Standard for Amstaff
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, parti, 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 to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.