily ventured more into the household, soon earning their own little nook on the living room couch and in the family unit.

Today, the American Staffordshire Terrier has adjusted well to a newly domesticated life. The public has quickly uncovered the AmStaff’s gentler side—one that’s sensitive, friendly, and downright goofy—and many families now have an irreplaceable AmStaff who won’t leave them alone; we know they mean well. 

Their Temperament

Much like their terrier relatives, the AmStaff is high-energy, curious, and intensely loyal. They quickly form an unbreakable bond with their people and aren’t afraid to show their protective side if that bond is threatened. But, behind closed doors, these dogs are also seriously goofy. They have a playful side reserved for family and a few trusted friends. Don’t be surprised if your AmStaff talks back to you with sassy little whimpers or gives you a side-eye when you mention the word “vet.” These dogs are sensitive and loyal, but they sure are free-thinkers.

How to Care for This Terrier Breed

Compared to other dogs, AmStaffs are relatively low maintenance. They are deeply intelligent, so training sticks, if you start early on. They have smooth, short hair, so shedding isn’t a major concern. Thanks to good breeding and proper training, these dogs have outrun their unfortunate history in dog fighting, and now, they can show their soft side—one that’s deeply affectionate and endlessly loving.

Here are a few key tips for keeping your AmStaff happy, healthy, and lively from their puppy years and well into their golden years.

Early & Often Socialization

Remember to introduce your puppy to new people, pets, and environments when they are between seven to eight weeks old. This socialization process will help your dog become comfortable with new experiences and surroundings. Proper socialization at an early age is important as it can prevent anxious behaviors, such as barking, scratching, and chewing, around strangers and other dogs.

To socialize your dog, take them to different places and provide gentle encouragement. This approach will assist your dog in distinguishing between friends and potential threats, and it will also strengthen your bond with them.

Daily Exercise

Daily physical activity provides your dog with a way to spend their excess energy. Whether you engage them in lengthy walks, spend ample time playing fetch, or take them on runs, your AmStaff will love the active play sessions. American Staffordshire Terriers make great exercise partners with their high canine intelligence and abundance of energy. If you find it challenging to meet your dog’s daily exercise requirements, they may seek other means to release their energy, such as chewing on your beloved sneakers or zooming around the couch.

Obedience Training

Obedience training gives your dog the proper guidance toward appropriate behaviors. It lets you reward desirable behaviors while steering them away from undesirable actions. Training also gives your dog the much-needed mental stimulation that they crave. Without proper training, your dog may become unruly and develop unwanted habits. 

Happy Paws: High-Quality Dog Supplements 

Keeping your AmStaff happy, healthy, and active shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. At Happy Paws, we’ve designed our dog treats with the best ingredients and flavors possible (our dogs definitely approve!). We’ve made sure these treats are certified organic, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity, letting you spoil your AmStaff easily with healthy, tasty treats. 

FAQ

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a pit bull?

The term “pit bull” is pretty broad and includes Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and a large number of other dog breeds. So, yes, technically, American Staffordshire Terriers are pit bulls.

What breeds make up an American Staffordshire Terrier?

The exact lineage of the American Staffordshire Terrier is debated, though many agree that these dogs stem from Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, and Mastiffs.

Is an AmStaff a good family dog?

The Amstaff’s high energy pairs well with most active households, while their award-winning personalities earn an irreplaceable spot in the family unit. But, like with all dogs, it’s best to properly train and socialize them early if you have children or other pets at home. If you like to take your dog on trips, the Amstaff’s small size fits well for most daily adventures, like road trips or a day in nature. 

Do American Staffordshire Terriers like to cuddle?

American Staffordshire Terriers love attention from people and keeping their family in their sights. So, yes, AmStaffs can always be down for cuddles.

How do you give an American Staffordshire Terrier health supplements?

You can give your dog a Happy Paws health supplement in several ways. First, we’ve designed these supplements as treats, so you can give them to your pupper as a reward for good behavior. Or, you can add it to your dog’s kibble; they make a pretty tasty topper, too.