Group 3 · Terriers
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a powerful, athletic dog with a friendly, people-oriented and confident character. It is loyal and playful in the family, but its strength calls for an experienced owner and early socialisation.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed American Staffordshire Terrier by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 10 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 1 (crd1-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PDE6B: c.2404_2406del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ARSG: c.296G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (10)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC37A2: c.1332C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CHRNE: c.1508dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 2 (crd2-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- IQCB1: c.952_53insC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease
Heart examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Ichthyosis – NIPAL4 (ICHT4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NIPAL4: c.744delC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme American Staffordshire Terrier, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 1 (crd1-PRA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia, Hip dysplasia and Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO), Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 2 (crd2-PRA), Congenital heart disease, Ichthyosis – NIPAL4 (ICHT4), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An American Staffordshire Terrier needs vigorous daily exercise and play, such as walks, retrieving and dog sports. Its short coat is easy to look after.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The AmStaff is very people-oriented, but powerful and not always tolerant of other dogs. Early socialisation, consistent training and an experienced owner are important. Check beforehand which local rules apply to this breed where you live.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
