American Steffordshire Terrier Breed description: Character & Co

The American Staffordshire Terrier is also known as Amstaff and is assigned to FCI Group 3 and Section 3, under Standard No. 286. Originally used as a fighting dog, the breed originates in the USA and is now mainly kept as a companion and family dog. Amstaffs are very affectionate, cuddly and intelligent, but also very strong.

Origin and history of the American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier was formerly known by many different names before it was internationally recognised in 1972 under the name we call it today. You may also know this breed as Pit Bull Terrier, Yankee Terrier, American Bull Terrier or American Stafford Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier has its origin in Great Britain and the USA, where it was used for dog fights. In England, these fights were later banned, in America however dog fights were rather in their upswing around that time. Today this breed is unfortunately still used for dog fights in some countries, this is however forbidden in Austria and Germany. Here, the American Staffordshire Terrier is used as companion and family dog.

The American Staffordshire Terrier on the "red list"

Because of their biting power and vigorous appearance, the American Staffordshire Terrier is considered a list dogs in all federal states of Austria, in Germany it is considered a "dangerous dog" in many federal states. Since this breed is classified as potentially dangerous, you should clarify under which circumstances you are allowed to keep this breed.

In Vienna for example, you need to have a dog handler's license, in Vorarlberg a special permit from the mayor is required to keep an American Staffordshire Terrier, and in Lower Austria proof of expertise is required. In Germany, the conditions in regards to the keeping of Amstaffs varies from state to state. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for example, breeding of this dog is only possible with a permission of the local regulatory authority. This is similar also in many other federal states. In Hesse it is forbidden to let this breed run freely outside of the property, in Brandenburg the property must be explicitly marked with a sign that points out that you own a dangerous dog, and in Baden-Wuerttemberg as an owner you must pass an examination in front of the responsible official veterinarian and the police dog handler. As you can see, the legal situation is different everywhere, so you should definitely check with your local authorities.

Attention when traveling

If you would like to travel with your Amstaff, holding a dog passport is not the only important criteria. In many countries, the import and breeding of this dog breed is forbidden, so you should make sure you know what exactly you are permitted to do. For example, if you want to travel to Switzerland, you are not allowed to enter the cantons of Geneva, Zurich and Valais with your Amstaff.