American Staffordshire Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

97
Loyal Courageous Good-natured Smart

About the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier — often called the AmStaff — was developed in the United States from crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, earning AKC recognition in 1936. They stand 17–19 inches at the shoulder and weigh 40–70 pounds, presenting a stocky, muscular build that radiates power and confidence. Their short, stiff coat comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including blue, fawn, brindle, and black, and requires only minimal grooming.

Temperament & Personality

AmStaffs are known for their courage, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to their families — they are genuinely affectionate dogs who love being at the center of household activities. They are typically excellent with children and are known for their patience and tolerance with youngsters. Proper socialization from puppyhood is critical, as they can be assertive with other dogs, and their strength demands a handler who can provide calm, confident leadership.

Pros

  • Incredibly loyal and protective of their family without being overly aggressive
  • Smart and highly trainable — they excel in obedience, rally, and therapy work
  • Short coat makes grooming a breeze
  • Sturdy and athletic, perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities

Cons

  • May face breed-specific legislation and insurance restrictions
  • Requires early and ongoing socialization with other dogs and animals
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and skin allergies
  • Their strong jaws and determination mean they can destroy toys and furniture quickly

AmStaffs make incredible family companions when given the right home — search for adoptable American Staffordshire Terriers on Puplister.

American Staffordshire Terrier Quick Facts

Size
40–70 lbs, 17–19 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Not recommended

Is the American Staffordshire Terrier right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available American Staffordshire Terriers

Yogurt
Senior
Yogurt
L

American Pit Bull Terrier / American Staffordshire Terrier

Community Animal Welfare Society · Salt Lake City, UT
Linus
Adult
Linus
L

American Staffordshire Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier

Henrico Police Animal Shelter · Glen Allen, VA
Duke
Adult
Duke
M

American Staffordshire Terrier

Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center · Tallahassee, FL
Alvin
Young
Alvin
S

Boxer / American Staffordshire Terrier

Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center · Tallahassee, FL
Montie
Adult
Montie
L

American Staffordshire Terrier

Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center · Tallahassee, FL
Burrito
Adult

Boxer / American Staffordshire Terrier

Yancey County Humane Society · Burnsville, NC
Bubba
Adult
Bubba
L

American Staffordshire Terrier

Loved at Last Dog Rescue · Langley, WA

Related Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier

24 pets available

56

About the Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture. Temperament & Personality Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world. Pros Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than furTiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban livingBold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activityLong lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care Cons Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handlingLong coat demands daily brushing or regular professional groomingProne to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental diseaseCan be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Siberian Husky

118 pets available

305

About the Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky was developed over thousands of years by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads over vast frozen distances in extreme cold. These athletic, medium-sized dogs stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a graceful, effortless gait that reflects their incredible stamina. Their thick double coat comes in virtually every color from pure white to black, often with striking facial markings, and their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each (heterochromia). Temperament & Personality Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous — pack-oriented dogs that love people and make terrible guard dogs because they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are playful and gentle with children and generally good with other dogs, though their high prey drive makes them a risk around cats and small animals. Huskies are intelligent but famously independent, preferring to make their own decisions rather than follow commands — a trait that requires patience and humor from their owners. Pros Friendly, social, and gentle with children and strangers alikeNaturally clean with little doggy odor — self-grooming like a catOutstanding endurance athlete for running, hiking, and winter sportsHealthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years Cons Extreme shedding — blows the entire undercoat twice yearly in massive quantitiesLegendary escape artists — can jump fences, dig under them, and open latchesStrong prey drive makes them dangerous around cats, rabbits, and small animalsNot suited for hot climates and requires air conditioning in warm regions The Siberian Husky's adventurous spirit and stunning beauty are irresistible — find Huskies seeking forever homes on Puplister.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

20 pets available

15

About the Treeing Walker Coonhound The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain. Temperament & Personality Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path. Pros Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogsLow-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushingSuperb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventuresGenerally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years Cons Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed traitPowerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challengingRequires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructiveProne to ear infections and hip dysplasia Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

Shetland Sheepdog

5 pets available

15

About the Shetland Sheepdog The Shetland Sheepdog — or "Sheltie" — was developed on Scotland's remote Shetland Islands, where harsh conditions favored smaller, efficient herding dogs that could thrive on limited resources. Standing 13 to 16 inches tall and weighing 15 to 25 pounds, Shelties resemble a miniature Rough Collie but are a distinct breed with their own standard and lineage. Their abundant double coat features a long, straight outer layer and dense undercoat, coming in sable, black, and blue merle — all typically with white and tan markings. Temperament & Personality Shetland Sheepdogs are incredibly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please — consistently ranked among the top 10 most trainable dog breeds in the world. They are devoted to their families and particularly gentle with children, often forming an especially strong bond with one household member. Shelties can be reserved with strangers and may bark to alert their family, but their sensitivity and willingness to learn make them wonderful companions for patient, attentive owners. Pros Exceptionally intelligent — excels in agility, obedience, and herding competitionsGentle, affectionate, and outstanding with childrenCompact size with all the beauty and grace of a CollieLoyal and deeply bonded to their family Cons Heavy shedding — the dense double coat requires frequent brushing and sheds year-roundProne to excessive barking, especially when excited or alertingSusceptible to Collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, and dermatomyositisCan be timid and fearful without proper early socialization Shelties combine beauty, brains, and devotion in one elegant package — explore Shetland Sheepdog adoption options on Puplister.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is known for being loyal, courageous, good-natured and smart.
How many American Staffordshire Terriers are available for adoption?
There are currently 86 American Staffordshire Terriers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier from Puplister?
To adopt a American Staffordshire Terrier, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.