Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question about the TYPICAL size for a real, pure-bred male Am Staff. In April, we adopted a 10 month old rescue dog that LOOKED just like an Am Staff but now he's grown bigger than the average 19"-20" height and weighs over 70 pounds. I don't mind if "Tank" is mixed with some other breed, we love having this beautiful dog as a member of our family. The dog looks just like other brown and white AmStaff's and his head and body shape meets the AKC standard very well, but the standard gets vague about this breed's size. I'm used to AKC giving a max height and max weight for pure-breds, and the AmStaff standard only gives a "preferable" height and says the weight should be "in proportion". So my question is: Do pure-bred Am Staff's EVER get over 70 pounds and over 20" tall at the shoulders? Is my dog too big to be ALL Am Staff? Does this big size indicate he is part something else (like mastiff)? I wouldn't mind hearing from breeders or owners of pedigreed male Am Staff's about the size and weight of their dogs for comparison's sake. Many thanks from Michele & Tank.

Dog can get over sized every so often. It's not that uncommon. Standards are what a breeder trys to breed to. That doens't mean it always happens. Genetics are funny that way. Look within your own extended family, are all of you the same exact size? Are some taller, shorter?

I'm sure Tank is an awesom dog. Just a bit large for his breed. Big boned
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Hi - I show AmStaffs and I would say it is not at all uncommon to run across male amstaffs that are over 20 inches. I have one that is probably 21 inches and about 65 lbs - and he's frequently one of the smallest males in the ring.

Enjoy your boy!
Marilyn

Thank you for your encouraging comment Marilyn & best of luck in the show ring with your dog.