love dogs, and AmStaffs love children. Whereas an aggressive pet may instigate a major row with an AmStaff, a child’s horseplay will rarely evoke even a defensive nip from the dog. Good sense says always to supervise small children with dogs, and, while usually this is mainly necessary for the safety of the children, the supervision is more important for the safety of the dog in the case of the AmStaff. Small children have a tendency to tease, pull and poke animals in ways and places that are dangerous to the pet. Most ordinary animals will respond with defensive techniques, such as biting, but the AmStaff is no ordinary animal. A dog of everlasting patience and understanding, the AmStaff will endure the teasing of children without response, and because this breed has such a high threshold of pain, the dog can be seriously injured. Teach your children to play lovingly with their pet; make sure they understand that the dog can be hurt by certain actions and they will mature into fine, respectful adults.
Although the AmStaff can be a trusted babysitter, it is never advisable to leave any dog unattended with a child. It’s safe to say that this child is well protected by his brawny nanny.
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER
General Impression: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
The AmStaff’s expression denotes strength, assurance and courage.
Rose ear.
Cropped ear.
Head: Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high. Ears—Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes—Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle—Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black.
Correct head.
Incorrect head, showing lack of jaw.
Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.
Shoulders: Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back: Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins slightly tucked.
Body: Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Correct front, with broad chest and straight legs.
Incorrect narrow front.
Correct tail carriage.
Incorrect tail, curled over back.
Legs: The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat: Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Color: Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Solid white coloration and patterns in which white covers more than 80% of the body are to be discouraged.
Correct legs.
Incorrect legs, appearing too short.
Size: Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults: Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.
Approved June 10, 1936.
Underweight, with ribs visible.
Healthly weight and good condition.
Overweight.
Left to right: Underweight, ideal and overweight shapes viewed from above.
