American Staffordshire Terrier Breed Standard
Terrier Group
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 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
eyelids.
Muzzle - Medium length,
rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well
defined. Underjaw to be strong and 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.
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 of tail. Loins slightly tucked.
Body:
Well-sprung ribs, deep in 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 nor 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, partial, 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 the male and 17 to 18 inches 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.
Approved June 10, 1936 |
