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 longlegged or racy in outline.
His courage is proverbial.
HEAD
Medium length, deep through, broad scull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct
stop. Ears set high.
EARS
Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short an
held half prick or rose. Full drop to be penalized.
EYES
Dark, round, low down in skull, set far apart. No pink eyelids.
MUZZLE
Medium length rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below the eyes. Jaws
well defined. Underjaw strong and to have biting power. Lips close and even;
no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose
definitely black.
NECK
Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness
of skin. Medium length.
SCHOULDERS
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; close together, deep in rear. Forelegs set wide. Chest deep
and broad.
TAIL
Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to fine point, not curled or
carried over back.
Not docked.
LEGS
Front legs straight, with large bones and upright pasterns. Hindquarters well-muscled,
let down at hocks, turning neither in or out. Feet of moderate size, well arched
and compact.
Gait spring but without roll or pace.
COAT
Short, close, stiff to the tough, glossy.
COLOR
Any color, solid, parti, or patched, is permissible; but not than 80% white,
lack and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
SIZE
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of abort 18 to 19 inches
(45,72 to 48,26 cm) at the shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches (43,18
to 45,72) for female 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.
NOTE
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into
the scrotum.