Standard of The American Staffordshire Terrier

General Impression: The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression

of great strength for his size, a well putt- 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.

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 eyelines.

Muzzle- Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptely below eyes.

Jaws well defined. Upper jaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close end even,

no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front Nose definitely black.

Neck: Heavely, 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 tail. Loins slightly tucked.

Body: Well- sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forlegs 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.

Legs: The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright.

No resemblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well- musceled, let down at hocks,

turning neither in or 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, parties, or patched is permissible, but all white, more

than 80 per cent white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.

Size: Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches

at shoulders for male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to considered preferable.

Faults: Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail to long or

badly carried, undershot or overshout mouths.

Approved June 10, 1936

All text from the book American Staffordshire Terrier by Joseph Janish