American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix [pit bull poodle hybrid dog – the Staffypoo]

The American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle is a rare mix of an American Stafford Terrier and a Poodle which produces a highly intelligent and energetic dog that can make a good family pet.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodles, also known as the StaffyPoo, are beautiful mixed breed, designer dogs that possess many unique qualities which can vary based on which parent each individual dog takes after. They are usually medium size dogs with great personalities but not always the best choice for first-time pet owners.

However, they can be loyal and loving lifelong companions for someone who has the time and ability to socialize and train them well.

Keep reading to learn what you want to know about this amazing dog!

History of the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mixes are a designer dog breed. They are a cross between a Poodle and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or an American Pit Bull Terrier.

Both parent dogs should be purebred dogs.

They are colloquially called Staffypoos. Many of these dogs were probably bred by accident for years before intentionally being bred in the 1990s when designer dogs became popular.

To fully understand the StaffyPoo, you need to know a little about both parent breeds.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a mix of the Bulldog and the Terrier.

These dogs were used in the British Isles as early as the 19th century to help butchers, hunters, and farmers bring down larger animals such as wild boar and bulls.

As such, these dogs were bred with strong jaws and broad heads.

Unfortunately, their strength and hunting skills made them the victims of violent dog sports, such as dog fights and bear-baiting.

This led to their reputation as an aggressive and violent breed. Eventually, as people immigrated from England to America, this dog breed came with them.

Americans bred a larger, with a more muscular build that eventually became known as the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a Pit Bull?

No. The AKC (American Kennel Club) and the UKC (United Kennel Club) established the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as separate breeds.

However, they are actually very similar. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably.

Poodle

Poodles originate from Germany where they were used to hunt waterfowl. They would be sent to retrieve fallen game in the frigid water.

They are excellent swimmers and their iconic coat is a testament to their original purpose.

The classic sheared look that you think of when you hear the word Poodle was actually done to protect the dog’s essential body parts from the cold water.

This also gives them plenty of mobility to swim and maneuver.

Eventually, French aristocrats took a liking to the look of the Poodle, so they adopted them and made them into lap dogs.

The popularity of the Poodle spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States. The Poodle has been a registered breed with the AKC since 1887.

Poodles come in three major sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Each size in order is smaller than the next.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix Characteristics

The American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mix is truly a unique dog that combines the characteristics of two widely different canines.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle General Traits

Height	16 to 19 inches
Weight	40 to 60 pounds
Coat Colors	Beige, black, cream, white, blue, red, fawn, brown, brindle, and others
Life Expectancy	10 to 15 years
Temperament	Intelligent, family-oriented, energetic, protective

What Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix Look Like?

Since this is a designer breed, the exact appearance of the StaffyPoo is hard to pin down.

Sometimes the dog will take more after his Staffordshire Bull Terrier parent and sometimes he will favor the Poodle parent more.

Size

Typically, the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix will stand at about 16- 19 inches tall, if their Poodle parent was standard-sized.

Most dogs in this mix will be small to medium-sized dogs. They usually inherit the stockiness of their Staffordshire parent, so they are a bit wider than most dogs.

However, if the parent Poodle was a miniature or toy breed, you can expect a smaller-sized dog. The average weight for the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix is 40 to 60 pounds.

These dogs can weigh a little more or less, depending on the characteristics they inherit. In general, females tend to weigh a few pounds less than their male counterparts.

Coat Color and Length

StaffyPoos can come in a variety of colors. Their coats can be solid colored or have a mixture of colors, such as:

Beige
Black
Brindle
Blue
Brown
Fawn
Red
White
Cream

This mixed breed usually has a combination of the curly, long hair of its Poodle parent and the low-maintenance short coat of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

This ends up being medium-length hair. It can have some curl to it. Some StaffyPoos will get more of their Poodle parent’s coat, which will require some extra care.

Others will take after their Terrier parent and have a shorter, more low-maintenance coat.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix Temperament

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mixes are energetic, stubborn, fun-loving, and impulsive dogs.

These are highly intelligent dogs. They love to spend time with their families and are people pleasers. This dog does not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

These dogs can be a little high-maintenance at times.

Their intelligence and stubbornness mean they need plenty of training and exercise to keep them stimulated mentally and physically.

They may not be a good fit for first-time owners, as these dogs are working dogs and need plenty of activities and purpose to meet their physical needs.

Is it Hard to Train an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle?

On the plus side, American Staffordshire Terrier Poodles are excellent students. They take to training really well because they are eager to please.

StaffyPoos are loud and playful. They are great with children and families. They are hyper and curious.

If they are socialized well, they are incredibly friendly dogs and will want to make every stranger their new best friend.

Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Aggressive?

These dogs are very protective of their family and territory, so they need to be well-socialized with other people and animals at an early age.

They also need extensive training to make sure these smart dogs do not get into mischief.

**Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Aggressive**?

Intelligent dogs sometimes redirect their intelligence into getting into the trash can or destroying a couch when they are not mentally stimulated.

It’s important to note that since American Staffordshire Terrier Poodles are considered a Pit Bull mix. Pit Bulls have come under scrutiny for years as an aggressive breed.

People deliberately train Pit Bulls and other terriers to be aggressive in dog fights. Since these dogs are so easy to train and eager to please, they take to that type of training well.

However, this is not always the case with each individual dog especially when you consider a hybrid. They are not all aggressive and their nature with humans is often very loving.

These dogs are protective, so they will have a natural tendency to want to defend what belongs to them.

Yet, if they are properly trained and socialized, these are loving and affectionate dogs.

In some cities and states, this mixed breed and many other Pit Bull mixes are subject to breed-specific legislation.

There are neighborhoods, housing units, and communities that have restrictions on owning this breed.

For this reason, you may need to check with local legislation to see if there are any ordinances about owning an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mix before adding one to your family.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Grooming

StaffyPoos often either have their Poodle parent’s hair or a medium-length mix. If your StaffyPoo has inherited the Poodle’s long, curly hair.

Your American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mix is going to need frequent grooming.

Is an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix Hypoallergenic?

No, the American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle is not hypoallergenic.

Their hair type is similar to human hair in texture. It doesn’t really shed too much, but accumulates on the body and can mat.

Matting can cause a lot of issues for dogs such as irritation, itching, and infection. It is important to brush your StaffyPoo regularly or take them to a groomer to prevent matting.

Flea Prevention

If they take more after their Staffordshire Bull Terrier parent, they will have shorter, easy-to-maintain hair.

This requires minimum grooming, but it is more prone to attracting fleas and ticks. So, it is important to make sure you use preventative measures to rid your dog of these parasites.

Fleas can cause skin irritation and transmit diseases such as heartworms to your dog. They are also very itchy and painful.

Most flea medications are available over the counter as a pill, collar, or liquid application. These will need to be reapplied regularly to have continuous prevention against these bugs.

General Care Requirements for Your American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle

You should keep your American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mix up-to-date on its vaccinations and check-ups. This will keep him from contracting diseases common to dogs.

Good, quality dog food and plenty of water are also important for these dogs. They will need plenty of protein to support their active lifestyle.

The American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix needs lots of exercise each day. These dogs need chew toys and games to create proper mental stimulation.

If their energy is not redirected toward play and problem-solving, they can take out that pent-up energy by being destructive.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Health Issues

Overall, StaffyPoos are healthier than their pedigreed parents, but they can inherit some of the health issues of their parent breeds.

It is important to get American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mixes from reputable breeders. Good breeders will screen the parents for disease markers before breeding.

Responsible breeders will also take the puppies for health screenings and vaccinations, giving you the best possible companion.

Be wary of puppy mills, these are facilities that supply main pet store chains with puppies bred in terrible, cramped, and unsanitary conditions.

These dogs are inhumanely treated and often come with many health problems.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is generally more common in large-breed dogs, but it can happen to any size dog. This disease is the deterioration of the ball and socket hip joint.

It decreases the mobility of your dog and is incredibly painful.

Some dogs are just genetically predisposed to this disease, but being overweight, improper exercise, and unbalanced nutrition can contribute to this disease, as well.

This disease is more common in this mixed breed’s Poodle parent, so if it seems your dog takes after this parent, you may want to take precautions to protect your dog.

Joint supplements are available and go a long way to maintaining proper joint function.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Low blood sugar reduces your dog’s energy and ability to function.

Overweight or malnourished dogs are more prone to this disease, but genetic factors can also put a dog at risk of developing hypoglycemia.

If your dog is part toy breed Poodle, he can be at a higher risk of developing this illness. Dogs with hypoglycemia will have to be treated immediately for the illness.

Then, they will need to maintain a proper diet with frequent, small meals.

They may also be diagnosed with diabetes, an inability to properly process glucose, in which they will need insulin for the rest of their lives.

Canine Cataracts

Cataracts are a cloudy film that forms over your dog’s eyes. It is formed by excess proteins clumping together. This film prevents light from entering the lens.

They can appear slowly over time or very quickly. This illness can blind your dog.

This disease is usually genetic, so it is inherited by certain dog breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and also the Poodle.

So, StaffyPoos can get it from both sides. It can also be caused by diabetes.

Where Can You Find an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix?

This mixed breed is pretty rare, so it may be difficult to find a breeder. You can begin by looking at breeders of other Staffordshire Terrier mixes.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders are scattered throughout the United States, but because of the restrictions on Pit Bulls, they are not very common.

You can check online rescues and pet breeding websites, but make sure to verify that the breeder you are getting your puppy from is reputable and has treated the dog well.

Local Shelters and Rescues

You can also check local shelters. Many mixed-breed dogs end up in local shelters. Usually, the shelter lists the possible breed mixes of each dog.

How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix Cost?

You can expect to pay a hefty price for these rare mixed breed puppies from a responsible breeder, plus add in your travel expenses if you have to go cross country.

It is not unusual to pay several thousand of dollars for an American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mix puppy.

Shelters will probably have cheaper adoption fees than buying from a breeder, but you won’t be guaranteed proof of their pedigree or their genetic history.

They may also be older. However, many shelters will go ahead and give their dogs all of their vaccines and spay or neuter them, which cuts down the cost for you in the long run.

American Staffordshire Terrier Mix Dogs Can Be a Good Pet

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle mixes are an unlikely combination, but these hybrid dogs can be fun-loving family members in the right circumstances.

These energetic dogs are special and need someone who is willing to give them the amount of attention they need.

The StaffyPoo is an intelligent dog but can also be stubborn at the same time. It needs plenty of attention and exercise, so this designer breed isn’t for everyone.

It is important to select the best breeder and research thoroughly before adding any new dog to a family.

However, a devoted owner who knows how to train and provide this dog with a purpose will end up with the best companion.

American Staffordshire Terrier Poodle Mix [pit bull poodle hybrid dog – the Staffypoo]