Question 1

Is an Amstaff just a big Staffy?

Accepted Answer

No. The Amstaff is a separate breed with its own standard. It shares ancestry with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier but has been bred as a distinct, larger breed in America and has been registered separately since 1936.

Question 2

Which is bigger, a Staffy or an Amstaff?

Accepted Answer

The Amstaff. It stands 43 to 48 cm at the shoulder against the Staffy's 36 to 41 cm, and typically weighs around 26 kg, where a Staffy weighs 11 to 17 kg.

Question 3

Are Amstaffs banned in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Not as a breed in Victoria, where the government states that American Staffordshire Terriers are not restricted breed dogs. Rules vary by state and council, so check locally.

Question 4

Is an Amstaff a pit bull?

Accepted Answer

They are registered as different breeds by different kennel clubs, although they share ancestry and look alike. That resemblance is why Victorian owners can use a vet or pedigree certificate to show a dog is an Amstaff, and why UK law judges banned types on appearance.

Question 5

Is the Amstaff recognised in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The American Staffordshire Terrier doesn't appear on the Royal Kennel Club's list of recognised terrier breeds. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does.

Question 6

Do Staffies and Amstaffs come in the same colours?

Accepted Answer

Mostly. Both come in brindle, red, fawn, black and blue, with or without white. The Amstaff standard allows any colour but discourages mostly white, black and tan, and liver. The Staffy standard lists black and tan and liver as unacceptable.

Question 7

What is an American Staffy?

Accepted Answer

It's the everyday Australian name for the American Staffordshire Terrier, or Amstaff. "English Staffy" is the everyday name for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Breed Info

Staffy vs Amstaff: What’s the Difference?

Staffy Weight Chart

Staffy Colours

Types of Staffy