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 alert 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, pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears set high. Ears, (in Australia), uncropped, 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 below eyes. Jaw well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power, Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet outside lower teeth in front (scissor bite). Nose 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. Tail too long or badly carried undesirable.

Legs
The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down 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 touch and glossy.

Colour
Any colour, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80% white, black and tan, and liver not to be encouraged.

Size
Height and weight should be in proportion. Preferable height considered for males = about 18 to 19 inches and 17 to 18 inches for females.

Faults
To be penalized are; dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Standard approved June 10 ,1936 - The American Kennel Club