01/26/2026
Lets talk about the American Staffordshire Terrier standard!
The American Staffordshire Terrier standard is a cause of contention amongst many fanciers of the breed.
The American Staffordshire Terrier standard was proposed and adopted by the American Kennel Club in 1935. With the help of a very important figure and founder of the STCA (American Staffordshire Terrier Club of America), Wilfred T. Brandon, there was an established guideline for the breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier standard has influences from the United Kennel Club American Pit Bull Terrier standard and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier standard in England. The standard has not been changed and left untouched since 1935.
The standard causes a lot of confusion for people who read it as is. Many people, including stewards of the breed, call it vague or too open. Regardless of opinions, the standard holds a lot of deeper meaning you cannot get at face value. To accurately read the standard you have to take in the historical value of the words. Remember the standard we know today was written 91 years ago by dogmen who had a working dog in mind over a generic show dog. Mr. Brandon had very intricate reasons to put some things in the standard.
Did you know?
- "No pink eyelids." Was written not about the pink pigment around the rims but visible haws (imagine Neapolitan Mastiffs). This part of the standard seems to target only white headed dogs, but in all actuality every dog could be affected by this. The breed should be tight skinned from head to toe. Droopy eyes not only take away from expression but disadvantage the dog quite a bit.
- "Nose definitely black" Was written because the founder, Wilfred T. Brandon, had a deep dislike for red nosed dogs. Back then, a dark blue nose and pigment looked black to dogmen and could easily be mistaken as a black dog. Many dogs who were listed as Grey /white championed. If you look over the standard, there is a lot of emphasis on good and dark pigment. A blue dog may still be looked down upon due to this part but if rewarded the dog should show good dark pigment.
- "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." A high white dog is to be discouraged because the breed was not to be mistaken for a Bull Terrier (white). A black and tan dog is the same reason, but for the Manchester terrier and also because of Staffordshire Bull Terrier standard influence. Liver noted above, Mr. Brandon had a dislike for red nosed dogs. Mr. Brandon has even said "-- But all should remember a good Staf cannot be or have bad color." Like stated with blue, there are dogs that resemble each of these undesirable traits who championed. This part has a lot historical meaning and with all breeds mentioned evolving into their own distinct type, it has become very outdated.
- "Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized." Mr. Brandon wrote this to reflect the early pit dogs and did not want the AKC AmStaff to deviate from that look or workability. Fun fact, most Pit Bulls and famous game dogs are uncropped. When mentioning half pricked, it is important to think the button ears of most terrier breeds.
- "The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size". This one is something I see get misconstrued without it outright being said. The AmStaff is a TRUE medium sized breed. If you take a look at preferred height, the ideal weight of those dogs should be around 44-55 LBS according to Mr. Brandon. These dogs should be a hard muscled dog that can handle its work load despite the size, too. Proportion matters so regardless of the size of the dog, they should leave a good impression of strength. This doesn't mean a fat, heavy b***d, overdone dog that is Larping as strong. A dog like that will gas out easily.
- "Gait must be springy". Many think springy is like a basketball being dribbled. This is a common mistake, the standard doesn't say BOUNCY. Springy is like spring loaded, imagine cocking a gun. Or pulling a bow and arrow back and letting go of the bowstring. When they have momentum they move very plainly. A Staf would be seen exerting most of its power and energy in movement with a treadmill.
Many old timers who knew Wilfred T. Brandon personally have broken down the standard with further information he has shared. While it is hard for all breed judges to be as accurate with their assessments, breeders and exhibitors should know their standard as much as they can. You could be questioned for clarification and thankfully with our breed everything is well documented with solid answers.
If you would like to learn more about the standard I would recommend reading and studying our breeds illustrated study which is free and easy to view: https://amstaff.org/standard
As stewards of our breed it is imperative that we do our part at maintaining an accurate dog that does not deviate for our own benefit, but remain consistent and evolve for the breeds sake.
