The Official Standard of the American Staffordshire TerrierGeneral Impression

The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of greath strenght for his size,

a well-put 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 lenght, 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 half pricked or rose. Full drop tob e penalized.

Eyes: Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids

Muzzle: Medium lenght, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined.

Underjaw tob e strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth in front. Nose definitely black.

Neck: Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium lenght.

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, deep in the rear.All ribs close together. Forelegs 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 muscled, let down at hocks turning neither in or out.

 Feet of moderate size, well-arched and compact.

Gait must be spriny but without roll or pace.

Coat: Short, close stiff to the touch and glossy.

Color: Any color, solid, parti or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 % white, black and tan and liver to be encouraged.

Size

Height and weight should be in proportion.

A height of about 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48,5 cm) at the shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches (43 to 46 cm),

For the female is 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.