When buying an American Staffordshire Terrier, it is important that you are well equipped with everything that you need to know about them as a breed.
This includes how big they will be as they grow which can be provided by the American Staffordshire Terrier growth chart.
American Staffies are loyal and playful dogs that need to be kept busy and active so that they can make use of their energy.
Taking them to the park to run around and interact with other dogs and people is a great way of spending time with your American Staffy.
Continue reading to understand more about the growth of an American Staffordshire Terrier.
When Do American Staffordshire Terriers Stop Growing?
Since they are a medium breed, American Staffordshire Terriers stop growing between the ages of 12 and 18 months.
Females achieve their final height and weight sooner than males. Your dog will develop mentally and emotionally when they are about three years old when they start showing behaviours of an adult dog, but in the meantime, you can enjoy them being a puppy.
Remember that some dogs grow faster while others grow slower, so no need to worry if yours has not achieved their adult size yet compared to others.
To ensure that your puppy grows well, provide them with the best nutrition and a healthy environment to thrive.
American Staffordshire Terrier Growth Chart
An American Staffordshire Terrier weight chart shows the different weight ranges that your puppy will be in as they grow at different ages.
The weight numbers are just averages, so you should not panic if the weight is not similar to the numbers in the chart.
However, if their weight is too far from the range you should take them to the vet for a check-up because they could be under or over their ideal weight.
Serious weight changes can cause serious health problems to your puppy, therefore, ensure that your puppy is in a healthy weight category.
Your puppy should weigh between 23 and 32 pounds at the age of three months, 44 and 59 pounds at the age of 6 months, and 60 and 83 pounds at the age of 12 months.
American Staffordshire Terrier Weight Chart
| Age | Weight in lbs |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 23.5 - 31.5 lbs |
| 4 Months | 30.5 - 41.5 lbs |
| 5 Months | 38 - 51 lbs |
| 6 Months | 43.5 - 59 lbs |
| 7 Months | 48.5 - 65.5 lbs |
| 8 Months | 52.5 - 71 lbs |
| 9 Months | 55 - 75.5 lbs |
| 10 Months | 57.5 - 79 lbs |
| 11 Months | 58.5 - 81 lbs |
| 12 Months | 59.5 - 83 lbs |
American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy Development Stages
Birth – 2 Weeks
This is the neonatal stage where the puppy’s senses and other functions are not fully developed.
Their senses of smell, touch, and taste are working but they cannot see or hear yet because their sense of sight and hearing are not developed.
They depend on the mother for nutrition and warmth because the milk that the mother produces contains all the essential nutrients that the puppy requires, and they cannot create their heat.
They will be eating and sleeping most of the day and since their muscles are not strong enough, they cannot walk yet.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
At this age, they will start opening their eyes and start listening to what is going on around them as their ears are now working.
They will start barking, running, standing up, and playing as they are becoming stronger. The first teeth will also begin developing and will be ready to be fed solid foods.
The puppy will gain control over the bladder and bowel movements and their coordination will also improve as they start exploring their surroundings. This is the stage to move them to their new home.
4 Months – 9 Months
This is the period where your puppy’s adult teeth start appearing and they will need to sharpen them.
Therefore, you should buy them chewing toys otherwise they will be inclined to use your furniture and shoes.
This is also the stage when your puppy shows signs of dominance and wants to be the leader of the pack.
Therefore, proper training is required so that they know you are the one in charge and can follow your commands. For them to develop social skills, they should interact with other dogs at the park and other people.
10 Months – 18 Months
At this stage, your dog reaches their sexual maturity and undergoes radical hormonal changes which are different for female and male dogs.
If you have not neutered or spayed your puppy yet, speak to your vet as this is the right time to do so.
Most puppies will reach their adult height and weight towards the 18-month mark while others may still wait until the age of two years. The growth process will be slow at this point.
Adult
From the age of 18 months onwards, your puppy will stop filling out and reach their adult weight.
They would have achieved most of their development but still need good nutrition for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
During their development into adulthood, your dog will go through emotional and mental stages of maturity and will soon develop a concrete personality.
Continue feeding them a healthy diet and providing them with enough exercise for them to use their energy.
How Big Do American Staffordshire Terriers Get?
Are you wondering how big your American Staffy Terrier will be when they are fully grown? Well, there are a few ways to predict your puppy’s adult size.
First, looking at the parents will give you a clear picture of your puppy’s adult size. Most female puppies look like their mother while male puppies look like their fathers.
If you got your puppy from a reputable breeder, they should have size information about the parents and if possible, they can even show you the parents.
Secondly, look at the paws. If they appear unusually large then your puppy is still growing but if they are proportional to the body and the legs, then your puppy has reached their final size.
Thirdly, you can use the weight chart specifically designed for American Staffordshire Terriers which is available online or can be provided by your vet.
Finally, if you do not have the parent’s information, you can do a DNA test and predict the adult size using the results.
As an adult, An American Staffordshire Terrier has a height of around 16 and 19 inches and a weight of about 40 and 83 pounds.
American Staffordshire Terrier Size Chart
Generally, American Staffordshire Terriers are considered medium-sized dogs, and females are smaller than males, but they are extremely stocky.
The males weigh between 50 and 83 pounds with a height of between 17 and 19 inches. On the other hand, the females weigh about 40 to 60 pounds with a height of around 16 to 18 inches.
Measuring your puppy’s height at home is easy as you only need the floor and measuring tape.
Finding the withers is the first step which is the highest point between the shoulder blades. Then measure from the floor to the withers, and that is your puppy’s height.
Ensure that your puppy is standing straight to get accurate measurements.
Will Neutering/Spaying My American Staffordshire Terrier Affect His Growth?
Neutering or spaying is related to growth and is seen to have benefits if done after dogs have passed puberty.
Most recommend females are spayed before the first heat which is around 5 months but research shows that they are young and not yet fully developed.
Consult your vet to get the exact time you can spay or neuter your dog.
Pros
- Prevent unwanted pregnancies
- Reduction of certain health risks like the mammary tumors
- They may help with some behaviors by reducing roaming in the male dogs.
- Reduced orthopedic problems
- Reduction in cancer
Cons
- Can increase the risk of aggression
- Increase in risks of incontinence
- Chances of an early set of dementia
American Bulldog vs American Staffordshire Terrier Size
The American Staffordshire terrier is smaller than the American Bulldog. The Staffordshire terrier males grow not taller than 19 inches while the females grow not taller than 18 inches.
On the other side, the American bulldog female can grow up to 27 inches. The females American Bulldogs grow taller than the male Staffordshire terriers to a maximum height of 25 inches.
Due to their sizes, the American Bulldog has more food than the Staffordshire terrier.
The Staffordshire terrier needs a protein-rich diet as a puppy because of its faster growth rate. American Bulldog reaches maturity late meaning he is a puppy for a long.
Factors That Affect American Staffordshire Terrier Growth
Genetics & Gender
Your Staffordshire terrier ancestors play an important role in the dog’s physical health because genes passed down from them have an important role and impact their ability to grow and their vulnerability to diseases. Genes influence the development of the Staffordshire terrier.
Nutrition
Your dog needs a nutritious diet for its growth. Ensure to go for the most nutritious food in the market to avoid low-quality food which has no nutrients.
Food determines the growth of your dog. Therefore, if they get low-quality foods, they get stunted but when they get enough nutrients, they flourish very well.
The diet your dog get affects the growth and the general quality of life.
Physical Activity & Health
The American Staffordshire terrier is an athletic dog that requires an extensive exercise routine.
You can allow them to jump and run in your backyard or you may also join them because they love playing with their owners.
Long play sessions will allow your dogs to develop mental and physical health. Regular exercises enable the Staffordshire terrier to stay physically fit and maintain the right weight.
How Much to Feed a Growing American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy?
The American Staffordshire puppies are more active than older dogs hence bun energy quicker hence, why they need more feeding a day.
The Staffordshire terrier puppies need 2 ½ cups of puppy food per day meaning that they need 5/6 cups per meal three times a day.
Puppy food is recommended for puppies because they have the right nutritional content that the puppies need.
The American Staffordshire puppies need small frequent meals because of their rapid growth. When the puppy is fed three times a day, they get to easily digest food and help maintain consistency in the energy levels.
Do not overfeed your puppy because they gain weight faster compared to adults. Proportion your puppy meals correctly because they have varying metabolism and energy levels.
How To Tell If Your American Staffordshire Terrier Is Underweight or Overweight?
The easiest way to tell if your American Staffordshire Terrier is underweight or overweight is by weighing them, feeling their bodies, seeing the vet, or observing their behavioral habits.
You can know if your American Staffordshire is overweight when their ribs are not visible and cannot feel them, visible ribs indicate the dog is underweight while when you can lightly feel the ribs is an indication of good health.
If the spine cannot be felt nor seen the dog is overweight and when it is visible it indicates the dog is underweight.
When you look at your dog’s shape you will find that overweight dogs appear oval-shaped and rounded. Weight gain also can be seen when less activity and breathing difficulty in your dog.
Weighing your dog will also help you to know if they have the right weight. If you are concerned about your dog’s weight consult your vet for professional advice.
What Are the Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing American Staffordshire Terrier Puppies?
The Staffordshire terriers are very healthy but susceptible to some diseases. Ensure to visit the vet regularly for screening and checkups.
These dogs are at risk of developing issues that are related to the thyroid, heart knee, hips, and muscles.
Some common disease that affects the American Staffordshire terrier is Cerebellar Ataxia, Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Progressive retinal atrophy among many others.
Do American Staffordshire Terriers Experience Growing Pain?
American Staffordshire terriers are susceptible to growing pains just like most dogs. Growing pain is also called Panosteitis and causes pain and lameness in young dogs.
Causes of this disease result from infectious agents to nutritional causes and genetics. The better part is that as the dog grows, they grow out of the condition and do not cause long-term effects.
Symptoms of this medical condition include pain, lameness, depression, fever, and lethargy. Visit the vet when these symptoms appear to rule out any other serious condition. Your vet can recommend a pain reliever to give to your dog.
What To Do If My American Staffordshire Terrier Is Not the Right Weight?
Your dog is not the right weight if it is overweight or underweight. Therefore, following a healthy diet will ensure that your dog is healthy.
You’re American Staffordshire is overweight maybe because of overfeeding or lack of exercise. When they are given large meals and a lot of treats, they will add weight, especially without enough exercise.
If you are not suspecting that your dog is not the right weight, get them to the vet first to get the go-ahead.
When your dog is overweight take it easy on them and allows them to build stamina and don’t use them too hard. Give them healthy treats and seek help from your vet about the portions you need to give to your dog.
Also, you can seek the food they can recommend.
When your dog is underweight, ensure from the vet first that there are no adverse health issues. If your dog is sick the vet will prescribe medication that will help your dog go back to normal weight.
Ensure to give them food rich in proteins and enough vitamin and mineral supplements. Switch the food too because some brands have poor nutrient value.
How To Help Your American Staffordshire Terrier Lose Weight If He Is Overweight?
Factors to consider when helping your Staffordshire to lose weight are exercise, diet, and lifestyle. Proper diet and exercise will help your overweight dog to lose some pounds.
For your overweight dog eliminate food that causes your dog to add weight and give them healthy food with healthy portions.
Before helping your American Staffordshire to lose some pounds, visit the vet to rule out any health concerns that could cause weight gain in your dogs.
Healthy treats such as carrot slices, green beans, and lean meat are good for your puppy.
Avoid any human snacks because of their high-calorie content. Exercising your dog often and consistently will help them lose weight.
Taking your dog to play with others or play with them in the backyard will contribute to their weight loss.
When you break your dog’s mealtimes, they can digest their food better, and feeding them many times prevents them from being hungry.
Homemade food is also beneficial because you will provide your dog with the necessary nutrients.
How To Properly Weight My American Staffordshire Terrier?
Getting the correct measurement for your dog is a good thing. It is better when you take them to the vet or you can do it at home.
You can measure your dog using two methods;
First, you can use a weighing scale. This will help in regular tracking of the dog’s growth to detect any problems early.
The second method is using your bathroom scale. Using your bathroom scale, hold your dog and stand on the weighing scale and record the weight.
Then weigh yourself without the dog. Subtract your weight from that of the dog and you. The difference is the weight of the dog.
Check on your dog’s weight regularly to ensure that his weight is on the right track.
American Staffordshire Terrier Genetics And Common Health Problems
Congenital heart disease– American Staffordshire terrier is susceptible to this disease which is the malformation of the valves in the heart. It causes serious problems such as death.
Those with mild forms may have stunted growth, show a tendency to avoid exercise, and can occasionally faint.
Heart murmurs are sounds that the heartbeat makes when an irregular amount of blood enters one of the heart chambers. This condition is common in American Staffordshire. Most heart murmurs are not severe but just require treatment.
Skin allergies- The American Staffordshire is susceptible to skin irritations and hence needs a regular bath
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is common in many dog breeds. This is where the hip does not develop and results in prolonged limping and lameness later in life.
Final Words
Several health conditions can affect your American Staffordshire Terrier and you should be aware of them so that you can treat them early when you notice the symptoms.
Also, you should pay attention to the different factors such as genetics or diet that can impact your puppy’s growth throughout their life.
For your puppy to live a healthy and happy life, they should remain at a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
