General Impression: The American Stafffordshire 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 should be proverbial.
Head: Mediam length, deep through,broad skull, very pronounced sheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears are set high.
Ears: Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and held half rose or prick. Full drop to be penalized.
Eyes: Dark and round, low down in skull and set far apart. No pink eyelids.
Muzzle: Mediam length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have bitting power. Lips close and even, no looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitly 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 slop 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 of chest development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail: Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering toa 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.
Size: Height and weight should be proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at the shoulders for the male and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults: Faults to be penalized are Dudley nose, light or pink eyes,tail too long or badly carried, undershot or overshot mouths.